Hot Water Systems in Ararat

Hot water systems in Ararat

Across Ararat, more households are swapping old gas and ageing electric units for an energy efficient hot water system that keeps bills down and comfort high. With around 3,650 occupied dwellings and an average household size of 2.2 people, hot water is a big slice of local energy use, especially for families and retirees. Many homes are owned outright or with a mortgage, so upgrading the hot water system is a logical next step after insulation, LED lighting and maybe a rooftop solar system.

Ararat’s strong sunlight makes it well suited to a solar hot water system or a modern heat pump hot water system. The local climate data shows mean daily solar exposure of about 16.1 MJ/m², which is roughly 4.5 kWh/m² per day across the year, so a solar hot water heating system or heat pump can work efficiently even through cooler months. For homeowners looking at the best hot water system Australia can offer, shifting from gas or an old electric hot water system can deliver substantial annual hot water energy savings, especially with rising tariffs.

In 3377, separate houses dominate, with many three and four bedroom homes that naturally have higher hot water demand. Older residents and families alike value reliability, which is why brands like Rheem, Rinnai and Sanden are common choices for hot water installation. You will see Rheem solar hot water and Rheem heat pump hot water on established homes, Rinnai solar hot water on newer builds, and premium sanden heat pump systems on all electric homes chasing the most efficient hot water system possible. For many, the question of heat pump vs solar hot water comes down to roof space, budget and whether there is already rooftop solar in place.

When you compare hot water system price or cost, it helps to factor in the running costs, not just the upfront electric hot water installation. A quality heat pump hot water installation can cut usage by up to two thirds compared with an old electric hot water system, while a well designed solar hot water installation can use the sun for most of your needs and rely on a booster in winter. Many Ararat homes are also weighing up solar hot water vs electric hot water, or electric hot water vs gas hot water, with an eye on future gas phase outs and long term energy savings.

Typical annual bill savings in Ararat look like this:

• Old electric storage to heat pump hot water system: about $350–$700 per year • Gas storage to heat pump hot water system: about $250–$500 per year • Gas storage to solar hot water system: about $200–$450 per year • Old electric to modern electric hot water system run on rooftop solar: about $250–$600 per year

Locally, there is a clear trend towards efficient hot water. There have already been 386 efficient hot water systems installed in the Ararat postcode, combining both heat pump and solar hot water installations. Installations jumped in 2008 and 2009, with another strong surge from 2022 onwards and particularly in 2024 and 2025 as energy prices climbed and more people looked to electrification. This steady growth shows how households in Ararat are using efficient hot water to lower running costs, reduce emissions and future proof their homes.

Hot Water Rebates, Tariffs & Savings

Right across Ararat, interest is growing in replacing old gas or electric units with efficient options like a heat pump hot water system, a modern electric hot water system or a solar hot water system. Federal incentives such as Small scale Technology Certificates (STCs) apply to eligible heat pump and solar hot water systems, effectively acting as an upfront discount. On top of that, Victorian schemes can offer a heat pump hot water rebate or solar hot water rebate, and in some cases an electric hot water system rebate, cutting the effective heat pump hot water price or cost and solar hot water price or cost by a substantial percentage.

For many Ararat homes, that means the payback period on an energy efficient hot water system can shrink to just a few years, especially if you already have rooftop solar and use timers or smart controls to run the system during the day. With typical savings of hundreds of dollars per year on bills, plus the option of off peak or flexible tariffs, an efficient hot water upgrade can be one of the fastest returning investments in the home.

If you live in Ararat and your current unit is old, noisy or struggling, it is a good time to check whether your home is ready for a hot water upgrade. Whether you are moving from gas to an all electric home, comparing heat pump vs solar hot water, or simply need solar hot water repair, solar hot water tank replacement or hot water repair on an existing system, working with experienced hot water installers in VIC who understand local conditions is essential. With strong solar exposure, a high rate of home ownership and growing interest in sustainability, Ararat is well placed to benefit from energy efficient hot water systems that cut bills, reduce emissions and improve comfort. Reach out to trusted local experts for personalised advice on hot water VIC options, the latest hot water rebate VIC programs, and the best heat pump hot water system or solar solution for your property, and take the next step towards a smarter, more efficient home.