A slow death ......

Jess_F · #1 22-12-2011, 05:47 AM

Our hot water service is almost dead ... (although I think it's already dead, but that's another story !

) and knowing Murphy's law we will be stuck without any hot water over Christmas.

I've been doing some quick research this morning but was interested to hear what everyone has and/or recommends.

We are a household of 4 with 2 teenagers loving their showers to the point that they can both empty the 175litre unit in one session. Our current unit is a Vulcan Freeloader 175litre unit.

Any tips???

Di · #2 22-12-2011, 05:55 AM

1st tip - get yourself a bloody big stick and get them out of the shower. With reduced flow shower heads (9L per minute), they should be using a third of that amount and helping to save the planet.

2nd tip - gas instantaneous. You never run out and your power bills will be that much cheaper and your purse will love you for it. We installed one a year ago when we extended and we're shocked at how little our bills have been when others are complaining of high electricity bills.

Apparently the Labor government is going to ban the installation of electric hot water services for new builds, etc.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/new...-1226225253103

Eli · #3 22-12-2011, 05:56 AM

Seriously Jess you can't go past a Rinnai Infinity 26litre or above. They are brilliant and continuous flow so cheaper to operate. Our one had a controller in the bathroom and kitchen so you could modify the temperature (I like hotter showers than anyone else) and even control how long the teenagers have in the water. You can get external (ours) or internal models and I think they even have an environmental friendly one out too.

thisisme · #4 22-12-2011, 06:12 AM

How many bathrooms/showers do you have Jess?

We've got a Rinnai Infinity 32.

Jess_F · #5 22-12-2011, 06:19 AM

We have two bathrooms and two showers TIM ... just checking out the Infinity range now !

Do you have the standards Infinity 32 or the Enviro?

thisisme · #6 22-12-2011, 06:29 AM

We've got 3 bathrooms (with showers) and 2 powder rooms. We've just got the standard Infinity 32.

Jess_F · #7 22-12-2011, 07:00 AM

Did you get it as part of your build? Do you happen to know the rough cost?

thisisme · #8 22-12-2011, 07:52 AM

We owner built so paid for everything ourselves and separately

This is the one we've got:

http://www.gstore.com.au/catalog/rin...9ckiab42u5tee3

Jess_F · #9 22-12-2011, 08:15 AM

Ladies ... Ive been told to expect a drop in pressure when moving to the instantaneous unit (Rinnai) ... have you guys experienced problems/issues with this?

Jess_F · #10 22-12-2011, 08:20 AM

I can get a shop-soiled (scratch on side) Rinnai 32 for $1350 ... retail around $1890.

But ... then we will need to upgrade our gas pipes to 1" from meter to unit ... approx $1K.

Plus installation we'd be looking at around $3k all up.

I can also get an Aquamax 390 unit for $1790 installed ..

Everyone I've called is closing down until 3 Jan so we need to make a decision in the next hour or so to have installation later today ... AARRRGGGHH !!!