Electric Hot Water Heaters
Electric hot water systems are a practical and affordable choice for any home, providing a reliable supply of hot water. Bribie Island Hot Water delivers simple and efficient electric hot water solutions with ease and consistency.
Electric Hot Water Systems
Electric hot water systems remain the most common type of hot water unit in Australian homes and have been manufactured locally for over a century. While the core technology has stayed much the same, modern systems now feature improved materials and thicker, denser insulation around the storage cylinders. This helps retain heat for longer, reducing heat loss and improving efficiency compared to systems built before 2000.
These systems operate much like a kettle, using a heating element, and are available in three main power ratings for the Queensland market: 1.8kW, 2.4kW, and 3.6kW (with a few 4.8kW units found in limited areas due to higher power requirements). This is consistent across well-known brands such as Rheem, Dux, Vulcan, AquaMAX, and Rinnai.
It’s important to note that different element sizes don’t change the overall energy rating. For instance, a 1.8kW element consumes half the power of a 3.6kW element but takes twice as long to heat the same amount of water to the same temperature.
Electric hot water systems are typically manufactured with mild steel tanks lined internally with vitreous enamel and protected by a sacrificial anode. Stainless steel options are also available, while the older copper-style water heaters are no longer produced.
Bribie Island Hot Water supplies and installs reliable electric hot water systems to suit all household needs.
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An electric hot water system
An electric hot water system can account for around one-third of your electricity bill if you don’t have PV solar feeding back to the grid. On tariff 11, which supplies power 24 hours a day at the standard rate used for general power and lighting, costs are higher. If your system is connected to tariff 33, it operates for about 18 hours daily, usually switching off between 6–9am and 6–9pm. Tariff 31, the cheapest option, supplies power only during off-peak times, typically between 9pm and 6am.
It’s important to note that tariff 31 is generally not suitable for hot water cylinders under 250 litres when used by two or more people.
Electric hot water systems are available in a wide range of storage capacities, from compact 25-litre units for kitchens and single sinks to large 400-litre tanks for bigger households. Below is a general guide to tank size and household suitability (usage may vary depending on individual hot water needs):
50L & 80L: Suitable for 1–2 people in small units. Only works on tariff 11, not suitable for off-peak tariffs.
125L: Suitable for 2–3 people in a unit or small townhouse when connected to tariff 33.
160L: Suitable for 2–4 people in a unit or small townhouse when connected to tariff 33.
250L: Works for 2–4 people on tariff 31 in most three-bedroom homes and up to 6 people when connected to tariff 33.
315L: Suitable for 3–5 people on tariff 31 or up to 7 people on tariff 33.
400L: Ideal for 4–7 people on tariff 31, up to 9 people on tariff 33, and up to 12 people on tariff 11.
Bribie Island Hot Water can help you choose the right system and tariff setup to ensure reliable hot water while keeping your energy costs under control.
Rheem
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Rheem is one of the most recognised names in hot water, with a global reputation built on quality and backed by one of the largest advertising programs in the industry.
In Australia, Rheem manufactures a wide range of electric hot water systems:
Mild steel vitreous enamel (VE) models are produced in Sydney
Stainless steel units are made in Melbourne, at the former AquaMAX factory
Under the Rheem banner, you’ll also find other leading domestic hot water brands, including AquaMAX, Vulcan, and Solahart.
Warranty cover ranges between 5 and 12 years, depending on the size and construction of the unit. To keep your warranty valid and extend the life of your hot water tank, servicing is required at least every 5 years. This includes replacing the sacrificial anode on vitreous enamel models, and it’s also recommended to change the pressure and temperature relief valve during service.
At Bribie Island Hot Water, we recommend Rheem systems for their long-standing reliability, broad product range, and the reassurance that comes with one of the most trusted names in hot water.
AquaMAX
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The AquaMAX name has been around since 1988, they were a family owned business until Rheem brought them in 2009, AquaMAX had by that time sold over 500,000 electric water heaters
AquaMax has always had the name amongst the industry as quality especially with their Stainless Steel products
Their Stainless steel products are still made in victoria and the mild steel VE electric hot water range is made in Rheem’s Sydney plant
The AquaMAX hot water range come with warranties between 7 years and 10 years depending on the size of the cylinder, the smaller it is the less the warranty
They require a service prior to 5 years of service especially changing the anode to help the tank last longer
Vulcan
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Vulcan is another trusted hot water brand, owned and manufactured by Rheem. Known as Rheem’s budget-friendly range, Vulcan offers dependable performance at an affordable price. All Vulcan electric hot water systems are built in the mild steel vitreous enamel style, designed to deliver reliable service in Australian homes. Warranty cover: 7 years on the 50L electric storage system 10 years on models from 80L up to 400L To maximise system life, the sacrificial anode should be replaced between years 4 and 5 of use. This maintenance step helps protect the cylinder against corrosion and ensures you get the best from your unit. At Bribie Island Hot Water, we recommend Vulcan hot water systems as a cost-effective choice, backed by the reliability of Rheem manufacturing.
Rinnai
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Rinnai has long been recognised as a leader in the gas hot water industry. For many years, their electric hot water range was sourced from China or manufactured by Dux in NSW. Today, Rinnai has invested in its own manufacturing plant in Victoria, producing the Hotflo electric hot water systems locally.
The Rinnai electric range covers everything from compact 25 litre units (ideal for kitchenettes or small spaces) to large 400 litre tanks for bigger households. Warranty coverage: 7 years on 25L and 50L systems 10 years on all larger models
Note: to maintain warranty, a service is required every 5 years (or sooner). At Bribie Island Hot Water, we supply and recommend Rinnai systems for their proven reliability, energy efficiency, and the confidence that comes with Australian-made manufacturing.
Dux
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Dux has been a trusted name in Australian hot water for more than 100 years. While no longer Australian owned, the brand continues to produce reliable systems designed for local conditions. All Dux electric hot water systems feature mild steel vitreous enamel lined cylinders, offering durability and performance for households of all sizes. Most units are manufactured in Moss Vale, NSW, with tank sizes ranging from compact 25 litre models through to large 400 litre systems. Warranty cover varies by size:
7 years on the cylinders of the 25L and 50L models 10 years on all larger capacities At Bribie Island Hot Water, we recommend Dux hot water heaters for their proven reliability. We also keep a wide range in stock, so you can get the right system for your home without delay.
Thermann
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Thermann is a brand exclusive to the Reece Plumbing Supplies chain, with their electric hot water heaters manufactured by Dux. Constructed from mild steel with an internal vitreous enamel lining, Thermann tanks are fitted with a sacrificial anode to protect against corrosion. This anode needs to be replaced within 5 years to ensure the system lasts its full lifespan. Thermann electric systems carry the same warranty periods as the Dux Proflo range: 7 years on 25L and 50L models 10 years on all larger capacities At Bribie Island Hot Water, we rate Thermann water heaters highly for their proven reliability and quality performance.