Consideration Factors For Investing in a New Hot Water Cylinder System

worker setting up a hot water cylinder at home

The project for homeowners to invest in a new hot water cylinder system is not as easy as it might appear on the surface.

The starting point for shoppers is to know the four distinct models that are in play: solar, gas, electric and heat pump.

Some venture towards the expensive end of the spectrum while others preference convenience and ease of access.

Sorry to say there is no right or wrong answer when debating these brands on their merits, but there are key consideration factors that will overlap between one customer to the next.

That will be our point of focus today.


1) Current Home Infrastructure

When reaching out to hot water cylinder suppliers, the very first point of reference will involve the item that is currently in place. The transition of gas to gas or solar to solar is far easier than heat pump to electric outlet for example. Constituents should understand whether or not they are linked to a mains pressure system or if they are operating with low pressure. That type of infrastructure will help to detail the costs involved in the project and the timespan for installing the new product.


2) Household Budget

The financial component for buying a hot water cylinder is where the real devil in the detail can be found. From the outset it is important to outline that the initial price tag can be misleading. What feels like a bargain today can feel like an expensive nightmare 6-12 months down the road. Electric brands are cheaper to acquire but more expensive to run. Heat pumps are affordable and durable but struggle to offer comprehensive supply for high demand. Gas models will vary in performance while solar outlets carry a bigger price tag with great long-term savings.


3) Hot Water Consumption Habits

The amount of hot water required day-to-day will differ from one household to the next. While one location rents out an Airbnb space at one end of the street, the other will be home to a single parent who has a regular schedule of showers, baths and dish cleaning exercises to maintain. This is where the marker should be set for deciding on the new hot water cylinder unit. The framework that most outlets will recommend is sourcing a product that caters to 50L of heated water per person per day, helping to cut out systems that cannot match that demand.


4) Brand Reputation

Cylinder outlets are like any other type of business or industry where market share becomes a fight for community dollars and trust. While some international suppliers have made a success of the Australian landscape, some domestic brands have remained on the cutting edge. Engaging with online research and checking for reviews and ratings will allow shoppers to test the waters and receive valuable feedback. This is an exercise to eliminate poor sellers and pit quality operators against one and other.


5) Nature of Property & Area

The state of the environment can play a role in determining how a consumer purchases a new hot water cylinder system. From small flats, units and townhouses to 4 bedroom homes, country properties to luxury mansions, the type of space and access can influence one type of outlet over another. Solar units have to constitute a level of roof real estate, ensuring that it can absorb the natural sunlight before turning that energy into hot water access. Then there are gas and electric units that need to be kept in safe storage domains without being isolated or cut off from intervention.


6) Availability of Local Servicing

From the quote assessment at home to speaking with experienced representatives at the store, access to local servicing is fundamental to finding value with a hot water cylinder. This will help with the enquiry over the product, the actual purchase and warranty of the item, the installation and any maintenance or repairs that will occur later on. If there is satisfaction on this count, then that will point to a wise investment with the hot water cylinder.