Based on your frequently asked questions and more than 30 years of experience in the Canberra region installing and replacing hot water systems, we can be confident that the Rheem Stellar gas storage hot water heater and the Aquamax 340SS gas storage hot water systems will meet all the requirements to be rated number 4 on the list of hot water systems you should install in the Canberra region.
The Rheem Stellar gas storage hot water heater and the Aquamax 340ss gas storage hot water systems are suited to Canberra’s cooler climates and suburban hot water installations. It is unaffected by frost or most weather conditions and can quickly provide large quantities of hot water.
We rated the installation of this hot water system based on its value for money, longevity, serviceability, spare parts, after-sales service, efficiency, and long-term environmental impacts. The ACT Government’s zero emissions policy also contributed to our decision.
Price based on longevity 5 out of 5
Their longevity is expected to be 20+ years, with servicing required once every 5 years. This is double the life of most solar hot water systems and may be up to four times longer than most heat pump hot water systems.
Efficiency 3 out of 5
With a 5-star energy rating, these are a very efficient gas hot water system. Gas efficiency is approximately 5% less than a gas continuous flow hot water system. Unlike heat pump hot water systems and solar hot water systems, their efficiency and recovery rate is not affected by the weather, their location or the time of hot water demand.
Reliability 5 out of 5
The Rheem Stellar and the Aquamax 340SS and 390SS gas hot water systems are among Australia’s most reliable and very reliable in Canberra’s cold climates. There are virtually no moving parts, heat transfer fluids and no refrigerant gases that need topping up. They are not affected by outside air temperatures or blackouts.
Serviceability, spare parts and after-sales service 5 out of 5
Being made by Rheem, spare parts for these hot water systems are straightforward to get and are interchangeable. Every plumbing supplier in Canberra keeps spare parts for the Aquamax and Rheem in stock. No complex systems require specialist skills like heat pump hot water systems. With over 700 plumber gasfitters in Canberra, most breakdowns can be repaired within a few hours of owners calling for a service. Replacement gas hot water systems are easy to obtain in Canberra, too.
Benefits to the environment: 1 out of 5
Currently, there are no hydrogen combustion hot water systems available in Australia. Although these systems have less embedded energy than heat pumps and solar hot water systems, they still burn natural gas, a fossil fuel harmful to the environment. Therefore, we can only give them a rating of 1 star out of 5. However, as the gas networks transition to renewable gas, the rating for these systems will improve. In the long term, we believe that the rating for these systems will increase to 5 stars out of 5.
Value for money 5 out of 5
When compared to heat pumps and solar hot water systems, the Rheem Stellar and Aquamax 340SS and 390SS gas hot water systems represent great value for money, given the amount of hot water they can produce in a short period, their serviceability, low cost of spare parts, simplicity and their very long life.
Running costs excluding repairs and maintenance 1-2 out of 5 (average 1.5 stars)
Just in front of electric storage not connected to solar PV, but behind gas continuous flow, heat pumps and solar hot water systems.
Compatibility with the ACT Government’s zero emissions policy 2.5 out of 5
For the government’s electrification policy to be successful, the shift away from natural gas must be gradual and well-planned. Currently, the electricity network in the ACT cannot store or distribute electricity quickly enough to support a rapid transition to electrification. Therefore, deploying renewable electricity generation and storage must be synchronized with the phasing out of natural gas. Otherwise, the cost of renewable electricity for residents of Canberra will increase significantly.
Evidence suggests that the ACT Government’s electrification policy is flawed and could have negative environmental consequences. This policy could also be expensive for both homeowners and businesses in Canberra. The ecological impacts of this policy could include significant battery waste, land clearing for mining and processing of metals, and using precious water resources in arid locations to build new transmission lines and BESS.
It is worth noting that the existing gas networks can store the same amount of green energy as 1.8 billion Tesla Powerwall batteries. Therefore, transitioning to green gas in our networks could have fewer environmental detrimental impacts than full electrification.
Total Score 30 out of 40
FAQ Answered
Is gas hot water better than solar?
Living in a large multi-story apartment building means there is not enough roof space for solar hot water collectors, making gas hot water a better option.
For buildings with ample unshaded roof space and fewer occupants, a solar hot water system like the Rheem Premier Hiline roof-mounted system is a better option than a gas hot water system.
Gas storage hot water systems are more reliable, cheaper, and easier to install and repair than solar hot water systems.
Is gas being phased out in Australia?
Australia is phasing out the use of fossil fuel gas before 2050. Gas network operators are working towards achieving a 100% renewable gas network. This transition will happen gradually by blending hydrogen into the existing gas networks over the next few decades. As a result, users of gas appliances will eventually need to modify or replace their existing appliances.
Gas appliance manufacturers are currently working on developing appliances that can safely and efficiently operate with different blends of hydrogen and natural gas. This means that appliance owners will only need to make a one-time upgrade to transition to the new blend. Additionally, we may see the introduction of solid oxide fuel cells that can generate electricity and heat, which can be attached to the sides of homes and businesses.
Renewable hydrogen is expected to become very affordable within the next 20 years, even more so than electricity. The current gas networks have the capacity to store the same amount of green energy as 1.8 billion Tesla Powerwall batteries. Therefore, transitioning to green gas in our networks will have less negative impact on the environment compared to full electrification and electric batteries.
The Downsides
The government’s policy to phase out natural gas while hindering the transition to renewable hydrogen in our gas networks will result in very high gas prices. Currently, renewable gas is not available, so The Rheem Stellar and Aquamax’s use of fossil fuels is detrimental to the environment. LPG models are expensive to run, too.
If we have been able to make choosing a hot water system easier, we can provide you with a competitive quote for a Rheem Stellar, Aquamax 340SS, Aquamax 390SS or other types of hot water systems. Contact us now 0448844911
Thank you for reading our Why Aquamax 340SS & Rheem Stellar storage makes the top 5 hot water system reviews for Canberra, compared to solar, heat pump, electric storage & gas instant water heaters page.