A hot shower is one of life’s great pleasures. Being left without hot water is quite the opposite. In such a situation, chances are you’d get a like-for-like replacement without hesitation as it’s the quickest and easiest option to get you back in hot water.
However, what if there was another water heater that better suited you and your family’s needs? If you’ve had your water heater for over 10 years or are seeing signs that your current system needs maintenance, it is a good idea to review your hot water use and explore your options before you are left without hot water.
But if like most people you leave it till it’s too late, your plumber can advise which system is right. However, you can be informed on the benefits of different water heaters courtesy of key factors, including:
- How many people live in your home
- The usual time for showers, how many showers and for how long
- Whether your family is growing
- Use of hot water in your laundry
- If you are looking to reduce your energy bills
This article will guide you on which water heater is best for different applications, looking at each water heater type in the Rheem range.
Electric storage water heaters
Electric storage water heaters are a reliable and relatively inexpensive solution to your hot water needs. They can be installed either indoors or outdoors depending on your space, and operate using an electric element(s), controlled by a thermostat, to heat water and store it in the tank ready for you to use when needed.
Why electric storage?
- Ideal if you’re not looking to spend too much up front
- Range of different sizes – from 25L to 400L – to suit both small and large households; typically between one to nine people
- Larger models are suitable for connection to off-peak or overnight tariffs
- Mains pressure which ensures full pressure to multiple taps at the same time
Connecting an electric water heater to an off-peak tariff is usually cheapest to run. This means the system heats the water overnight or outside peak usage periods. This tariff only works with larger models as they can store more hot water for use in peak periods throughout the day.
For more information on electric hot water options, contact Rheem or your local plumber today
heat pump
Replace an electric water heater with a Heat Pump, and you could save up to 64-71% on your energy consumption.¹ Heat pumps use the surrounding air to heat water, which is a smart, energy-efficient and cost-effective approach to water heating.
Heat pumps are like an air conditioner in reverse. They work day and night by absorbing heat from the outside air, before the system then transfers the heat to the water. As a result, heat pumps reduce water heating energy consumption and cut greenhouse gas emissions without the need for solar collectors.
Why a heat pump?
- An easy replacement for an existing electric water heater as it often uses the same electrical connection and footprint.
- If you want a renewable energy option but your roof isn’t suitable for solar due to factors such as too much shade or a south-facing roof
- Rheem AMBIHEAT has a 2.4kW backup heating element to ensure that you always have hot water especially in very cold conditions, when you need it most
For more information on heat pumps, contact Rheem today
Solar hot water
Solar hot water is also an energy-efficient approach to water heating. Using the sun’s energy is a great way to reduce the energy you use to heat water, and when you consider that water heating typically makes up 25-30% of a household’s energy use², choosing solar can make a big difference in reducing your overall energy consumption.
Why solar hot water?
- Save up to 65% on your energy consumption when you replace an electric water heater with solar hot water³. Plus, you may be eligible for financial incentives in the form of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) to reduce the upfront cost of your purchase
- Make a difference to the planet; you could save up to 1.7 to 2.6 tonnes of carbon emissions⁴
- Perfect if you have a small or larger household; typically suits one to seven people
For more information on whether solar hot water is right for your home, contact Rheem today
Solar ready
The solar ready dual purpose electric water is perfect if you find yourself in a situation where you need a new water heater fast but you are considering a renewable option.
Why solar ready?
- Fast, easy and like-for-like replacement of an equivalent size electric water heater
- The tank has built-in solar connection points which makes it easy to upgrade to solar when you’re ready in the future
- Save up to 65% on your hot water energy consumption when you make the switch to solar
Solar ready is available in Stainless Steel (315L) and Vitreous Enamel lined (250L & 315L) models, built for the tough Australian conditions.
For more information on whether solar ready is right for your home, contact Rheem today
GAS WATER HEATERS
You will need a gas supply to install a gas water heater. They come in two forms – storage and continuous flow – and both are excellent options for heating water.
Gas storage delivers hot water instantly as it stores a generous amount in the tank ready for your use. It requires no electrical connection and is also a relatively inexpensive solution to your hot water needs, even if your household uses a lot of hot water.
Why gas storage?
- Mains pressure, which is perfect if you have multiple taps running at once
- Range of different sizes to suit households of one to six people
- Use a lot of hot water? No problem. Rheem’s fast recovery models deliver up to 360L first hour capacity⁵ to ensure you are back in hot water fast.
Gas continuous flow, also known as ‘instantaneous’, works a little differently. As well as a gas connection, it requires an electrical connection through a power outlet (GPO), and instead of storing hot water in a tank, it heats water on demand for as long as you need it.
Why gas continuous flow?
- Hot water that never runs out – when you need it for as long as you need it
- Sizes to suit every home, apartment or family – 12L, 16L, 20L, 26L or 27L minute capacities
- Perfect if you don’t want your water heater to take up too much space
For more information on gas water heaters and Rheem EZiSET, contact Rheem or your local plumber today
Contact Rheem or your local plumber today
Rheem has the most extensive range of hot water systems available in Australia. Solar, gas or electric storage. Continuous flow or heat pump. Energy-efficient and stainless steel options. Rheem has a range of capacities to suit your requirements and budget.
For more information on which water heater is right for you, contact Rheem or your local plumber today.
Disclaimers:
1 – “Energy savings of up to 68% are based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modelling using a medium load in Zone 3 and apply when replacing an electric water heater with a Rheem 551270 Heat Pump water heater. Any savings will vary depending upon your location, type of water heater being replaced, hot water consumption and fuel tariff. The impact on an electricity account will depend on the tariff arrangement of the water heater being replaced and where you live.”
2 – https://www.energy.gov.au/households/energy-basics-householders as at 13/05/2020.
3 – Energy reduction of up to 60% based on Australian Government Approved TRNSYS simulation modelling and apply when replacing an electric water heater with a Rheem solar water heater in zone 3.
4 – Greenhouse gas emission savings based upon installing a Rheem Loline Solar Hot Water heater with 2xNPT200 collectors, a Rheem Hiline with 2xNPT200 collectors or Rheem Premier Hiline with 2xSPA2000 collectors and using a medium load in Zone 3, when replacing an electric water heater.
5 – Based on 45oC temperature rise
6 – Rheem EZiSET app requires an optional module to be fitted to the continuous flow water heater.
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