Hot Water in Highett, VIC

Hot Water Systems in Highett

The 3190 postcode, covering Highett and surrounding areas, is home to around 5,269 households. With many households already generating their own clean solar power, many are now looking at how they can make their entire home energy system more efficient, with hot water heating often the logical next step.

With hot water roughly accounting for a quarter of the average home's energy use, switching to an energy-efficient hot water system is one of the biggest opportunities for savings. Across Highett and the 3190 area, 273 homeowners have already switched from older electric storage and gas hot water systems to solar hot water or air-source heat pump systems that draw on clean, renewable power while also claiming the hot water rebates to reduce their hot water heater system cost. These highly-efficient systems not only help cut energy bills but also reduce carbon emissions and improve overall energy independence.

With Highett's climate delivering an average of 4.2 kWh/m² per day, conditions are ideal for hot water systems and hybrid heat pump systems that harness both sunlight and ambient air temperature to heat water efficiently all year round. When paired with existing rooftop solar power or solar batteries, the result is hot water that costs far less to run and is powered by clean, self-generated energy.

Icon

Hot Water Ranking

Postcode 3190

245th

State Wide

853rd

Australia Wide

Hot Water Installation Highett

Estimated daily energy to heat household water, comparing a resistive electric element with a high-efficiency heat pump. Demand shifts month-to-month using local climate patterns.

Energy Efficient Hot Water & Solar Power Highett

* Data from the Bureau of Meteorology. Closest station: N/A.

Solar Powered Hot WaterHighett

Illustrates how a typical 6.6 kW rooftop solar system can offset the daytime energy demand of a COP 5 heat pump hot water unit.

Financial Ad Icon

Want Solar Finance Options?

Compare lenders and get tailored loan offers.

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems for Highett

Compare heat pump hot water systems suitable for Highett's climate. These energy-efficient systems are designed to work in local temperature conditions and can significantly reduce your hot water energy costs.

Community Hot Water Statistics - Highett, 3190

Icon

Hot Water Demographics - Highett

Based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 Census (ABS), Highett has around 5,269 private dwellings, home to approximately 11,423 people. With an average household size of 2.4 people, and around 50 litres of hot water used per person each day in Australia, Highett households use approximately 120 litres of hot water daily, equating to a massive 0.6 million litres of hot water used across the suburb every single day.

Other census insights reinforce Highett's suitability for energy-saving improvements like energy-efficient or solar-powered hot water. The Highett community is home to 1,111 couple families with children and 207 one-parent families, meaning a large proportion of households face substantial hot water demand. With 1,942 homes owned with a mortgage and 1,459 owned outright, many residents also have the homeownership and growing equity that make switching to efficient hot water systems a practical way to lower expenses.

Highett is converting hot water demand to efficient systems faster than many peers, with 5.2% of dwellings already upgraded.

Icon

Hot water systems in Highett

Across Highett, more homeowners and businesses are rethinking their hot water system and moving away from old gas units to efficient options like a heat pump hot water system, solar hot water system or modern electric hot water system. With an average household size of about 2.4 people and more than 4,800 occupied dwellings, reliable, affordable hot water is a big deal for local families, downsizers and busy professionals alike.

Highett’s climate is well suited to efficient hot water. Nearby Brighton records around 15.2 MJ/m² of solar exposure per day on average – roughly 4.2 kWh/m² – which gives a solid base for both a solar hot water heating system and high‑performance heat pump hot water. When you combine that solar resource with Highett’s relatively strong median household income and a high proportion of homes owned with a mortgage, upgrading from an older gas or electric unit to an energy efficient hot water system is a logical way to cut running costs for years to come.

In 3190, separate houses still make up more than half of dwellings, with a growing number of townhouses and apartments. That mix means there is demand for everything from compact electric hot water installation in units through to larger solar hot water installation or heat pump hot water installation for family homes. For many households, hot water can use 20–30% of total energy, so shifting to the most efficient hot water system you can reasonably fit and afford delivers real savings.

Local hot water installation data shows 273 efficient systems (heat pumps and solar hot water) have already gone in across the postcode, with strong years around 2014–2017 and another lift in 2024. That steady growth in heat pump hot water systems and solar hot water systems reflects Highett’s interest in electrification, lower bills and cutting emissions.

Typical annual bill savings in Highett look like this:

• Old electric to heat pump hot water system: $400–$800 per year • Gas to heat pump: $300–$600 per year • Gas to solar hot water system: $250–$550 per year • Old electric to modern electric hot water system with rooftop solar: $300–$700 per year

Brands like Rheem heat pump hot water and Rheem solar hot water are common choices for reliability, while Sanden heat pump units are popular for premium efficiency and quiet operation. Rinnai solar hot water and Chromagen solar hot water options also appear regularly on Highett roofs, especially where owners want a durable solar hot water tank replacement. Many locals simply ask for the best hot water system Australia can offer for their budget, or the best heat pump hot water system that will work with an existing solar array.

When you compare heat pump vs solar hot water, both can dramatically reduce energy use compared with an old electric hot water system or gas hot water. Heat pumps suit shaded blocks or apartments with limited roof space, while a solar hot water vs electric hot water upgrade makes sense on sunny roofs with good north or west exposure. Either way, modern systems are far more efficient than older units and can be paired with timers or solar diversion so you heat water when your panels are producing.

Hot Water Rebates, Tariffs & Savings

In Highett VIC, there is strong interest in replacing tired gas or electric units with efficient hot water options. A key driver is the range of incentives available. The Australian Government’s Small‑scale Technology Certificates (STCs) reduce the upfront solar hot water price / cost and heat pump hot water price / cost, effectively acting as a point‑of‑sale discount. On top of that, Victorian programmes can offer a heat pump hot water rebate or solar hot water rebate, and in some cases an electric hot water system rebate when moving away from gas.

For many Highett households, these hot water rebate VIC incentives can trim the installed hot water system price / cost by a substantial percentage. That means the solar hot water price / cost or heat pump hot water price / cost can drop to a level where payback is only a few years, especially if you already have rooftop solar. Combine rebates with smart tariffs, timers or solar‑diversion controls and you can often save hundreds of dollars a year on bills from your new energy efficient hot water system.

If you are in Highett and wondering whether to stick with electric hot water vs gas hot water, or weighing up heat pump vs solar hot water, now is a good time to look closely at your options. Whether you need hot water repair, solar hot water repair, full solar hot water tank replacement or a fresh electric hot water installation, working with experienced local installers helps you choose the most efficient hot water system for your home and budget. With Highett’s strong solar resource and growing focus on sustainability, an efficient hot water upgrade can reduce bills, cut emissions and future‑proof your property. To make sense of the choices and rebates and to find the best heat pump hot water system or solar setup for you, connect with trusted local experts for personalised advice with us.

Nearby Suburbs

See Also