Quick Installations, Repairs and Replacements
Electric hot water heaters
Electric hot water systems offer a cost-effective and dependable hot water supply for households, making them a sensible option for many homeowners. Caloundra Hot Water provides straightforward, efficient electric hot water installations and repairs with reliable service every time.
Electric Hot Water Systems
Electric hot water systems are still the predominant choice in Australian homes and have been produced in Australia for more than a century. While the basic design remains familiar, contemporary units now use better-quality materials and thicker, denser insulation around the storage cylinder. That improved insulation reduces heat loss and boosts efficiency compared with models manufactured before 2000.
These units work similarly to a kettle by using a heating element, and for the Queensland market they commonly come in three main power ratings: 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW (with a small number of 4.8kW models in limited areas where higher power is available). This range of ratings applies across popular brands like Rheem, Dux, Vulcan, AquaMAX and Rinnai.
Bear in mind that different element sizes don’t alter the energy rating of the cylinder. 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 systems are built with mild steel tanks coated internally with vitreous enamel and protected by a sacrificial anode, although stainless steel tanks are offered as an alternative; the older copper-style heaters are no longer made.
Caloundra Hot Water supplies and installs dependable electric hot water systems, with installation and repairs by a Caloundra plumber experienced in gas and electric hot water systems.
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An electric water heater
An electric hot water system can make up roughly one-third of your power bill if you don’t have solar panels 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. Systems on tariff 33 typically run for about 18 hours a day, commonly switching off between 6–9am and 6–9pm. Tariff 31 is the most economical, supplying electricity only during off-peak hours, usually from 9pm to 6am.
It’s worth noting that tariff 31 is generally unsuitable for hot water cylinders under 250 litres when the household has two or more occupants.
Electric hot water systems come in many storage sizes, from compact 25-litre units for kitchen or single-sink needs to large 400-litre tanks for bigger homes. The following is a general sizing guide for tank capacity and household suitability (actual needs may vary):
50L & 80L: Best for 1–2 people in small apartments. These typically operate on tariff 11 and aren’t suitable for off-peak tariffs.
125L: Appropriate for 2–3 people in an apartment or small townhouse when on tariff 33.
160L: Suited to 2–4 people in a unit or small townhouse on tariff 33.
250L: Works for 2–4 people on tariff 31 in most three-bedroom homes, and can serve up to 6 people 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 system, tariff configuration and whether gas and electric options, installation or repairs are best to keep your hot water reliable and energy costs down.
Rheem
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Rheem is a widely recognised leader in hot water, known worldwide for reliable products and supported by one of the industry’s largest marketing programs.
In Australia, Rheem offers an extensive selection of electric hot water systems:
Mild steel vitreous enamel (VE) tanks are manufactured in Sydney.
Stainless steel models are produced in Melbourne at the former AquaMAX facility.
Under the Rheem umbrella you’ll also find well-known domestic hot water names 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 the life of the hot water system, servicing is required at least every five years — this includes replacing the sacrificial anode on VE models, and it’s advisable to replace the pressure and temperature relief valve during service.
At Caloundra Hot Water, our Caloundra plumber team recommends Rheem hot water systems for their proven durability, wide product range and the peace of mind offered by one of the most trusted brands for hot water system installation and repairs, both gas and electric.
AquaMAX
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The AquaMAX brand dates back to 1988; it remained family owned until Rheem acquired it in 2009, by which time AquaMAX had sold in excess of 500,000 electric hot water systems.
AquaMAX has long been recognised within the industry for dependable quality, particularly 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 7 to 10 years depending on cylinder capacity — generally, smaller tanks attract shorter warranty periods.
A service is recommended before five years, notably to replace the sacrificial anode, which helps extend the life of the tank.
Vulcan
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Vulcan is a reputable hot water name produced by Rheem, offering a budget-conscious line that delivers solid performance without the high price tag. Their electric hot water units use mild steel tanks with a vitreous enamel lining, engineered to provide consistent service in Australian households. Warranty: 7 years for the 50L electric storage model; 10 years for sizes from 80L up to 400L. To prolong the life of the cylinder, replace the sacrificial anode between years four and five of operation — this routine maintenance helps prevent corrosion and keeps the system performing well. At Caloundra Hot Water, we endorse Vulcan hot water systems as an economical option supported by Rheem’s trusted manufacturing, and we can assist with installation, repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Rinnai
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Rinnai has long been seen as a frontrunner in gas hot water, and their electric hot water products have evolved over time. While earlier electric models were sourced from China or produced by Dux in NSW, Rinnai now manufactures the Hotflo electric hot water range at its own facility in Victoria.
The Rinnai electric lineup includes compact 25-litre units — perfect for kitchenettes or tight spaces — through to 400-litre tanks suited to larger homes. Warranty details: 7 years for 25L and 50L units, and 10 years for larger tanks. Please note a service is required every five years (or sooner) to keep the warranty valid. At Caloundra Hot Water, our Caloundra plumbers supply and recommend Rinnai hot water systems for their dependable performance, energy efficiency and the reassurance of Australian-made manufacturing.
Dux
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Dux has been a well-known 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 durability and consistent performance for homes of varying sizes. Most units are produced in Moss Vale, NSW, and tank capacities span from compact 25-litre models up to large 400-litre systems. Warranty periods depend on size: 7 years on the cylinders of the 25L and 50L models, and 10 years on all larger capacities. At Caloundra Hot Water, we endorse Dux hot water systems for their long-standing reliability and maintain a broad stock range so a Caloundra plumber can install the right hot water system promptly, whether for installation or repairs of gas and electric units.
Thermann
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Thermann is sold exclusively through the Reece Plumbing Supplies network, with its electric hot water units manufactured by Dux. Built from mild steel and finished inside with a vitreous enamel coating, Thermann tanks include a sacrificial anode to guard against corrosion. That anode should be replaced within five years to help the heater reach its expected service life. Thermann electric models carry warranty terms equivalent to the Dux Proflo range: seven years for 25L and 50L units and ten years for larger capacities. At Caloundra Hot Water, we highly recommend Thermann systems for their dependable performance and solid build quality.
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