- Electric systems are cheapest to install but cost more to run over time.
- Gas heats faster and suits larger households with heavier hot water demand.
- Solar has the lowest running cost but the highest upfront cost.
- Heat pumps are the most efficient overall but need good airflow around the unit.
- The right system depends on household size, budget, and how long you’re staying in the property.
If you run a Google search for hot water system Perth, you’ll come across dozens of options. In practice, they all fall into four main categories. Here’s a straightforward comparison to help you choose the right one for your household.
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Comparison at a Glance
Electric Hot Water System
This is the most common type of water heater in Perth homes. Powered by electricity, it’s the cheapest system to buy and the simplest to install.
Pros
- Low upfront cost
- Compact footprint, doesn’t need much space
- Straightforward installation in most homes
- Widely serviced, parts are easy to source
Cons
- Running costs add up over the system’s lifetime, especially outside off-peak tariff windows
- Fully dependent on electricity supply
- Best suited to smaller households with moderate hot water demand
Gas Hot Water System
Gas systems suit larger families well, since they heat water quickly and recover faster between uses than electric storage tanks.
Pros
- No daily electricity tariff to worry about
- Fast recovery time between hot water draws
- Lower cost per litre to run than electric in most cases
- Reliable access to hot water even during power outages
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than electric
- Requires a gas connection and compliant installation
- If your gas hot water system has come to a premature end, a full replacement is usually more cost-effective than repeated repairs
Solar Hot Water System
Solar is the most environmentally friendly option on this list. The upfront cost is the highest of the four, but running costs are the lowest over the system’s life.
Pros
- Low ongoing running cost once installed
- Reduces reliance on grid electricity or gas
- Government incentives may be available depending on your circumstances
Cons
- Highest initial investment of the four options
- Performance depends on roof orientation and available sunlight, which matters more for homes with heavy tree cover or shaded roofs
- Needs a boosted electric or gas element for overcast periods, which most systems include as standard
Rebates: incentive schemes for solar hot water systems change from time to time. Check current eligibility directly through energy.gov.au before budgeting, since scheme details and thresholds are updated periodically.
Heat Pump Water Heater
Heat pump systems draw ambient heat from the surrounding air to heat water, similar in principle to a reverse-cycle air conditioner. They’re one of the most efficient options on the market.
Pros
- Very high efficiency, often the lowest running cost of any system
- Long service life when properly maintained
- Suits Perth’s climate well given the number of warm days per year
Cons
- Higher upfront cost, similar to solar
- Needs adequate airflow around the unit, so placement matters
- Can be less efficient during Perth’s cooler winter mornings compared to summer
Which System Is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your household size, your budget, and how long you’re planning to stay in the property. If you’re weighing up the options, our team can walk you through what suits your specific home and usage.
Aus Star Plumbing & Gas, Licence PL7378, servicing Perth’s south corridor and Peel region including Rockingham, Baldivis, Kwinana, Mandurah, Cockburn and surrounds.