Bass Coast Plumbing & Heating services all brands of Gas Storage Heaters, Heat Pump Heaters, Gas Continuous Flow, Solar and Electric Heaters. Whether you’re faced with a sudden hot water emergency, aiming to address issues with your existing hot water service system, or contemplating an upgrade or replacement for your existing water heater, our trusted and experienced team stands ready to offer assistance. We can also recommend the best option for your household based on the info you provide us over the phone or via the contact form on our website.

Here are some things to consider to help you make the best decision for your household;

Correctly Size Your Hot Water Heater for Optimal Performance
When selecting a hot water heater for your home, one crucial factor to consider is the size of the unit. It is vital to choose a water heater that can meet the hot water demands of your household effectively. A larger tank capacity ensures a longer supply of hot water but may come with higher upfront costs for purchase and installation, whether you opt for a solar, electric, or gas system. Consulting with a licensed plumber is recommended to determine the appropriate tank capacity for your home, which can range from 25 to 400 litres. By choosing the right size, you can optimise your water heater's efficiency and reduce both installation and operational expenses.

Choose the make model and type of hot water heater
When selecting a hot water heater, it is essential to consider the make, model, and type that best suits your needs. Each of the various water systems available comes with distinct costs for both acquisition and installation. Given the continuous advancements in technology, there is a wide array of water heater systems on the market today, offering different features and capabilities to cater to a diverse range of preferences and requirements;

• Gas Hot Water Heaters
  These types of heaters utilise natural gas as the primary energy source to heat water. You can find them in two main variants: on-demand models and tank models. While tank-based models are more budget-friendly when it comes to both purchase and installation costs, they do fall short in terms of efficiency compared to their on-demand counterparts.

• Electric Hot Water Heaters
  Electric water systems are powered by electricity, providing a range of choices from instant models to tankless and tank-based options. When purchasing an electric heater, the initial cost is comparable to that of a gas water heater. Yet, the operational expenses tend to be higher due to the lower cost of natural gas, resulting in potential cost savings for those choosing a gas water heater.

• Heat Pump Water Heaters
  Despite the initial high cost associated with these water heaters, their exceptional efficiency ultimately proves them to be a worthwhile long-term investment. Functioning akin to reverse refrigerators, they harness ambient heat from the air to warm water, with some models even utilising solar energy for this purpose. While boasting the advantage of being energy-efficient and independent of electricity, the upfront expenses involved in procuring and setting up such systems can be considerable.

• Solar Hot Water Heaters
  Living in Australia, it only makes sense to harness the clean, inexhaustible, and free supply of energy from the Sun. Embracing solar hot water systems is not just environmentally friendly but also a wise financial choice. With the availability of highly efficient options on the market, households can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying substantial savings on energy bills. In addition, for uninterrupted hot water supply during cloudy days, many systems incorporate electric or gas boosters.

Hot Water Heater Replacement
If you opt to replace your current water heater with a similar unit, your installation expenses are likely to be more economical. The process involves a straightforward swap of your old unit with the new one, connecting it to your existing hot water system. However, in case of a significant change like switching from a solar water heater to a gas-powered one, expect higher costs. Your overall installation expenditure will encompass the fees for hiring a licensed plumber and the necessary adjustments to the plumbing setup. Be prepared for increased expenses if you choose to upgrade your entire water heating system. Keep in mind that larger water tanks, which can weigh up to 150 kgs, require specialised equipment and a larger workforce for delivery compared to smaller tanks, adding to the total cost. Also, consider potential extra charges if the plumber(s) faces challenges like navigating steep and narrow stairs during the installation process.

Installation
By law, you are mandated to engage a licensed plumber when installing your water heater. The total cost of installation is influenced by various factors, such as the type of water heater being installed, potential upgrades needed for the electrical and plumbing systems, and other relevant considerations. For example, regulations in Australia dictate that tempering valves must be integrated into all water heaters with storage tanks. These valves play a critical role in ensuring that your water temperature remains below 60°C to mitigate the risk of scalding incidents. The installation of a tempering valve typically incurs a cost of approximately $200. The duration of a simple installation process may range from two to three hours, while a more intricate setup could take up to four hours to complete. Given that plumbers charge by the hour, the complexity of the installation can consequently impact the overall installation expenses. When installing a hot water system, costs depend on various factors. Get estimates from multiple plumbers for comparison. Choose a plumber who uses technology to improve their work quality and minimise errors. This ensures a more efficient and durable hot water system without causing delays. The average cost of a plumber is around $120 per hour to install a water heater unit. However, the overall cost might change depending on various factors. For instance, if you live far from your plumber of choice, the charges may increase due to fuel allowances that need to be made. Therefore it is best to use the hot water services of a trustworthy plumber local to you.

Solar Homes Program Victoria - Solar Hot Water Rebate $$$
The Australian Government strongly promotes the adoption of eco-friendly hot water systems through attractive rebate incentives. These rebates are specifically aimed at encouraging the installation of solar energy systems, which are known for their positive impact on the environment. By offering rebates up to $1,000, the government aims to alleviate the upfront costs associated with purchasing these systems. It is highly recommended to verify your eligibility for these rebates and consider them when planning your hot water system installation. Victorian homeowners may be eligible for a hot water rebate of up to $1,000 on an eligible heat pump or solar hot water system.

Available under The Solar Homes Program the rebate helps reduce the upfront cost of upgrading to an energy efficient heat pump or solar hot water system. Eligible Victorian households can receive both a solar panel (PV) rebate and a hot water rebate to save even more with solar. The hot water rebate is available for owner occupiers who are replacing an existing hot water system which is at least three years old. It is available for existing properties and not for homes under construction or rental properties.

Without limiting the original periods of the product warranty, a 5-year whole-of-product warranty will be applied to the water heater where a rebate has been received under Solar Victoria’s Solar Homes Program for an installation from 1st July 2023. For further details, call us or email us using our contact form below.

Please note: The hot water rebate is calculated after any other discounts have been applied (including STC and VEEC) and is a 50% rebate on the purchase price of the system up to the value of $1000. 

For more details visit the Victorian Government Solar Homes Victoria website

Bass Coast Plumbing & Heating is highly experienced when it comes to the installation and repair of hot water heater services. We guarantee quality workmanship, tailored hot water heater solutions, and competitive pricing – ensuring customer satisfaction every step of the way.

Call us today to discuss your requirements and to be provided with a no-obligation quote!