Gas Hot Water Systems: Complete Perth Buyer's Guide 2024

Choosing a hot water system is one of the biggest decisions for Perth homeowners. Get it right, and you'll enjoy reliable hot water and lower bills for 10-15 years. Get it wrong, and you're stuck with inadequate hot water or inflated running costs.

Gas hot water remains the most popular choice in Perth for good reasons: it's cheaper to run than electric, heats water faster, and works during power outages. With Perth's abundant natural gas supply, it makes economic sense for most households.

This guide covers everything you need to know: storage vs continuous flow, sizing, costs, efficiency ratings, and which systems we recommend for different household types.

The first decision is whether to get a storage tank or continuous flow (instantaneous) system. Both have pros and cons:

Storage tank systems: Heat and store water in an insulated tank (135L-360L typically). Water is kept hot and ready to use.

*Pros:* - Lower upfront cost ($800-$1,500) - Simple, proven technology - Works with lower gas pressure - Can supply multiple outlets simultaneously

*Cons:* - Higher running costs (keeping water hot 24/7) - Can run out of hot water - Takes up more space - Shorter lifespan (8-12 years)

Continuous flow systems: Heat water on demand as it passes through the unit. No storage tank needed.

*Pros:* - Never run out of hot water - Lower running costs (only heats when needed) - Compact size (wall mounted) - Longer lifespan (15-20 years)

*Cons:* - Higher upfront cost ($1,200-$2,500) - May need gas line upgrade - Slight delay waiting for hot water - Flow rate limits simultaneous use

Getting the right size is crucial. Too small and you'll run out of hot water. Too large and you'll waste money heating water you don't use.

Storage tank sizing: Based on number of people in household: - 1-2 people: 135-170L - 3-4 people: 170-250L - 5+ people: 250-360L

Continuous flow sizing: Measured in litres per minute (L/min) at 25°C temperature rise: - 1 bathroom: 16-20 L/min - 2 bathrooms: 20-26 L/min - 3+ bathrooms: 26-32 L/min

Perth-specific considerations: - Our mild winters mean ground water is relatively warm (18-22°C), so systems work efficiently - Large families with multiple bathrooms benefit from continuous flow - If you have solar panels, consider a heat pump instead

Hot water usage guide: - Shower: 9-15 L/min - Bath: 100-150L per fill - Dishwasher: 15-20L per cycle - Washing machine (warm): 30-50L per load

Gas hot water efficiency is measured by energy star ratings (1-6 stars). Higher stars = less gas used = lower bills.

What the stars mean: Each additional star represents roughly 10% less gas usage. A 6-star system uses about 50% less gas than a 1-star system.

Typical ratings by type: - Basic storage: 2-3 stars - Efficient storage: 4-5 stars - Basic continuous flow: 4-5 stars - Premium continuous flow: 5-6 stars

Is higher efficiency worth it? Let's do the math for Perth: - Average gas hot water cost: $300-$500/year - 3-star vs 5-star difference: ~$100-$150/year savings - Premium system costs ~$500 more - Payback: 3-5 years

For a system lasting 15 years, a 5-star system saves $1,500-$2,250 over its lifetime. Yes, higher efficiency is worth it.

Condensing technology: The most efficient gas systems use condensing technology, recovering heat from exhaust gases. These achieve 5-6 stars but cost more. Best value for high-use households.

Understanding total costs helps you budget properly. Here's what to expect in Perth:

Purchase costs: - Budget storage (2-3 star): $700-$1,000 - Mid-range storage (4 star): $1,000-$1,400 - Premium storage (5 star): $1,400-$1,800 - Basic continuous flow: $1,200-$1,600 - Premium continuous flow: $1,800-$2,500

Installation costs: - Like-for-like replacement: $300-$500 - New location or gas line upgrade: $500-$1,000 - From electric to gas conversion: $800-$1,500

Annual running costs (4-person household): - 3-star storage: $400-$550 - 5-star storage: $300-$400 - 5-star continuous flow: $250-$350

10-year total cost comparison:

After installing thousands of systems across Perth, here are our brand recommendations:

Best continuous flow:

Rinnai - Our top pick - Excellent reliability and efficiency - Great parts availability in Perth - 12-year heat exchanger warranty - Models: Infinity range (Infinity 26 most popular)

Rheem - Strong performer - Australian company, good local support - Competitive pricing - 12-year warranty options - Models: Metro range

Bosch - Premium option - German engineering, very efficient - Quieter operation - Higher price point - Models: Highflow range

Best storage tanks:

Rheem Stellar - Premium choice - 5-star efficiency - 10-year tank warranty - Fast recovery rate

Vulcan - Budget-friendly - Reliable and affordable - Good for price-conscious buyers - 5-year warranty

Avoid: Generic imported brands with no local support or spare parts availability.

Professional installation typically takes 2-4 hours for a straightforward replacement. Here's the process:

Before installation: 1. We assess your current setup 2. Check gas supply pressure and capacity 3. Confirm system size requirements 4. Provide fixed-price quote

Installation day: 1. Turn off gas and water 2. Drain and remove old system 3. Install new system 4. Connect gas and water lines 5. Test all connections for leaks 6. Commission and adjust settings 7. Explain operation to you 8. Clean up and remove old unit

After installation: - You receive compliance certificate - Warranty registration - Usage and maintenance guide

Additional work that may be needed: - Gas line upgrade (if converting from electric) - Tempering valve installation (required for new installations) - Flue installation (for indoor units) - Relocating hot water system

Timing tip: Book installation mid-week if possible. We're busiest Monday and Friday.

There are several ways to reduce the cost of a new gas hot water system:

Federal Government rebates: Currently, rebates focus on heat pumps and solar hot water rather than gas. This may change, so check Energy.gov.au for updates.

State Government programs: WA occasionally offers efficiency rebates. Check Synergy and ATCO websites for current offers.

Retailer promotions: Manufacturers often run cashback promotions, especially in autumn before winter demand hits. Rinnai and Rheem frequently offer $50-$200 cashbacks.

Energy provider offers: ATCO Gas sometimes offers incentives for gas appliance installations. Worth checking before you buy.

Where to find current rebates: - energy.gov.au - wa.gov.au/energy - Manufacturer websites - Ask your gas fitter (we track current offers)

Important: Don't let rebate chasing drive your decision. Choose the right system for your needs first, then see if rebates apply.

After years of installing and servicing hot water systems across Perth, here's our honest advice:

Best for most families (3-5 people): Rinnai Infinity 26 continuous flow - Never runs out of hot water - Excellent efficiency (5-6 stars) - 12-year warranty - Total cost: ~$2,500-$3,000 installed

Best budget option: Rheem 4-star storage (170-250L) - Reliable and affordable - Good efficiency - Lower upfront cost - Total cost: ~$1,400-$1,800 installed

Best for large families (5+): Rinnai Infinity 32 or two smaller units - High flow rate for multiple bathrooms - Can install two units for maximum capacity - Total cost: ~$3,000-$4,500 installed

Ready to upgrade your hot water? We offer free in-home assessments across Perth metro. We'll check your current setup, assess your needs, and provide options with fixed pricing—no surprises.

Licensed gas fitters. Same-week installation available. All major brands supplied and installed with full manufacturer warranties.

Call us today for your free hot water assessment!