Electric Hot Water Installation & Replacement in Perth

Electric Hot Water: Simple and Reliable

Electric hot water systems are the simplest and most straightforward option for heating water. They require no gas connection and work reliably regardless of external conditions.

While electric storage systems have higher running costs than alternatives like heat pumps or gas, they remain a practical choice for many situations.

Electric Storage Systems

Electric storage systems heat and store water in an insulated tank using one or two heating elements.

Key features:

• Available in sizes from 25L to 400L
• Can use off-peak electricity tariffs for reduced costs
• Simple installation with no flue or gas requirements
• Reliable operation in all weather
• Lower upfront cost than many alternatives

Best suited for:

• Homes without gas connection
• Rental properties
• Smaller households
• Situations where upfront cost is the priority
• Areas with good off-peak electricity rates

Off-Peak vs Continuous Tariffs

Off-peak tariff: Electricity is supplied only during off-peak hours (typically overnight). Requires a larger tank to store enough hot water for the day. Running costs are lower due to cheaper electricity rates.

Continuous tariff: Hot water heats throughout the day as needed. Allows smaller tanks but at higher electricity rates.

We’ll advise on the best configuration based on your electricity provider and usage patterns.

Electric Instantaneous Systems

Electric instantaneous (continuous flow) systems heat water on demand as it passes through the unit.

Advantages:

• Compact wall-mounted design
• Never run out of hot water
• Only heats water when needed
• No storage losses

Limitations:

• High electrical demand requires adequate wiring
• May not supply multiple outlets simultaneously
• Higher electricity cost per litre than storage on off-peak

Best for:

• Single-point applications (e.g., under a sink)
• Small households with low demand
• Locations far from the main tank

When Electric Makes Sense

Electric hot water may be the right choice when:

• No gas connection is available
• Upfront cost is a primary concern
• You’re renting and can’t modify systems
• Heat pump installation space isn’t available
• You have good off-peak electricity rates

When to Consider Alternatives

We’ll give you honest advice. In many cases, alternatives offer better long-term value:

Consider a heat pump if:

• You’re replacing an existing electric system
• You want to reduce running costs significantly
• You’re willing to invest for long-term savings

Consider gas if:

• Natural gas is connected to your property
• Fast recovery and unlimited hot water matter
• You prefer lower running costs than electric

Our free assessment helps you understand all your options and make an informed decision.

Maintenance for Longevity

Electric storage systems require periodic maintenance to maximise lifespan:

• Sacrificial anode: Check every 3-5 years, replace when depleted
• Temperature/pressure relief valve: Test annually
• Tank inspection: Look for leaks or corrosion
• Element cleaning: Sediment can build up in hard water areas

Regular maintenance can extend your system’s life by several years.