Frequently Asked Questions

1. Electric Water Heaters

Operation:

• Storage Systems: Water is heated by an electric element at the bottom of the tank and stored in an insulated tank until needed.
• On-Demand Systems: The element is coiled around the pipes, heating the water as it flows through the system.

Advantages:

• Affordable upfront costs: Generally cheaper to buy and install.
• Reliable: Consistently supplies hot water.
• Off-peak heating: Some systems can be set to heat water during off-peak electricity periods, reducing energy expenses.

Disadvantages:

• High long-term costs: Typically more expensive to operate due to electricity prices.
• Environmental impact: Contributes to higher greenhouse gas emissions, particularly if powered by non-renewable energy sources.
• Less eco-friendly: Generally not considered a sustainable option.

2. Gas Water Heaters

Operation:

• Storage Systems: A gas burner heats water in a storage tank, maintaining the temperature continuously.
• On-Demand Systems: The gas burner activates only when hot water is required, heating the water instantly.

Advantages:

• Lower emissions: Produces fewer greenhouse gases than electric systems.
• Cost-effective: Generally cheaper to run, especially with a connection to mains gas.
• Instant hot water: On-demand systems provide hot water immediately without the need for storage.

Disadvantages:

• Dependence on gas supply: Requires access to mains gas; using gas bottles can be less reliable and more costly.
• Installation requirements: Usually needs to be installed outdoors or requires proper ventilation if placed indoors.

3. Solar Water Heaters

Operation:

• Solar panels capture sunlight, converting it into heat to warm the water stored in a tank.

Advantages:

• Energy savings: Can cut hot water energy use by up to 90%.
• Eco-friendly: The most environmentally friendly option, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
• Energy efficiency: Utilizes renewable solar energy, making it highly efficient.

Disadvantages:

• High initial cost: More expensive to purchase and install, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 after rebates.
• Weather-dependent: Less effective on cloudy days, though most systems include a backup heater (gas or electric) to ensure a consistent supply.

4. Heat Pump Water Heaters

Operation:

• Heat pumps draw warm air from the environment and transfer the heat to water in the storage tank, functioning similarly to a refrigerator in reverse.

Advantages:

• Energy-efficient: Typically three times more efficient than traditional electric water heaters, despite using electricity.
• Cost savings: Lower operating costs in the long term due to higher efficiency.

Disadvantages:

• Climate considerations: Best suited for warm climates; less effective in colder areas, although some models come with boosters.
• Higher upfront cost: More expensive than standard electric heaters, but energy savings can offset this in suitable climates.

Installing your own hot water system is illegal in Australia… plus it’s very dangerous! The risks aren’t worth it – avoid serious harm (and voiding your warranty), and call a plumber, electrician or gas fitter to do it for you.

If you’ve chosen a system that attracts government rebates, like solar hot water or heat pump heaters, DIY will mean you can’t claim your money back.

The answer is different for different situations. It depends on your roof space, energy tariffs and access to natural gas.

Does your home have natural gas available? If so, gas-boosted solar, 5 Star gas storage or continuous flow may suit. If not, then perhaps an electric boosted solar heater or a Heat Pump might be the answer.
Do you have a low off-peak electricity tariff? If so, electric water heating on an off-peak tariff may have the lowest running cost.

Basically “Mains Pressure” means you will always have a water heater designed to provide a steady and strong flow of water at mains pressure to more than one tap at the same time.

Water heaters are not created equal and some units cannot offer this advantage because of the way they operate. An example of system that cannot supply “Mains Pressure” are ‘coil’ and ‘instant hot water system’ or ‘continuous flow’ because their water flow is restricted to allow an increase in water temperature as the water passes through the water heater.

A “Mains Pressure” water heater heats water and stores it so that it’s ready for you as soon as you need it. This ensures full pressure to showers, washing machines, dishwashers and  baths – simultaneously

It’s important to consider this because everyone loves lots of hot water and no one likes their shower turning to a trickle when another tap is turned on!

The Meadowbrook warehouse is used for storage and repairing hot water systems. No Hot Water units are stored there. By appointment, orders can be collected from there, but in general it is not a walk in store.

In an effort to provide the lowest prices and the best service, the units are delivered directly from the supplier’s warehouse. Generally, the public is not allowed access to these premises because of safety concerns (Forklifts and B Doubles)

Yes, we offer fast and free delivery to most metropolitan areas throughout Australia. Larger items are delivered to site while items such as spare parts are delivered by Australia Post Express or Toll

Absolutely! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can provide expert advice to help you choose the right hot water system based on your needs and budget. Give us a call today 1300 726 211.

We offer a variety of hot water systems, including electric storage, heat pump, gas storage, and continuous-flow hot water systems. Each type has its own advantages and is suited to different applications and needs. Call us for advice 1300 726 211

When hot water systems are described as energy-efficient, it means that they can heat water while consuming less energy compared to less efficient alternatives. In the context of Australia, where energy costs can be significant and there’s a growing emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency is particularly important.

Here’s what it means in practical terms:

Reduced Energy Consumption: Energy-efficient hot water systems are designed to maximize the amount of heat generated per unit of energy consumed. This means they use less electricity, gas, or other fuel sources to heat the same amount of water compared to less efficient systems.
Lower Utility Bills: Because energy-efficient hot water systems use less energy, they result in lower utility bills for homeowners. This can lead to significant cost savings over time, especially considering that water heating typically accounts for a substantial portion of household energy usage.
Environmental Benefits: By consuming less energy, energy-efficient hot water systems help reduce the overall demand for electricity, gas, or other fossil fuels. This, in turn, leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact, contributing to efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability.
Long-Term Savings: While energy-efficient hot water systems may have a higher upfront cost compared to less efficient options, they often provide significant long-term savings due to lower operating costs. Over the lifespan of the system, these savings can more than offset the initial investment, making energy-efficient systems a financially sound choice.
Government Incentives: In many cases, governments offer incentives, rebates, or subsidies to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, including hot water systems. These incentives can further reduce the cost of purchasing and installing energy-efficient systems, making them even more attractive to homeowners.

Overall, describing hot water systems as energy-efficient underscores their ability to provide reliable hot water while minimizing energy consumption, costs, and environmental impact—a win-win for homeowners and the planet alike.