Hot Water Systems Perth – Comprehensive Buying Guide 2025

Hot water plays a big role in everyday home life for Perth families— from warm showers to clean dishes and fresh laundry. It’s essential for staying comfortable and maintaining good hygiene for your whole family. Whether you’re dealing with the unexpected failure of an older system, planning an upgrade to improve efficiency or capacity, or just being proactive about your household’s energy use, it’s important when looking at a hot water system in Perth to choose a system that suits your needs and budget.

In fact, heating water makes up around 32.7% of energy use in the average Perth household, according to WA Water Corporation. That’s why choosing the right hot water system can make a real difference — not just to your energy bills, but to your day-to-day comfort.

This friendly guide from Banrock Plumbing will walk you through the different types of available hot water systems in Perth, so you can feel confident choosing the best fit for your home, small business, or investment property.

Our Hot Water Replacement Process — What Sets Banrock Plumbing Apart

Replacing a hot water system doesn’t need to be stressful. At Banrock Plumbing, we make the process smooth, efficient, and hassle-free from start to finish. Whether it’s a planned upgrade or a last-minute emergency replacement, our team ensures you’re supported every step of the way.

• Temporary hot water units available — we can get you back in hot showers quickly while waiting for your preferred replacement system to be delivered and installed
• Old system removal included — we take away your existing system and dispose of it responsibly, saving you the trouble
• No mess left behind — all packaging, rubbish, and waste is cleared from site
• New valves and fittings supplied and installed — ensuring your entire installation is fresh, safe, and covered by warranty
• One point of contact — for ongoing service, maintenance, and any warranty queries
• Friendly, expert service — backed by 18 years of experience in Perth
• Knowledgeable advice — we stay up to date with the latest systems, trends, and technologies
• Customer-first approach — helping you choose the best system for your needs, home layout, and budget
• Efficiency-focused — we look for options that help lower your energy use and environmental footprint
• Safety and compliance — we ensure every installation meets current plumbing and gas regulations
• Fully licensed and insured — for complete peace of mind

This full-service approach is what sets Banrock Plumbing apart — we don’t just install hot water systems, we deliver long-term value and reliable support. We also take pride in offering honest, pressure-free advice — helping you choose the right system without the hard sell.

Different Types of Hot Water Heaters in Perth Western Australia

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Heat pump hot water systems in Perth are among the most energy-efficient ways to heat water in your home — and they’re becoming an increasingly popular choice for Perth families.

Rather than using electricity to heat water directly, heat pumps draw warmth from the surrounding air and use it to heat your water through a process similar to a reverse-cycle air conditioner. This makes them up to 70% more efficient than traditional electric systems, with no need for rooftop panels or gas connections.

They’re a great option for families looking to cut energy bills without sacrificing reliability or hot water availability.

Other advantages include:

• Uses environmentally friendly CO₂ refrigerant and achieves a high Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 5 — as seen in the iStore units — meaning one system of electricity can generate up to five units of hot water energy
• No roof space required, making installation simpler than solar
• Quiet and compact design, suitable for side paths or laundry areas
• Can be run on timers or during solar PV hours to maximise savings
• Large storage capacity, allowing you to store energy overnight or during power outages
• Eligible for STC rebates, helping reduce upfront costs
• Only requires a standard 10-amp power point, though we typically recommend installing it on its own dedicated circuit for best performance and reliability
• Available in a range of sizes to suit different household needs — including the iStore – Air to Energy units, which come in dedicated 180L and 270L models

At Banrock Plumbing, we supply systems that offer a proven balance of efficiency, reliability, and value — units that are well-suited to Perth’s conditions and trusted by hundreds of local households. While there are a range of systems on the market, we focus on those with a strong reputation for long-term performance and a competitive price point.

Today’s heat pump systems are also more reliable and affordable than earlier generations. While some models from the 2000s and 2010s gained a reputation for being short-lived, modern designs are far more refined, offering improved durability, lower noise, and strong manufacturer warranties — with most brands now offering at least 5 years of coverage.

They’re also low-maintenance, with only basic periodic checks recommended, and most systems last around 10 to 15 years — often longer with regular servicing.

If you’re replacing an old electric storage system or looking to upgrade to a more efficient option, a heat pump is often the best all-round choice — especially for households looking to move away from gas and reduce energy bills long-term.

Gas Storage Systems

Gas storage systems heat water using a burner located underneath a tank. They’re a popular choice for Perth homes, especially those already connected to mains gas, and are often the most affordable option upfront — whether you’re installing a new system or replacing an older one with a like-for-like setup.

These units typically reheat water faster than electric systems, making them a great fit for busy families who need reliable hot water throughout the day.

One big advantage is that gas storage systems keep working during power outages, since they don’t rely on electricity. They also have a built-in buffer, so there’s hot water available even if there’s a temporary disruption in power or gas supply — something you don’t get with continuous flow models.

Standard tank sizes are usually 135L or 170L, suitable for small to medium households. They’re also low user maintenance: a quick visual check every couple of months is usually enough, with a major service recommended every 5 years. These systems typically last 10 to 15 years, and regular servicing can help extend their lifespan and improve long-term reliability.

Banrock Plumbing regularly installs and maintains gas storage systems for homeowners across Perth, helping families choose options that balance affordability and performance.

For homeowners looking to reduce their gas use and ongoing energy costs, upgrading from a gas storage system to a modern heat pump is also worth considering. If your existing system is due for replacement, it may be the perfect opportunity to make the switch. Heat pumps offer an efficient, all-electric alternative and are a popular choice among Perth households aiming to move away from gas while maintaining reliable hot water.

This video shows Banrock Plumbing replacing 135L Gas storage system with a new like for like system in Perth, Western Australia.

Continuous Flow Gas Systems

Continuous flow gas systems (formerly called instantaneous) heat water only when you need it. With no storage tank, they’re compact and provide endless hot water, making them a great option for larger households or homes with multiple bathrooms. They also tend to be more energy-efficient, since you’re only heating water as it’s used.

Modern units — like the Rinnai B20 — require a standard 10-amp power point to operate. These models use circuit boards, powered gas flue fans, and solenoids to ensure efficient, self-regulating operation that adapts to water demand. (As a guide, the number in the model name — such as the “20” in B20 — typically refers to the system’s maximum hot water delivery in litres per minute.)

This is a big upgrade from older mechanical systems like the Bosch 10P, which operate at a constant flow rate and don’t require power — but also don’t adjust to changing usage. That said, these mechanical units are still commonly used in some older suburbs with lower mains gas pressure, or in rural properties where power reliability is a concern. Their simple, mechanical design also makes them easy to service and maintain, which can be a benefit in areas where quick access to parts or technicians is limited. In those situations, they remain a practical and dependable choice for like-for-like replacements.

If your home already has a continuous flow system installed, replacing it with a modern equivalent is usually a straightforward and cost-effective option. These units are particularly well suited to like-for-like changeovers, especially in homes that already have adequate gas pressure and pipe sizing.

However, due to recent changes in gas regulations, upgrading from a gas storage system to continuous flow can sometimes require significant gas pipework upgrades to handle the higher flow demands — adding extra cost to the installation. In these cases, many homeowners find that a heat pump system offers better long-term value, with similar installation costs and ongoing energy savings.

Banrock Plumbing can help assess your existing setup and guide you on whether a like-for-like swap or an upgrade to a heat pump is the smarter move for your home.

Continuous flow systems remain an excellent choice for delivering large volumes of hot water, such as in homes with multiple fixtures running at once or light commercial settings. Modern units are also low-maintenance, with no user servicing required, no scheduled major maintenance, and a typical lifespan of around 15 years.

This video shows Banrock Plumbing replacing 135L Gas storage system with a new Rinnai continuous flow system in Perth, Western Australia.

Electric Storage Systems

Electric storage systems warm up water using an internal element — kind of like a big electric kettle. These units come in a range of sizes and are easy to install. They’re a popular choice for apartments and smaller homes, as they can be tucked away in cupboards or plant rooms and work just about anywhere with standard power. No gas? No worries. The main thing to keep in mind is that they can be a bit more expensive to run over time.

Banrock Plumbing installs a range of compact electric storage systems for homes where space is tight and gas isn’t available.

Continuous Flow Electric Systems

Continuous flow electric systems (previously known as instantaneous systems) heat water on demand, without a storage tank. That means unlimited hot water, making them ideal for supplying large volumes where consistent flow is needed. However, these models usually need 3-phase power and are most commonly used in commercial settings, as most homes in Perth don’t have access to the required electrical setup.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water systems use roof-mounted panels to collect energy from the sun and heat your water — offering an eco-friendly way to reduce your energy bills. In the past, they were a popular choice for energy-efficient water heating in Perth homes.

Most systems include a booster (gas or electric) that kicks in during cloudy weather or times of high demand, ensuring you’re never without hot water. There are two main configurations:

• Roof-mounted systems, where both the panels and the tank sit on the roof
• Split systems, with roof panels and a ground-level storage tank — ideal for homes with limited roof strength or access

While roof-mounted solar hot water systems still perform well in Perth’s sunny climate, many homeowners today are switching to heat pump systems. Heat pumps offer comparable energy savings with simpler installation, less visual impact on the roof, and often a lower upfront cost — especially for new installations or upgrades.

Solar systems also tend to be more maintenance-heavy than other options. For roof-mounted units, accessing components can be tricky and time-consuming, while split systems can be costlier to service due to their added complexity and multiple components.

The typical lifespan of a solar hot water system is around 10 years, and with timely major servicing, many can operate well beyond that.

That said, if your home already has a roof-mounted solar hot water system, a like-for-like replacement can still be a smart, low-hassle solution that Banrock Plumbing can help you manage with ease.

Ready to Upgrade or Replace Your Hot Water System?

Whether your current system has just failed or you’re planning ahead for a more energy-efficient future, Banrock Plumbing is here to help. Our team of licensed, insured professionals is ready to assess your needs and recommend the best system for your household or business.

We ensure a seamless, stress-free installation — with expert support from the first call to after-sales service.

📞 0447081768 Call us today to speak with a friendly expert, or get in touch online to discuss your needs.

Let Banrock Plumbing take care of your hot water — so you can get back to enjoying it.