Quick Installations, Repairs and Replacements
Electric hot water systems
Electric hot water systems offer a cost-effective, dependable option for households, ensuring a steady flow of hot water. Caloundra Hot Water provides straightforward, efficient electric hot water installations and repairs with reliable results.
Electric Hot Water Systems
Electric hot water systems are still the predominant choice in Australian homes and have been produced locally for more than a century. Although the basic technology remains similar, contemporary units use better materials and thicker, denser insulation around their storage cylinders. This improved insulation reduces heat loss and helps retain warmth for longer, making modern systems more efficient than models made prior to 2000.
These units work much like a kettle, relying on a heating element, and are commonly offered in three mains power ratings for the Queensland market: 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW (with some 4.8kW units available in limited areas due to higher supply requirements). You’ll see these ratings across major manufacturers such as Rheem, Dux, Vulcan, AquaMAX and Rinnai.
Bear in mind that element size does not alter the unit’s overall energy rating. For example, a 1.8kW element uses half the power of a 3.6kW element but will take roughly twice as long to heat the same volume of water to the same temperature.
Most electric hot water units are built with mild steel tanks that are internally coated with vitreous enamel and safeguarded by a sacrificial anode; stainless steel tanks are offered as an alternative. Older copper-style water heaters are no longer manufactured.
Caloundra Hot Water supplies, installs and repairs reliable electric hot water systems, offering gas and electric options to meet the needs of local households and providing experienced Caloundra plumbers for installation and ongoing service.
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An electric hot water system
An electric hot water system can represent roughly one-third of your electricity expenses if you don’t have PV solar exporting to the grid. On tariff 11, which supplies power continuously at the standard rate for general power and lighting, running costs are higher. When a system is on tariff 33 it typically operates for about 18 hours a day, with scheduled off periods roughly between 6–9am and 6–9pm. Tariff 31, the most economical choice, provides power only during off-peak hours, usually from about 9pm until 6am.
It’s worth noting that tariff 31 is generally unsuitable for hot water cylinders smaller than 250 litres when serving two or more people.
Electric hot water systems come in a broad range of storage sizes, from compact 25-litre units for kitchens and single basins through to 400-litre tanks for larger families. The following is a general sizing guide to tank capacity and household suitability (actual needs may vary by usage):
50L & 80L: Appropriate for 1–2 people in small units. These work only on tariff 11 and are not suited to off-peak tariffs.
125L: Suited to 2–3 people in a unit or small townhouse when connected to tariff 33.
160L: Works well for 2–4 people in a unit or small townhouse on tariff 33.
250L: Suits 2–4 people on tariff 31 in most three-bedroom homes, and can serve up to 6 people when on 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 as many as 12 people on tariff 11.
Caloundra Hot Water can advise on the right hot water systems, tariff arrangements and installations to provide consistent hot water while helping control your energy bills. As your local Caloundra plumber we handle installation, repairs and both gas and electric systems.
Rheem
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Rheem is a highly regarded name in hot water, renowned worldwide for durable products and supported by one of the industry’s largest advertising programs. In Australia, Rheem produces an extensive selection of electric hot water systems: mild steel vitreous enamel (VE) models made in Sydney and stainless steel units manufactured 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 tank size and construction; to preserve your warranty and prolong your storage tank’s life, service is required at least every five years. Servicing should include replacing the sacrificial anode on vitreous enamel tanks, and it’s advisable to swap the pressure and temperature relief valve during maintenance. At Caloundra Hot Water, we endorse Rheem systems for their proven reliability, wide product range and the confidence that comes with one of the most trusted names in hot water—ideal for installation, repairs and long-term performance.
AquaMAX Replacement
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The AquaMAX name has been established since 1988; it remained family owned until Rheem acquired the company in 2009, by which time AquaMAX had sold more than 500,000 electric hot water systems.
AquaMAX has long been recognised within the trade for producing high-quality units, particularly their stainless steel models.
Their stainless steel cylinders continue to be manufactured in Victoria, while the mild steel VE electric hot water range is produced at Rheem’s Sydney facility.
AquaMAX hot water systems carry warranties ranging from seven to ten years, with shorter warranty periods typically applying to the smaller capacity cylinders.
They recommend servicing before the five-year mark—especially replacing the sacrificial anode—to extend the lifespan of the tank.
Vulcan
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Vulcan is a well-regarded hot water brand produced by Rheem. Positioned as Rheem’s more economical range, Vulcan provides reliable hot water performance without a high price tag. Vulcan electric hot water systems use mild steel tanks with a vitreous enamel lining, specifically engineered to perform consistently in Australian homes. Warranty: 7 years for the 50L electric storage unit; 10 years for models from 80L up to 400L. To prolong the life of the system, the sacrificial anode should be replaced between years 4 and 5 of operation — this routine maintenance helps prevent corrosion and keeps the cylinder functioning well. At Caloundra Hot Water, we endorse Vulcan hot water systems as a budget-friendly option, supported by Rheem’s manufacturing reputation, and we offer installation and repairs through our Caloundra plumber services for gas and electric systems.
Rinnai
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Rinnai is widely regarded as a leader in gas hot water, and until recently much of their electric hot water range was either sourced from China or built by Dux in NSW. Rinnai has now established its own manufacturing facility in Victoria, producing Hotflo electric hot water systems onshore.
Their electric lineup spans compact 25‑litre units — perfect for kitchenettes and confined areas — through to 400‑litre tanks suited to larger homes. Warranty: 7 years on 25L and 50L models, and 10 years on larger units. Note: to keep the warranty valid, a service is required every five years (or sooner). At Caloundra Hot Water, our Caloundra plumbers supply and endorse Rinnai systems for their dependable performance, energy efficiency and the reassurance of Australian-made construction.
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 systems suited to local conditions. All Dux electric hot water systems use mild steel cylinders with a vitreous enamel lining, delivering long-lasting performance for homes of any size. Most units are produced in Moss Vale, NSW, and tank capacities span from compact 25‑litre models up to substantial 400‑litre systems. Warranty periods depend on size: 7 years on the cylinders of the 25L and 50L models, and 10 years on larger capacities. At Caloundra Hot Water, our Caloundra plumbers endorse Dux heaters for their consistent reliability, and we keep a broad selection in stock so you can get the right hot water system installed or repaired without delay.
Thermann
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Thermann is an exclusive brand sold through the Reece Plumbing Supplies network, with its electric hot water units produced by Dux. Built from mild steel and coated inside with a vitreous enamel lining, Thermann cylinders include a sacrificial anode to guard against corrosion. That anode should be replaced within five years to help the system reach its expected lifespan. Thermann electric models carry the same warranty terms as the Dux Proflo series: 7 years for 25L and 50L models and 10 years for larger capacities. At Caloundra Hot Water, we highly recommend Thermann hot water systems for their dependable performance and solid build quality.
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