Brisbane Hot Water Replacement Guide
Compare system types, realistic installed costs for Brisbane suburbs, government rebates, and real case studies from local jobs.
System Types & Installed Costs
Electric Storage
Installed Cost
$900 – $2,200 installed
Lifespan
8–12 years
Running Cost
$500–$800/yr
Best for: Budget-conscious, off-gas areas
Pros
Low upfront cost
Simple installation
Widely available
Cons
–Highest running costs
–Slower recovery time
–Large footprint
Gas Continuous Flow
Installed Cost
$1,400 – $2,800 installed
Lifespan
15–20 years
Running Cost
$250–$450/yr
Best for: Families, unlimited hot water
Pros
Never runs out
Compact wall-mounted
30-50% cheaper to run than electric
Cons
–Requires gas connection
–Higher upfront cost
–Flow rate limits for very large homes
Solar Hot Water
Installed Cost
$3,500 – $6,500 installed
Lifespan
15–20 years
Running Cost
$100–$250/yr
Best for: Eco-conscious, long-term savings
Pros
Lowest running cost
Government rebates available
Brisbane gets 283 sunny days/yr
Cons
–High upfront cost
–Requires suitable roof space
–Needs gas/electric booster
Heat Pump
Installed Cost
$2,800 – $5,000 installed
Lifespan
10–15 years
Running Cost
$150–$300/yr
Best for: Energy efficiency, rebate-eligible
Pros
60-75% less electricity
Large government rebates
Works great in Brisbane's warm climate
Cons
–Can be noisy
–Higher upfront cost
–Less efficient in rare cold snaps
* Prices are estimates based on typical Brisbane installations as of 2026. Actual costs vary based on system size, existing connections, and site access. All prices include GST and standard installation.
Real Brisbane Installations
Gas Continuous Flow (Rinnai Infinity 26)
Family of 5 with an ageing 25-year-old electric storage tank that was costing $780/yr to run and constantly running out of hot water.
Installed a Rinnai Infinity 26 gas continuous flow system. Running costs dropped to ~$350/yr, saving $430 annually. Unlimited hot water for the whole family.
Heat Pump (Reclaim Energy)
Retired couple with a failing electric storage system. Wanted lower bills and environmental impact.
Installed a Reclaim Energy heat pump with government rebate applied. Running costs reduced from $650/yr to under $200/yr. Paid back the investment in under 4 years.
Electric Storage (Vulcan 80L)
Investment property owner needing a cost-effective replacement for a broken electric system.
Quick same-day installation of a reliable Vulcan 80L unit. Minimal disruption for tenants. Budget-friendly solution for a single-occupant property.
Hot Water FAQs
How much does a hot water system cost to install in Brisbane?
Electric storage systems cost $900–$2,200 installed, gas continuous flow $1,400–$2,800, heat pumps $2,800–$5,000, and solar systems $3,500–$6,500. Prices vary by suburb accessibility, system size, and existing connections.
What is the best hot water system for Brisbane?
For most Brisbane households, a gas continuous flow or heat pump system offers the best balance of efficiency and cost. Brisbane's warm climate and sunny days also make solar an excellent long-term option.
Are there government rebates for hot water systems?
Yes. Heat pump and solar hot water systems are eligible for government rebates that can offset $1,000 or more of the upfront cost. We can advise on current rebate eligibility during your free consultation.
How long does installation take?
A like-for-like replacement typically takes 2–4 hours. Switching system types (e.g., electric to gas) may take a full day due to additional plumbing and gas connections required.