If you’re curious about whether an instant hot water system is the right move for your home, whether you’re in Brighton, Bentleigh, Cheltenham, Sandringham, or anywhere along Melbourne’s bayside, let’s dive in and separate the hype from the facts.
Don’t wait for your hot water to fail. Book your instant hot water system installation or assessment with Ezy-Plumb today and enjoy endless hot water, lower energy bills, and peace of mind.
What Exactly Is an Instant Hot Water System?
Instant (or tankless) hot water systems do things differently. Instead of keeping a big tank of water hot all day, they only heat water when you actually need it.
Here’s how it works: turn on the hot tap, and cold water rushes through a heat exchanger inside the unit. A gas burner or electric element instantly heats the water as it passes through, so you get a steady stream of hot water on demand.
- No more waiting for a tank to refill
- No more running out of hot water mid-shower
- Way less energy wasted keeping water hot all day
Ready to explore if an instant hot water system is right for your home? Book a hot water assessment with Ezy-Plumb’s licensed plumbers servicing Brighton, Mentone, Moorabbin, and all bayside suburbs today.
Types of Instant Hot Water Systems
In Australia, you’ll mostly come across two main types:
- Gas Continuous Flow Systems
These are the go-to choice for many Melbourne homes, from Caulfield to Carnegie and all around the bayside. They use natural gas or LPG and work best if you’ve got a solid gas supply and good water pressure. Big names like Rinnai, Rheem, and Bosch lead the pack, and many models are top-rated for energy efficiency.
- Electric Instant Systems
Electric models use powerful heating elements. They’re compact and great for apartments or homes without gas. However, they can chew through electricity. For most families, gas systems win out thanks to faster flow rates and lower running costs (based on typical Aussie energy prices).
Why Are So Many Aussies Switching in 2026?
- Endless Hot Water: No more fighting over who used up all the hot water. With on-demand heating, you’ll never run out, even if everyone showers back-to-back.
- Energy Efficiency: Traditional tanks keep water hot 24/7, wasting energy. Instant systems only use power when you turn on the tap. According to government reports, they can be 30–50% more efficient than old-school storage units.
- Compact & Wall-Mounted: These units are small and can be mounted outside, freeing up precious space, especially handy in apartments or smaller homes in places like Elwood, St Kilda, and Balaclava.
- Longer Lifespan: With fewer parts exposed to constant heat, instant systems often last up to 20 years (compared to 10–12 for traditional tanks).
Curious if an instant hot water system is right for you? Book an assessment with Ezy-Plumb’s licensed plumbers—they cover Brighton, Mentone, Moorabbin, and all the bayside suburbs.
The Downsides You Should Know
Of course, no system is perfect. Here’s what Ezy-Plumb wants homeowners in Hampton, Highett, Oakleigh, and beyond to consider before making the switch:
Flow Rate Limits: Every instant system can only heat so much water per minute. If you’ve got multiple showers or taps running at once, you might notice a drop in pressure or temperature. Bigger families may need a higher-capacity model or even multiple units.
Installation Can Be Tricky: Unlike swapping out an old tank, instant systems often need gas line upgrades, electrical adjustments, and outdoor venting. That’s why you want a licensed plumber like Ezy-Plumb handling the job.
Low Flow, Lukewarm Water: These systems need a minimum water flow to kick in. If you’ve got super low-flow taps or certain mixer settings, the water might not heat up properly. Newer models are getting better, but it’s still something to keep in mind.
Not Always Worth It for Low Usage: If you live alone or barely use hot water, you might not see big savings. Instant systems shine in busy households with lots of showers and baths.
Still Needs Regular Servicing: Even though they’re lower maintenance than tanks, instant systems need a yearly check-up to clear out mineral build-up and keep everything running smoothly. Skip the service, and you could end up with a costly repair.
Instant vs Storage Hot Water Systems: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Instant (Tankless) | Storage (Traditional) |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Water Supply | Continuous | Limited (tank capacity) |
| Energy Use | Only when tap on | Constant standby heat loss |
| Size | Compact, wall-mounted | Large tank |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years | 8–12 years |
| Install Complexity | Moderate–High | Simple replacement |
| Maintenance | Low–Moderate | Moderate–High |
| Eco Impact | Lower emissions | Higher emissions |
| Best For | Families / busy homes | Small households |
So, Are Instant Hot Water Systems Worth It in 2026?
Short answer…
For most Aussie homes, absolutely. But it really depends on your water usage, your property, and what energy sources you have. Instant systems are a no-brainer if you:
- Have a big family or multiple bathrooms
- Already use natural gas
- Want to save space and cut down on energy bills
- Love the idea of endless hot water
If you’re living solo or barely use hot water, a small electric storage unit might actually make more sense. The best way to know for sure? Book a hot water system assessment with a licensed plumber; they’ll check out your setup and help you pick the perfect fit.
Still not sure what’s right for your home? Reach out to Ezy-Plumb for expert advice and upgrades across Melbourne’s bayside, including Armadale, Aspendale, Black Rock, and Gardenvale.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Let’s face it, sustainability is a big deal for Aussie homeowners these days. According to the government, water heating makes up about 21% of household energy use. Instant systems help cut that down by only heating water when you need it, instead of running all day.
If you want to go the extra mile for the planet (and your wallet), try pairing your instant system with:
- Solar heating
- Energy-efficient showerheads
- Regular servicing to keep things running at peak efficiency
More and more folks in Bentleigh East, Beaumaris, and Parkdale are combining instant systems with other energy-saving plumbing upgrades to shrink their carbon footprint and their bills.
What to Think About Before You Install
Before you jump in, here’s what Ezy-Plumb recommends checking:
Energy Source:
Do you have natural gas, electricity, or LPG? Instant systems work best with gas.
Water Pressure:
Instant systems need a certain flow to activate properly.
Installation Spot:
Usually installed on an outside wall with ventilation.
Family Size:
More people = larger or multiple units needed.
Future Plans:
If you’ll add bathrooms or extend the home, plan ahead.
Our team provides expert hot water installation services throughout Edithvale, Elsternwick, Glen Huntly, and all surrounding suburbs.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Performance
- Annual servicing
- Regular descaling
- Check venting
- Monitor temperature (around 50°C)
- Pre-winter check
Heads up: Winter’s on the way! Don’t get caught out with a busted hot water system. Get your plumbing winter-ready and dodge those emergency callouts.
Call Us Today: 0402 169 096
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade in 2026?
If your old storage water heater is on its last legs, chewing through energy, or just can’t keep up, an instant hot water system is a smart, future-proof upgrade. You’ll get better efficiency, endless comfort, and a smaller environmental footprint—all in one go.
But here’s the catch: the system needs to be properly sized and installed. Too small or poorly fitted, and you won’t get the results you want, no matter how fancy the model.
That’s why so many homeowners across Brighton, Bentleigh, Cheltenham, Sandringham, Hampton East, Mentone, Mordialloc, and all over Melbourne’s bayside trust Ezy-Plumb.
Don’t wait for your hot water to give up on you. Book your instant hot water system installation or assessment with Ezy-Plumb today and enjoy endless hot water, lower bills, and total peace of mind!
