2. BUYERS GUIDE
HOT WATER
What is the cheapest now?
What is the cheapest later?
What are my solar options?
How quickly can it be done?
Top 4 Hot Water Questions
3. WHAT IS THE
CHEAPEST NOWThe least expensive way to replace your hot water system is generally ‘same
for same’ , this way your selected plumber only needs to complete minimal
work & you are back into hot water with ease.
This option is ideal for people that are thinking of moving within the next 1-4
years.
A typical ‘same for same’ replacement will cost under $1,500 regardless of
whether it is gas or electric.
Reducing up-front investment.
Downside of ‘same for same’
if you plan to be in the same home for more than 4 years it is worthwhile to
consider less energy intensive options, as it’s not unusual to achieve 25%
ROI compared to lower up-front cost alternatives.
4. WHAT IS THE
CHEAPEST LATER?
Solar Hot Water
Installing a Solar Hot Water System will reduce your energy bills by around
80% compared to typical ‘low cost to replace’ systems. Significant Government
incentives also apply when a solar hot water system is installed.
If you are going to be in your home for more than 4 years, it is absolutely worth
considering solar hot water.
Heat Pump Hot Water.
This is considered the ideal replacement for electric hot water systems, where
a ‘green’ alternative is required. A Heat Pump will reduce electricity
consumption by around 60% compared to an electric hot water system.
Unfortunately in cooler states with off peak electricity tariffs, the claims made
by manufacturers may not ‘ring true’. The ideal environment for heat pumps is
in the tropics such as Cairns or Darwin.
If you are in a warm climate & are replacing an electric hot water system a
Heat Pump may be a great option.
5. WHAT ARE MY
SOLAR OPTIONS?
Electric Boosted Solar.
An electric boosted solar hot water system will provide enough hot water to
cover around 80% of the average family use & an electrical backup will provide
the additional requirements throughout the winter months.
Gas Boosted Solar.
A gas boosted solar hot water system is the ideal replacement for a natural gas
storage or instant hot water system. Due to the ability for natural gas to deliver
more hot water than electric hot water systems in a shorter time, people
generally use more hot water with gas. By upgrading to a gas boosted hot
water system you will significantly reduce your gas bills & receive return on
investment at a rate of approximately 20%.
6. WHEN CAN
IT BE DONE?
Emergency Response.
Nobody wants to have a cold shower, us included. Your hot water enquiry will
be dealt with urgently, we expect all quotes to be submitted within 24 hours as
a maximum. Some companies will respond within 1 hour & it’s common to
have your system replaced the same day.
Interest Free Terms.
Most companies will offer interest free terms & this may extend the time
between enquiry & completion due to the paperwork requirements. If you
choose to take advantage of interest free terms, you may need to wait
24-48hrs before you can again indulge in a hot shower.
7. WHEN CAN
IT BE DONE?
Emergency Response.
Nobody wants to have a cold shower, us included. Your hot water enquiry will
be dealt with urgently, we expect all quotes to be submitted within 24 hours as
a maximum. Some companies will respond within 1 hour & it’s common to
have your system replaced the same day.
Interest Free Terms.
Most companies will offer interest free terms & this may extend the time
between enquiry & completion due to the paperwork requirements. If you
choose to take advantage of interest free terms, you may need to wait
24-48hrs before you can again indulge in a hot shower.
