Has your electric water heater stopped working, or stopped working well enough? Well, it’s a good time to consider all your water heating options. The Australian Government is encouraging the phase-out of energy intensive heaters and promoting the uptake of more efficient, gas, solar and heat pump water heaters.
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That means, in some situations, there are restrictions against installing electric heaters and incentives to install the more energy efficient models. On the other hand, there are some areas and installations where electric water heaters remain permitted, such as units or apartments, and in some homes. Your plumber can advise you on the best water heater for your needs. Information on the phase out plans for electric water heaters can be obtained from the Australian Government website www.climatechange.gov.au and the relevant Local and State Government websites for where you live for more information.
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If you are thinking about replacing your current electric heater, we recommend the following steps:
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Step 1: Check if your electric water heater can be repaired
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Your current electric water heater may need repair rather than replacement. If it’s not working, or not working well, check the troubleshooting section in your Owner's Guide before you do anything else (you can find your manual online by searching Owner's Guides). You could also call a plumber or Rheem Service on 131 013 for advice.
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Step 2: Consider whether you can (and want to) to install an identical heater
as a replacement
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Many governments around Australia have restricted the installation of electric water heaters in residential dwellings, so you need to check the regulations in your area when considering your options.
If you live in a unit, replacing an electric water heater with another electric water heater is generally allowed. They are a popular choice in these situations because they:
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- are easy to install, especially if you’re replacing an existing electric unit
- heat water quickly, especially with more powerful or twin elements
- can be inexpensive to run where low cost off-peak electricity tariffs are available and used
- are suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations
- are available in small through to large tanks including units small enough to fit under a kitchen bench and heat a lot of water in a short time – ideal for apartments and units
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Our electric range includes adjustable thermostats and 5 year and 10 year cylinder warranty options. Find out more about our electric water heaters.
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Step 3: Consider alternative water heating options
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Rheem Gas, Solar and Heat Pump hot water options are all efficient and practical replacements for an electric heater. To find out about the Rheem water heater types and what’s best for you, you can:
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- ask a plumber
- call the Rheem Service Team on 131 031
- read the Frequently Asked Questions below
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Frequently Asked Questions
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