We answer the question straight away: in most Adelaide homes a heat pump or a modern instantaneous gas system will run cheaper than a conventional electric storage unit over time.

We compare running figures, rebates and practical limits so you can pick the right system for your property.

Allmat Plumbing are local, qualified and insured. We service residential and commercial customers across the city, offering 24/7 emergency response with fully equipped vehicles.

We use real South Australian data and national guidance to show typical daily running figures, how tariffs and usage drive bills, and where solar boosting or REPS rebates change the equation.

Space, supply and existing connections matter. We’ll show what to check and how to plan a replacement or repair.

Need a fast assessment? Call Marc on 0432 667 785 or email info@allmatplumbing.com.au for a quote or emergency booking.

Key Takeaways

  • Heat pumps and solar-boosted systems often deliver the best long-term savings.
  • Instantaneous gas units use less energy when demand is low; storage suits high demand homes.
  • South Australian rebates and STCs can cut upfront prices significantly.
  • Running figures depend on tariffs, usage patterns and system efficiency.
  • We install, repair and replace all common systems and handle backflow, leaks and testing.

The Adelaide hot water bill problem — and how to fix it fast

Rising bills are not just bad luck — they usually point to an inefficient system. Energy prices have climbed while household usage stays steady. That mismatch means your monthly statement keeps growing even if routines haven’t changed.

Old storage units lose heat and waste energy. Peak electricity tariffs and daily supply charges push running figures higher. Many homes still use conventional storage without off‑peak or solar, which makes the problem worse.

We act fast to stop the pain. Our team provides a quick assessment of your system type, size, age, tariff and household usage. We recommend simple fixes first: adjust the temperature, change timers, and complete basic maintenance.

  • We map practical options: stay on your current supply, switch to a heat pump, or add solar boosting.
  • We prioritise same‑day replacement for failed units where possible.
  • We offer 24/7 emergency service with fully equipped vehicles for residential and commercial customers.

Need help now? Call Marc on 0432 667 785 to book a plumber in Adelaide or request an urgent quote. We’ll match the right system to your home and aim to reduce your running bills quickly.

What do we mean by electric, gas and heat pump hot water?

Understanding the main system types makes choosing a replacement far simpler and faster. Below we define common options in plain terms and note where each suits a home or business.

Electric storage and instantaneous explained

Electric storage is a tank with a resistive element that keeps water warm. It’s simple, reliable and can use off‑peak supply or daytime solar.

Electric instantaneous heats on demand and has no tank. It needs high amperage and often three‑phase supply, so it’s not always practical.

Natural gas storage vs instantaneous (continuous flow)

Natural gas storage uses a burner to reheat a tank and keeps water ready to use. It uses fuel even when taps are idle.

Gas instantaneous (continuous flow) heats only when you draw water. It’s compact but must be sized correctly and vented to code.

Where heat pumps and solar-boosted systems fit in Adelaide

Heat pump systems extract heat from the air to warm a tank. They can cut energy use by up to about 70% compared with resistive elements.

Solar‑boosted systems use rooftop collectors to pre‑heat water, with an electric or gas booster for cloudy days.

  • Storage loses heat over time; instantaneous avoids standing losses.
  • Tanks need space and safe siting; on‑demand units need proper fuel and venting.
  • We supply and install all systems for residential and commercial customers. Ask us for a replacement or book a plumber today.

Electric vs gas hot water cost Adelaide: day-to-day running costs

Daily bills swing based on your system type, tariff and household habits. Small shifts — a timer change, solar use or a more efficient unit — can cut running figures fast.

Typical annual running costs by household size

Household Conventional electric storage (daily / year) Gas instantaneous (daily / year) Heat pump (daily / year)
1 person $4.91 / $1,792 $3.05 / $1,115 $1.75 / $639
2 people $5.01 / $1,830 $3.05 / $1,115 $1.85 / $675
3–4 people $5.11 / $1,865 $3.15 / $1,150 $2.10 / $766

Tariffs, off-peak timing and solar self-consumption

Day‑to‑day running depends on tariffs and when you draw water. Off‑peak timers and solar PV lower electricity use during peak times. With good self‑consumption, pump and solar combos become very cheap to run.

Gas usage, daily supply charges and rising gas prices

Gas bills include a daily supply charge plus usage. That means even low usage households pay to stay connected to natural gas. Rising prices raise bills even where per‑day usage stays steady.

Efficiency impact: storage losses vs on-demand systems

Storage tanks lose heat over time. On‑demand units avoid standing losses but spike while heating. Heat pump systems cut energy use by up to about 70% compared with resistive tanks and scale well for larger households.

If bills are hurting, call Marc on 0432 667 785 — we work 24/7 to tune timers, assess tariffs and plan an efficient upgrade for your hot water systems.

Upfront, installation and lifespan: what you pay over time

Short-term prices hide long-term benefits; a higher initial outlay can mean much lower running figures later. We outline supply ranges, likely install work and expected service life so you can decide with confidence.

Purchase and install ranges for local homes

Supply-only ranges vary by technology and size: storage tanks typically sit between $650 and $2,500, on‑demand units from $600 to $3,000, heat pump systems $2,200–$6,800, and gas storage up to about $7,000.

Installation can add more, especially where electrical upgrades or licensed gasfitting are required. Conversions often cost extra but may pay back through lower running bills.

Expected lifespan, maintenance and total ownership

Most tanks and modern systems last around 10–15 years with regular maintenance. Heat pump models follow a similar range; some high‑end units vary.

Routine service protects your asset: anode checks, valve testing and TMV or backflow compliance extend life and reduce faults. We provide itemised scopes so you see the total picture over several years.

  • Upfront: varies by tech, size and site access.
  • Installation: gas work needs licensed fitters; pumps may need airflow and electrical work.
  • Maintenance: regular checks save replacement bills.

We handle supply, installation and ongoing servicing across the city. Qualified and insured, we maintain all brands and manage commercial compliance. For a straight swap or a detailed quote, call Marc on 0432 667 785 or email info@allmatplumbing.com.au.

Adelaide rebates and incentives that change the equation

Local incentive schemes can cut the net price of efficient replacements by hundreds or more. This makes a big difference when we compare lifetime running figures and upfront spend.

South Australia REPS and City of Adelaide rebates

REPS can provide $300–$450 for upgrades and up to about $1,300 if you disconnect from natural gas. The City of Adelaide may add up to roughly $1,500 for eligible addresses.

We check your address, confirm eligibility and manage the paperwork for you.

STCs and how system size and efficiency affects value

Small, efficient units under 425L attract STCs. The better the efficiency, the greater the credit. Combining STCs with state and council rebates often cuts net upfront significantly for heat pump and solar‑boosted systems.

When rebates make heat pumps cheaper over 10 years

With stacked rebates and lower running costs, a heat pump can beat a gas replacement over a decade. We include all incentives in our quotes and handle applications so households see the true net numbers before they decide.

  • Want an exact rebate check? Email info@allmatplumbing.com.au or call Marc on 0432 667 785.
  • We prepare claims, apply credits and offer fast local response for replacements.

Which system suits your Adelaide home or business?

The best pick for your property comes down to space, supply and daily demand patterns. We visit sites, check connections and recommend the right system for your needs.

Scenarios: small units, family homes, solar households, commercial sites

Small units often face tight space and limited meter capacity. Instantaneous gas or a compact heat pump can fit where a large tank cannot.

Family homes benefit from heat pump or solar‑boosted storage because steady usage rewards efficiency and correct sizing.

Solar households pair well with pumps that run when panels produce. Timers shift heating to sunny hours and cut running bills.

Commercial sites vary. We model peak loads, design redundancy, and install TMVs and backflow protection for reliable service.

Red flags and constraints: space, power supply, gas availability, compliance

  • Limited electricity capacity: may block a high‑draw unit without an upgrade.
  • No outdoor space: stops some pumps or collectors being installed.
  • Venting and flue rules: are mandatory for gas systems and can restrict placement.
  • Heritage or site limits: often require tailored designs and approvals.
  • Drainage: we clear drains with hydro‑jet to protect your new installation.

Unsure what fits? We will assess your home or business, list pros and cons, and supply a clear timeline and quote. Call Marc on 0432 667 785 to book a site check and a practical system plan.

Why choose us for hot water, gas fitting and emergency support

When a plumbing fault affects your daily routine, you need rapid, reliable support from a team that knows local rules and risks. We are qualified, insured and ready to respond 24/7 across Adelaide.

Qualified and insured, fully equipped, 24/7

We hold full licences and public liability cover. Our vehicles arrive stocked to fix most faults on the first visit. We handle residential and commercial callouts and run a dedicated emergency line for urgent faults.

Services: hot water systems, gas fitting and drainage

We install and replace hot water systems — including heat pump and solar‑boosted and gas electric options — and manage safe gas fitting and leak detection for natural gas and LPG.

  • General plumbing, taps, toilets and burst pipes.
  • Drainage clearing with hydro jet for sewer and stormwater.
  • Backflow testing, TMVs, grease arresters and commercial compliance.
  • Design and construct for plant rooms, conversions and larger installations.

Need a same‑day replacement or an urgent repair? Call Marc on 0432 667 785 or email info@allmatplumbing.com.au to request a quote today. Need help now? Call our 24/7 emergency line and ask for backflow testing or hot water replacement.

Conclusion

A smart upgrade can cut energy use and make daily routines simpler.

Across most homes a heat pump paired with solar delivers the lowest running figures over years. Where meter capacity or roof space limits options, an on‑demand gas unit can still be suitable for lower usage sites.

Rebates and government schemes often shift the net price in favour of efficient choices. We assess your property, size the right system and manage compliance so you see real savings, not guesswork.

Need it fixed now? Call Marc on 0432 667 785, request a quote today or email info@allmatplumbing.com.au. For details on our services visit Allmat Plumbing.

FAQ

How do running bills compare between electric storage, natural gas and heat pump systems in Adelaide?

Running bills vary with fuel price, system efficiency and household use. Heat pump systems typically use less energy to produce the same amount of warm water because they move heat rather than generate it. Modern natural gas continuous-flow units can be economical for high demand if gas prices remain low. Electric storage tends to lose energy through standby heat loss. We recommend calculating local tariffs, daily supply charges and typical daily litres to get accurate annual estimates.

What impacts daily hot water running costs the most?

The main drivers are your household’s daily water usage pattern, the system’s efficiency (including storage losses), the energy tariff or gas price, and whether you use off-peak or solar self-consumption. For example, an efficient heat pump paired with rooftop solar reduces daytime draw from the grid and lowers bills substantially compared with a storage tank on a peak tariff.

Are heat pumps eligible for South Australian rebates or federal incentives?

Yes. Many heat pump installations qualify for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and state programs like the Renewable Technology Fund or local council offers, which can reduce upfront cost. Eligibility depends on system size, installer accreditation and whether the unit meets efficiency criteria. We can assess rebates for your specific installation.

How do installation and lifetime costs compare across systems?

Purchase price and installation for continuous-flow gas is often lower than a high-efficiency heat pump, but lifetime costs factor in fuel price volatility, maintenance and replacement intervals. Heat pumps usually have higher upfront cost but lower operating bills; gas units are cheaper to buy but can cost more to run if gas prices rise. Expected lifespans: gas and electric storage tanks 8–15 years; well-maintained heat pumps 10–15+ years.

Can solar PV make a storage tank or heat pump cheaper to run?

Yes. Solar PV can supply much of the electricity for a pump or an electric boost element. Heat pumps paired with solar are particularly effective because they draw modest power over longer cycles, maximising solar self-consumption. For storage tanks, exporting excess solar is less efficient unless you time heating to coincide with peak solar production or use smart controllers.

What are typical annual running costs by household size in Adelaide?

Estimates vary, but for benchmarking: a single-person household will have much lower annual bills than a family of four. Factors include shower length and water-saving fixtures. Rather than generic numbers, we analyse household hot water litres-per-day, local tariffs and system efficiency to produce tailored yearly running-cost projections.

Is continuous-flow (instantaneous) gas better than storage for efficiency?

Continuous-flow units avoid tank standby losses and supply hot water on demand, which can be more efficient for smaller or intermittent use. Storage tanks suit households with high peak demand or where off-peak tariff charging is possible. Each option has trade-offs related to installation space, gas supply requirements and maintenance.

What constraints should Adelaide homeowners consider when choosing a system?

Consider available roof or yard space, existing gas mains, electrical capacity and council planning rules. Old properties may need electrical upgrades for high-load heat pumps or regulators for gas. Heritage areas might restrict external equipment. We carry out site assessments to identify red flags and compliance needs before quoting.

How do tariffs, off‑peak periods and supply charges affect savings?

Time-of-use tariffs and off‑peak windows can significantly change running costs. Off‑peak rates make storage heaters more attractive if you can heat during cheaper periods. High daily supply charges for gas or electricity erode per-unit savings, so we model both consumption and fixed charges to show true household impact.

What maintenance and service should we expect for each system?

Storage tanks need anode checks and element or burner servicing every few years. Continuous-flow gas units require annual combustion and flue checks. Heat pumps benefit from filter cleaning and periodic refrigerant and compressor inspections. Regular maintenance extends life and preserves efficiency; we offer scheduled service plans across Adelaide.

When will a heat pump pay back compared with a gas system?

Payback depends on the upfront price, available rebates, energy price trends and household usage. In many cases with current incentives and solar pairing, a heat pump can reach payback within 5–10 years versus a gas system. We prepare cost‑of‑ownership comparisons over 10–15 years to show expected return.

Do we provide emergency repairs and gas fitting services in Adelaide?

Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency support, certified gas fitting, leak detection and repairs across the metropolitan area. Our teams carry tools and replacement parts for common failures and can advise on temporary measures until a permanent fix is completed.

Can you design systems for commercial sites or multi‑unit buildings?

Yes. We design and install systems for small businesses, apartment blocks and commercial premises. We consider peak demand, redundancy, compliance with Australian Standards and integration with existing plant. We also provide tender-ready specifications for builders and property managers.

How do storage losses compare with on‑demand systems in practice?

Storage tanks lose heat continuously, typically a small percentage daily depending on insulation and tank age. On‑demand systems eliminate this loss but may have higher fuel conversion losses in certain conditions. Real-world efficiency depends on usage patterns; we measure or estimate household profiles to advise the best option.

If we already have rooftop solar, which system gives the best savings?

Heat pumps generally deliver the greatest synergy with rooftop solar because they use electricity efficiently over daytime production periods. If you have a smart controller, you can time boosting to maximise solar use. Continuous dialogue between generation, storage and demand gives the best outcomes; we can configure systems to optimise this.

What are common red flags during site assessment?

Limited outdoor space for condensers, weak switchboard capacity, inaccessible flues, gas supply pressure issues and heritage or council restrictions are typical red flags. These can increase installation complexity or cost. We identify issues early and present compliant, costed options.