Hot water for Leongatha homes on LPG, electric or solar

Know your connections first

Check whether the house has reticulated natural gas, LPG bottles or no gas at all, whether there are solar panels on the roof, and whether the water comes from the town supply or a tank. These answers narrow the choice more than any brochure.

LPG continuous flow

Instantaneous units on LPG give endless hot water and take up little space, but every litre heated uses bottled gas. Large families or homes far from the gas supplier's delivery route may find bottle swaps frequent. Correct regulator sizing matters so the unit does not starve on cold mornings.

Electric storage

A simple tank with an element is cheap to install and familiar, but expensive to run unless it heats on an off-peak tariff or from solar. Size it to the household so it does not run out in the evening.

Heat pumps

A heat pump moves heat from the air into the water, using a fraction of the electricity of an element. It suits homes with rooftop solar especially well when set to run in the middle of the day. It needs a sheltered outdoor spot, a condensate drain and some thought about noise near bedrooms.

Tank and bore water

Sediment and minerals in tank or bore water can wear valves and elements and consume the anode faster. A filter on the cold inlet and regular tank flushing help any system last longer.

Questions to ask a plumber

Which size suits our household? Where will the unit go? Is a tempering valve included? Does the electrical or gas supply need upgrading? Which rebate programs might apply, and where can we check? Will a compliance certificate be issued?