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Electric hot water heaters
Electric hot water systems offer an economical, dependable option for households that need a steady supply of hot water. Sunshine Coast Water Heaters provides straightforward, efficient electric hot water solutions with reliable performance.
Electric Hot Water Systems
Electric hot water systems are still the predominant choice in Australian households and have been produced locally for more than a century. Although the basic design remains familiar, contemporary models use better materials and thicker, denser insulation around the storage cylinder. This improved insulation reduces heat loss and boosts efficiency compared with units made prior to 2000.
These heaters function similarly to an electric kettle, employing a heating element, and are sold in three principal power ratings for the Queensland market: 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW (with a small number of 4.8kW units in limited areas where higher power is available). The same ratings are common across major manufacturers such as Rheem, Dux, Vulcan, AquaMAX and Rinnai.
Bear in mind that element wattage does not alter the system’s overall energy rating. A 1.8kW element uses half the power of a 3.6kW element but simply takes twice as long to heat an identical volume of water to the same temperature.
Most electric hot water systems are built with mild steel tanks finished internally in vitreous enamel and safeguarded by a sacrificial anode, though stainless steel tanks are offered as an alternative. The older copper-style heaters are no longer in production.
Sunshine Coast Water Heaters supplies and installs dependable electric hot water systems, offering installation and repairs for all household requirements, including gas and electric options through qualified Sunshine Coast plumbers.
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An electric water heater
An electric hot water system can make up roughly a third of your power bill if you don’t have rooftop solar exporting to the grid. On tariff 11, which supplies electricity at the standard rate around the clock for general power and lighting, running costs are higher. Tariff 33 provides power for about 18 hours each day, commonly switching off between 6–9am and 6–9pm. Tariff 31, the most economical choice, delivers electricity only during off-peak periods, usually from about 9pm to 6am.
It’s worth noting that tariff 31 is typically unsuitable for hot water cylinders under 250 litres when more than one person regularly uses the system.
Electric hot water units come in a broad range of storage sizes, from compact 25-litre models for kitchens and single basins through to large 400-litre tanks for bigger families. Below is a general guide to cylinder capacity and household suitability (individual hot water needs will affect results):
50L & 80L: Best for 1–2 people in small apartments. These sizes generally operate on tariff 11 and aren’t suitable for off-peak tariffs.
125L: Good for 2–3 occupants in a unit or small townhouse when paired with tariff 33.
160L: Appropriate for 2–4 people in a unit or small townhouse on tariff 33.
250L: Suitable for 2–4 people on tariff 31 in most three-bedroom homes, and can serve up to 6 people on tariff 33.
315L: Works well 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 as many as 12 people on tariff 11.
Sunshine Coast Water Heaters can advise on the best hot water systems, tariff arrangements and installation or repairs to ensure dependable hot water while keeping your energy costs down. As licensed Sunshine Coast plumbers, we handle gas and electric hot water system installations and servicing.
Rheem brand
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Rheem is one of the best-known names in hot water, with an international reputation for reliability supported by one of the industry’s largest advertising campaigns. In Australia, Rheem produces a broad selection of electric hot water systems: mild steel vitreous enamel (VE) models are manufactured in Sydney, while stainless steel units are built in Melbourne at the former AquaMAX facility. Under the Rheem umbrella you’ll also find other prominent domestic hot water brands such as AquaMAX, Vulcan and Solahart. Warranty periods vary from 5 to 12 years depending on the tank size and construction. To maintain warranty validity and prolong the life of your hot water system, servicing is necessary at least every five years — this includes replacing the sacrificial anode in vitreous enamel models, and it’s advisable to replace the pressure and temperature relief valve during service. At Sunshine Coast Water Heaters, we recommend Rheem hot water systems for their proven reliability, wide product range and the peace of mind offered by one of the industry’s most trusted names.
AquaMAX
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The AquaMAX brand has been operating since 1988; it remained family-run until Rheem acquired the company in 2009, by which time AquaMAX had already sold more than 500,000 electric hot water systems.
AquaMAX has long been regarded within the industry for quality, particularly noted for its stainless steel hot water products.
Their stainless steel models continue to be manufactured in Victoria, while the mild steel VE electric hot water range is produced at Rheem’s Sydney facility.
AquaMAX cylinders carry warranties ranging from seven to ten years depending on the tank capacity — smaller cylinders typically have shorter warranty periods.
A service before the five-year mark is recommended, especially to replace the anode, which helps extend the life of the tank.
Vulcan
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Vulcan is a reliable hot water marque manufactured by Rheem. Positioned as Rheem’s more affordable line, Vulcan delivers solid performance without a high price tag. Vulcan’s electric storage units use mild steel with a vitreous enamel lining, engineered to provide dependable hot water in Australian homes. Warranty: 7 years for the 50L electric storage model; 10 years for capacities from 80L to 400L. To extend the life of the cylinder, the sacrificial anode should be replaced around years four to five. This routine service helps prevent corrosion and keeps your system performing well. At Sunshine Coast Water Heaters, we endorse Vulcan hot water systems as a budget-conscious option supported by Rheem’s manufacturing reputation.
Rinnai
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Rinnai has long been acknowledged as a leading name in gas hot water, and until recently their electric hot water units were either imported from China or built by Dux in NSW. Nowadays Rinnai has established its own factory in Victoria, manufacturing the Hotflo electric hot water systems locally.
The Rinnai electric lineup ranges from small 25 litre models (perfect for kitchenettes or compact areas) up to 400 litre tanks suited to larger families. Warranty: 7 years on 25L and 50L units, and 10 years on all larger sizes. Note: to keep the warranty valid, a service is required every five years (or sooner). At Sunshine Coast Water Heaters we supply and recommend Rinnai systems for their reliable performance, energy efficiency and the reassurance of Australian-made production — and our Sunshine Coast plumber team can handle installation and repairs for both gas and electric hot water systems.
Dux
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Dux has been a respected name in Australian hot water for over a century. Although the company is no longer Australian-owned, it still manufactures dependable hot water systems suited to local conditions. Dux electric hot water units use mild steel cylinders with a vitreous enamel lining, providing lasting performance for homes of all sizes. Most models are produced in Moss Vale, NSW, and tank capacities span from compact 25-litre units up to 400-litre systems. Warranty periods vary by capacity: 7 years on the cylinders of the 25L and 50L models, and 10 years on larger tanks. At Sunshine Coast Water Heaters, we endorse Dux hot water systems for their consistent reliability and maintain a broad stock range so Sunshine Coast homeowners can get the right hot water system, installation and repairs without delay.
Thermann
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Thermann is sold exclusively through the Reece Plumbing Supplies network, with their electric water heaters produced by Dux. Built from mild steel and coated inside with a vitreous enamel lining, Thermann tanks include a sacrificial anode to guard against corrosion. That anode should be replaced within five years to help the unit reach its expected service life. Thermann electric models carry the same warranty terms as the Dux Proflo series: seven years for 25L and 50L units, and ten years for larger capacities. At Sunshine Coast Water Heaters, we regard Thermann systems as dependable, high-performing choices for hot water needs.
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