The Rise of Tankless Water Heaters in Australian Homes

Today, we’re going to discuss a hot topic in the world of home appliances, particularly focusing on tankless water heaters. These heaters have become quite popular in Australian homes due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Let’s get stuck in and delve into some critical aspects of tankless water heaters that every homeowner should consider:

• Functionality of Tankless Heaters: Understanding how these appliances work is crucial for optimal use and maintenance.
• Selecting the Ideal Heater: The choice of a heater depends on various factors, such as your home’s water consumption and energy efficiency preferences.
• Gas vs. Electric Heaters: Each type has its pros and cons, so the decision should be based on your specific needs.
• Sizing and Capacity: Choosing the right size for your home is important to ensure you don’t end up overspending.
• Cost Considerations: It’s essential to consider all associated costs before deciding to install a tankless water heater.
• Maintenance Tips: Proper care can lengthen the lifespan of your heater, providing value for your investment.

The popularity of tankless water heaters is rising due to their many benefits, from energy efficiency to space-saving designs.

Your Guide to Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional tank systems as they heat water only when it’s needed.

The initial cost may be higher, but they can lower your energy bills significantly in the long run. This makes them an increasingly popular choice for savvy homeowners looking to cut down on costs and optimise the use of space in their homes.

With regular maintenance, these heaters can last for decades, offering a high return on investment. It’s worth considering a tankless system for your hot water needs.

The Emergence of Tankless Water Heaters in Australia

Due to various factors, tankless water heaters, also known as continuous flow hot water systems, are gaining popularity in Australia.

On average, a single person utilises around 50L of hot water daily. This can escalate with activities such as lengthy showers or washing clothes in hot water.

Choosing the Right System

To select the right system, suppliers need to consider household size and usage patterns. These include the number of occupants, showering habits and usage of appliances that use substantial amounts of hot water.

For smaller households with 1-2 people, it’s recommended to choose either a continuous flow system(gas or electric) or a small gas storage system.

Options for Larger Families

Medium-sized households (3-4 people) might opt for gas systems (continuous flow or storage) or heat pumps. For larger households (5+ people), a multiple continuous flow system or gas storage units could be the best choice.

Continuous flow systems offer several advantages. They only heat water as needed making them cost-effective for smaller households.

The Benefits of Proper Installation

They’re often more practical and efficient, but considerations need to be made regarding flow rate and trigger points. Low-flow showerheads can affect their effectiveness.

Electric continuous flow systems are an option but often cost more due to full electricity tariffs. Efficiency can be improved with proper installation techniques such as shortening pipe runs and insulation.

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Function?

A core feature of tankless water heaters is the absence of storage tanks. Instead, they heat water on-demand, reducing heat loss and potentially saving energy.

The gas variant of these heaters operates when a hot water tap is turned on. Water flows through a coiled pipe – the heat exchanger – and is warmed by a gas burner.

The heaters only warm up as much water as needed rather than maintaining a full hot tank. This design enhances their efficiency, making them an appealing choice for many Australian households.

“The unique factor about tankless water heaters is their on-demand function. This feature not only reduces heat loss but could also lead to considerable energy and cost savings.”

Instantaneous electric water heaters function similarly but use electricity instead of gas. These units are less common than their gas counterparts due to higher power requirements.

When multiple units run simultaneously, these heaters demand high power inputs. In some cases, three-phase power might be necessary, while in others, single-phase power suffices.

Selection Criteria for Ideal Tankless Water Heater

If you’re hunting for a high-quality tankless water heater, consider top brands like Solahart, Chromagen, and Rheem.

Solahart excels in design, features, performance and overall satisfaction. However, it falls short in the value-for-money aspect.

Chromagen has earned five stars for its value-for-money proposition. It has also secured positive feedback for design, functionality, and performance.

Rheem provides a wide spectrum of water heaters including heat pumps that leverage ambient heat to warm the water. This technology is an excellent choice for regions with less sunlight.

Brand	Performance	Design & Functionality	Value for Money
Solahart	5 Stars	5 Stars	4 Stars
Chromagen	4 Stars	4 Stars	5 Stars
Rheem	N/A	N/A	N/A
* Ratings gathered from customer reviews and surveys.

This table provides a brief comparison of overall brand performance.

Vulcan and Dux offer a solid performance with models suiting various household sizes and water usages.

Thermann provides commercial-grade models with impressive capacity and energy efficiency.

Bosch offers unique hot water systems with user-adjustable controls on flow and temperature.

Rinnai offers electronic gas flow hot water systems with high energy efficiency ratings, ideal for smaller demands.

Lastly, AquaMAX boasts of a range of efficient, steel-made systems that are lighter and more durable.

Remember to also consider the system’s lifespan (10-20 years) and warranty periods offered by retailers.

Comparing Gas and Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters have two primary types: gas and electric. Each type boasts its unique benefits and drawbacks, which largely depend on your household’s specific hot water needs.

Gas tankless water heaters prove to be practical and efficient, particularly for smaller households or as a stand-alone system for a remote section of your home.

The manner in which gas is charged means you enjoy greater flexibility with your hot water usage timing. Additionally, gas hot water system storage tanks tend to be more compact. However, there are downsides to consider.

1. Gas is a fossil fuel: Being a non-renewable resource, we can’t anticipate a decrease in cost in the future.
2. Health risks: Gas appliances can attribute to indoor pollution – less of a risk if installed outdoors.
3. Maintenance: Regular checks are essential to ensure optimal operation and prevention of toxic fumes.

Conversely, electric tankless water heaters offer three main types: Conventional resistive, heat pump, and instantaneous. Each system features its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

1. Rewnewablity: Electric systems can utilise renewable energy sources such as solar panels or green power.
2. Government incentives: Rebates are typically available for solar hot water and electric heat pump systems.
3. Maintenance: Checks every few years are required on tank systems to inspect valves and replace the sacrificial anode rod.

The final choice between gas and electric tankless water heaters will consequently depend on multiple factors, including your household’s size, hot water demand, and personal preference.

Sizing and Capacity Considerations for Tankless Heaters

Securing an appropriately sized tankless water heater for your home is crucial. An undersized unit may cause a shortage of hot water or lead to premature wear and tear.

On the flip side, getting an oversized heater might not pose issues. However, it may never operate at full capacity, leading to unnecessary costs.

The Navien sizing tool, NaviSizer, aids in pairing the right water heater size with the required application.

Your ideal water heater size hinges upon two factors: maximum flow rate and temperature rise. The former is measured in gallons per minute (GPM), determined by simultaneous fixture usage and their individual flow rates.

Temperature rise denotes the difference between the set water heater temperature and the incoming supply temperature. It should be calculated based on the coldest days of the year due to seasonal variations.

The comparison of these factors against tankless water heater output facilitates your choice. BTU (British Thermal Unit) remains a vital measurement for this comparison.

NaviSizer allows swift calculation of these factors to ascertain your ideal heater size. Unfortunately, traditional tank capacity cannot guide tankless size due to operational differences.

A plumbing professional can ease this transition process by advising on suitable tanks and explaining their differences.

Prior to installing a tankless system, adhere to average rules for sizing: around 3.5 GPM for 1-2 fixtures, 5 GPM for 2-3 fixtures, and 7 GPM for 3-4 fixtures simultaneously. These values provide preliminary estimates suitable for most homes.

Pros and Cons of Installing Tankless Water Heaters

The benefits of adopting a tankless water heater in your home are numerous, but like any other household appliance, there are downsides too.

Let’s dive into the advantages first:

• Improved Energy Efficiency: These heaters provide hot water on demand, eliminating energy waste from constantly reheating stored water.
• Extended Lifespan: Tankless systems usually outlast conventional models by an average of 5-10 years.
• Compact Design: Owing to their small stature, tankless heaters can effortlessly fit in tight spaces.
• Increased Scalability: For larger hot water requirements, multiple units can be arranged sequentially.
• Sustained Hot Water Supply: Never worry about running low on hot water during high-usage periods again!

Despite these enticing advantages, some drawbacks need consideration:

• Elevated Initial Costs: Initial purchase and set-up charges for tankless units typically surpass those of traditional heaters.
• Intricate Installation Process: Fitting a tankless heater might demand extra electrical or ventilation provisions.
• Limited Flow Rate: If several appliances or taps are operating simultaneously, the unit may struggle to cope.
• Vulnerable to Scaling: In comparison to regular units, tankless variants may accumulate more mineral deposits, affecting efficiency and longevity.
• Noise Emission: The process of heating water can generate more noise than traditional units do.
• Cold Water Surges: Negative pressure incidents might result in an abrupt rush of cold water – not a pleasant surprise!
• Mandatory Maintenance: Regular upkeep is essential to maintain performance and extend the lifespan of tankless heaters.

So, if you’re all about energy efficiency, long-term cost savings, and have room in your initial budget, a tankless water heater could be the right choice for you.

Understanding the Costs Linked to Tankless Water Heaters

To comprehend the costs of tankless water heaters, it’s beneficial to grasp both usage and appliance costs. Let’s focus initially on state-dependent usage costs.

For gas, these vary from 3c/MJ in Victoria up to around 8c/MJ in Queensland. Electricity usage costs also fluctuate widely between states.

1. New South Wales: Gas is at 4c/MJ, whilst electricity stands at 30c/kWh.
2. Victoria: Gas price is 3c/MJ, and electricity is a bit higher at 36c/kWh.
3. Queensland: Gas prices peak at 8c/MJ, whereas electricity is at 28c/kWh.
4. South Australia: Gas is priced at 5c/MJ, whereas electricity is considerably higher at 42c/kWh.

Beyond that, we have to consider the gas type. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) comes delivered in tanks, whereas natural gas gets distributed via the main network.

This choice influences the appliances’ costs. Gas appliances typically have cheaper running costs but carry a higher purchase price.

1. Gas appliances: Despite potential safety risks and environmental concerns, their running expenses are generally lower.
2. Electric appliances: They have lower initial investment demand but come with higher running costs. Additionally, they offer safety and environmental benefits along with a diverse selection of choices.

The debate between gas and electric appliances is a prominent one. For example, gas needs about 3.6MJ to generate 1kWh of electricity at peak efficiency.

While gas seems cheaper, the margin isn’t massive. It’s also crucial to remember that installation costs for gas appliances include material and labour, sometimes totalling between $1,200 and $5,000.

Popular Brands in the Australian Tankless Heater Market

What is the experience with Rinnai’s customer service?

The quality of service from Rinnai seems to be a mixed bag. Some customers have described their encounters as prompt and professional, praising the courtesy of staff and their ability to fix faults promptly.

In contrast, others expressed frustration at having been charged high costs for labour on warranty issues, which they had expected would be covered. This has led some to question the integrity of the brand and its reputation.

How is the performance of Rinnai’s water heating products?

Rinnai’s tankless heaters also appear to come with varying levels of satisfaction. Some Australian homeowners reported that their solar collection panels experienced issues such as condensation and leaks within a relatively short time of purchase.

Others were satisfied with the functionality of their heaters, finding them to be an effective solution for their hot water needs. Yet, there have been complaints about the quality of some products, including claims of being sold used equipment.

Are there any positive reviews on Rinnai’s services?

Despite some negative experiences, there are also homeowners who found Rinnai’s services satisfactory. From resolving minor issues swiftly to honouring warranties when necessary, these positive experiences seem to balance out the negative ones.

The professionalism and knowledge demonstrated by their technicians has also been highlighted positively, indicating that there are indeed areas where this brand excels in customer satisfaction.

In all fairness, should we buy Rinnai products?

Rinnai appears to indeed have its strengths but also some room for improvement. Considering factors such as your individual needs, budget constraints and willingness to take a risk, Rinnai may still be an option worth considering.

Installation: DIY Versus Professional Assistance

Renovating one’s home can be a daunting task. Some homeowners lean towards do-it-yourself methods for budget-friendly solutions, while others prefer the reassurances of professional assistance.

DIY projects might seem the easier option initially, especially with simpler tasks like cleaning gutters, replacing door knobs, or performing non-electrical maintenance. However, they can also hold hidden pitfalls.

• Failed DIY Renovations: An incorrect self-renovation can lead to unexpected repair costs.
• Lack of Expertise: Some tasks require experience and specific skills to execute correctly.
• Time-Consuming: Even simple jobs can take longer than anticipated without professional help.
• Safety Risks: Without adequate knowledge and training, you could risk personal injury.

Despite these potential issues, many homeowners still find satisfaction in completing minor renovations themselves. For instance, giving your walls a fresh coat of paint or updating your garden landscaping can be fulfilling DIY tasks. Just ensure the project is within your skillset and comfort level before beginning.

In contrast, when it comes to larger-scale projects involving electricity, gas or plumbing lines, it’s generally advisable to hire professionals. They possess the necessary industry-specific experience and specialised tools to complete these types of jobs safely and efficiently. Often, professional assistance is a need rather than a choice due to high-risk factors and complex requirements associated with such tasks.

Hiring professionals does not only mitigate risks but also provides peace of mind knowing that the work will be carried out to a high standard. So, whether it’s installing new power points or setting up smart home appliances, engage with reputable contractors for these renovations.

How to Maintain Your Tankless Water Heater

Like any other appliance, your tankless water heater benefits from routine upkeep. Regular maintenance ensures efficient and safe operation, thereby extending the unit’s lifespan.

To carry out appropriate maintenance, refer to the specific section in your installation and operation manual. You’ll need your model or serial number handy, which should be located on the unit.

DIY Maintenance Checks

There are a handful of simple maintenance checks you can perform yourself. However, remember that safety is paramount – ensure the unit is off and cool before attempting any checks.

Begin by inspecting for any visible damage or leaks. Check the vents and air intake for blockages and clean if needed. If unsure, consult your manual.

Professional Maintenance

In spite of DIY checks, we highly recommend a qualified professional to conduct a comprehensive maintenance routine. A plumbing pro has the skills and knowledge to recognise potential problems early.

Finding trusted local professionals doesn’t have to be difficult. Look for good reviews and get multiple quotes before making a decision.

You can explore products intuitively, thanks to modern digital platforms. Using their search functions, you can find exactly what you need from an extensive range of product offerings.

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Evaluating the Worth of Tankless Water Heaters

When considering an investment in a tankless water heater, factors such as design, versatility and installation come into play.

Colour Varieties Available

The Yarra Supply Electric Instant Hot Water Under Sink offers both white and black colour options. The choice of colours allows homeowners to select one that aligns best with their decor.

Versatile and Portable Design

This unit’s portable design broadens its use to outdoor events, ideal for areas with limited water supply. This adaptability enhances its overall value.

Convenient Installation

The product is designed for under sink installations, facilitating easy access. The installation process is straightforward, simplifying the overall user experience.

Availability

The heater is in stock at Harvey Norman stores, making it readily accessible for interested buyers.

Heating Redefined

The popularity of tankless water heaters in Australian homes is on the rise. Due to their energy efficiency and space-saving design, more homeowners are adopting these innovative appliances. They offer constant hot water supply, lower energy bills, long lifespan and small carbon footprint, making them a smart, eco-conscious choice for modern households.