Electric storage systems remain one of the most common hot water solutions in Australian homes due to their reliability and straightforward installation. These systems heat water in an insulated tank and store it ready for use throughout the day.

Rheem and Everhot electric water heaters are designed to provide reliable performance and can be an economical option where off-peak electricity tariffs are available. They are a practical choice for homes that do not have access to gas and for straightforward system replacements.

Benefits of electric storage systems

• Lower upfront installation cost
• Reliable and proven technology
• Available in a wide range of sizes
• Suitable for most homes without gas
• Can operate on off-peak electricity tariffs

Ideal for

• Homes replacing an older electric tank
• Small to medium households
• Properties without natural gas

Electric continuous flow systems heat water only when a tap is turned on, eliminating the need for a storage tank.

Because water is heated on demand, these systems avoid standby heat losses that occur in traditional storage tanks. Continuous flow electric units are often installed near the point of use to minimise pipe runs and water wastage.

Benefits

• Endless hot water supply
• No storage tank required
• Compact design
• Reduced standby energy losses

Best suited for

• Apartments and units
• Smaller homes
• Point-of-use installations such as kitchens or bathrooms

Gas storage systems heat and store hot water in a tank, offering strong performance and faster recovery times than some electric systems. This makes them well suited to households with higher hot water usage.

Rheem, Everhot, Vulcan and Aquamax gas storage systems are designed to provide dependable hot water delivery to multiple outlets, making them a solid option for families and larger homes.

Benefits of gas storage systems

• Fast reheating and recovery
• Suitable for multiple bathrooms
• Reliable hot water delivery
• Available for natural gas or LPG applications

Ideal for

• Medium to large households
• Homes with natural gas or LPG
• Families needing dependable stored hot water

Gas continuous flow systems, also known as instantaneous systems, heat water only when it is needed. Because there is no storage tank, these systems provide continuous hot water on demand and do not run out in the same way a storage tank can.

Rheem continuous flow systems are designed for energy-efficient performance, compact installation and consistent temperature control.

Benefits of gas continuous flow systems

• Endless hot water supply
• No bulky storage tank
• Energy-efficient operation
• Compact wall-mounted design
• Consistent water temperature

Ideal for

• Busy family homes
• Properties where space is limited
• Households wanting continuous hot water

Heat pump hot water systems are one of the most energy-efficient options available for Australian homes. Rather than heating water directly with a traditional electric element, a heat pump uses electricity to extract heat from the surrounding air and transfer it into the water.

This technology can significantly reduce electricity consumption compared with a standard electric storage water heater. According to Rheem Australia, selected heat pump systems can deliver energy savings of up to approximately 70–73.9% compared with conventional electric storage systems under standard test conditions. 

Rheem also lists a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of up to 5.2 on selected models, meaning the system can deliver substantially more heat energy than the electricity it consumes.

Benefits of heat pump systems

• High energy efficiency
• Lower running costs than standard electric storage
• Reduced electricity consumption
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Suitable for energy-conscious households
• Compatible with solar power systems

Heat pumps are an excellent option for homeowners looking to upgrade older electric hot water systems and reduce electricity consumption.

Ideal for

• Homes replacing an older electric storage system
• Households looking to reduce energy bills
• Property owners wanting a more efficient upgrade

Actual energy savings will vary depending on climate, tariff, usage patterns and installation conditions.