Best Hot Water System for Apartments

Choosing the best hot water system for an apartment is different from choosing one for a freestanding house. Space, access, body corporate rules, drainage, ventilation, noise, electrical capacity and existing plumbing all matter. At Hot Water Outlet, you can compare supply-only hot water systems online, including electric hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems, heat pump hot water systems and compatible valves, pipework and fittings.

Quick Answer

For most apartments, the best hot water system is usually the system type that matches the existing setup.

If your apartment already has an electric storage unit in a cupboard, laundry, garage or balcony area, a similar-sized electric hot water system is often the simplest option to compare.

If your apartment already has an approved gas continuous flow unit, a like-for-like instant gas hot water system may suit, provided the gas type, flue setup, location and sizing are correct.

If your apartment has suitable outdoor space, airflow, drainage, noise clearance and body corporate approval, a heat pump hot water system may be worth comparing. However, heat pumps are not suitable for every apartment because they need airflow and suitable placement.

Best Hot Water System Options for Apartments

Why Apartments Need Different Hot Water Checks

Apartments often have tighter installation areas than houses. A hot water unit might be inside a cupboard, above a washing machine, in a garage, on a balcony, in a services room or in a shared plant area.

Before buying a supply-only hot water system online, check:

• Existing system type

• Current tank size or flow rate

• Available space

• Doorway and lift access

• Body corporate or strata rules

• Whether the unit is indoor or outdoor rated

• Drainage location

• Electrical supply

• Gas type if applicable

• Existing valves and fittings

• Whether the existing setup is compliant

Supply-only pricing usually does not include installation, plumbing labour, electrical work, gas fitting, old unit removal, disposal, valves, fittings, pipework changes, drainage work, switchboard upgrades, gas upgrades, regulator changes, compliance upgrades, concrete bases, platforms or delivery beyond what is shown at checkout.

Electric Storage Hot Water Systems for Apartments

Electric storage hot water systems are one of the most common apartment options because they are simple, compact and familiar to many properties.

You can compare electric hot water systems by capacity, brand, dimensions, element size and suitability for the available space.

Common apartment electric storage sizes include:

For apartments, the biggest issue is often not just litres. It is whether the replacement system physically fits through the apartment, into the cupboard and onto the existing base or tray.

Electric Storage May Suit Apartments When

• The apartment already has electric storage

• There is no gas connection

• The system is in a cupboard, laundry, garage or balcony area

• The electrical supply is already suitable

• A like-for-like replacement is preferred

• Noise needs to be minimal

Electric Storage Buyer Checks

Before buying, confirm:

• Tank diameter and height

• Element rating

• Left or right connection position

• Indoor or outdoor suitability

• Whether a safe tray is required

• Whether a tempering valve is required

• Whether valves and fittings need replacing

• Whether the unit can physically be moved into position

Brands often compared for electric storage include Rheem hot water systems, Dux hot water systems, Vulcan hot water systems and Stiebel Eltron hot water systems.

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems for Apartments

Heat pump hot water systems can be attractive for energy-conscious buyers, especially where electric storage is being replaced. However, apartments need extra care because heat pumps are not just tanks. They need airflow, drainage and suitable placement.

You can compare heat pump hot water systems, including options from brands such as iStore, Stiebel Eltron, Envirosun and Emerald Energy.

Heat Pumps May Suit Apartments When

• The unit can be installed in a suitable outdoor area

• There is enough airflow around the system

• Condensate drainage can be managed

• Noise placement is acceptable

• Body corporate approval is available

• The electrical setup is suitable

• Access is suitable for delivery and future servicing

Heat Pumps May Not Suit Apartments When

• The only space is inside a small cupboard

• The unit would be too close to neighbours

• Balcony space is restricted

• Condensate drainage cannot be handled

• Body corporate rules do not allow it

• The system would block access or shared areas

• There is not enough airflow around the unit

Heat pump rebates, STCs and incentives can change and depend on the product, installer, property, purchase type and program rules. Do not assume a rebate applies just because a unit is listed as a heat pump. Always check current eligibility before purchasing.

Instant Gas Hot Water Systems for Apartments

Instant gas hot water systems, also known as continuous flow gas systems, can work well in apartments where an approved gas continuous flow unit already exists.

You can compare instant gas hot water systems from brands such as Rinnai, Bosch and Rheem.

Instant Gas May Suit Apartments When

• There is already an instant gas unit installed

• The gas type matches the replacement unit

• The existing location is approved

• The unit is external or correctly flued

• The gas pipe sizing is suitable

• The flow rate suits the apartment

Natural gas and LPG are not interchangeable. A natural gas unit must not be connected to LPG unless it is specifically converted and approved by a licensed gas fitter, and an LPG unit must not be connected to natural gas unless the same applies.

External gas hot water units are outdoor/external only unless the product is specifically designed and approved for internal or flued installation.

Instant Gas Buyer Checks

Check:

• Natural gas or LPG

• Existing unit flow rate, such as 16L, 20L, 26L or similar

• Whether controllers are used

• Whether controller wiring is compatible

• Flue requirements

• Minimum flow rate

• Water pressure

• Gas pipe sizing

• Clearance to windows, doors, balconies and openings

• Whether body corporate approval is required

For apartments with one bathroom, a smaller continuous flow unit may be enough. For two bathrooms, a higher flow rate may be needed, depending on simultaneous use and climate.

Instant Electric Hot Water Systems for Apartments

Instant electric hot water systems can suit some apartment applications, but they are not always suitable as a whole-home replacement.

Instant electric units often need significant electrical capacity to deliver high hot water flow. In many apartments, the available electrical supply may limit what can be used.

Instant Electric May Suit

• Small point-of-use applications

• Hand basins

• Kitchenettes

• Small studios with low hot water demand

• Properties where storage space is extremely limited

Instant Electric May Not Suit

• Multiple showers

• Whole-apartment high-flow use

• Homes with limited electrical capacity

• Situations where the switchboard cannot support the required load

Before buying instant electric, confirm the required electrical supply with a licensed electrician.

Gas Storage Hot Water Systems for Apartments

Gas storage hot water systems are less common in many modern apartments but may exist in older properties or certain building layouts.

You can compare gas hot water systems where the existing apartment setup already uses gas storage.

Gas storage buyer checks include:

• Natural gas or LPG

• Indoor or outdoor rating

• Ventilation

• Flue requirements

• Tank size

• Access

• Safe discharge point

• Gas fitting compliance

• Body corporate rules

For many apartment buyers, replacing gas storage with gas storage may only make sense where the existing system is already approved and a licensed gas fitter confirms the replacement is suitable.

What Size Hot Water System Does an Apartment Need?

Apartment sizing depends on the number of people, bathrooms and hot water habits.

A small tank may be cheaper upfront but may run out of hot water quickly. A larger tank may provide more hot water but needs more space and may cost more to buy and run.

Best Brands for Apartment Hot Water Systems

The best brand depends on the system type, available space and existing setup.

Rheem

Rheem hot water systems are commonly compared for electric storage, gas storage, instant gas and heat pump options. Rheem may suit buyers who want a broad range of common replacement sizes.

Dux

Dux hot water systems are often compared for electric storage and practical tank-style replacements. Dux may suit apartments where a straightforward storage replacement is needed.

Vulcan

Vulcan hot water systems are often considered for budget-conscious electric or gas storage replacements.

Rinnai

Rinnai hot water systems are commonly compared for instant gas and continuous flow systems, especially where an apartment already has an approved gas continuous flow unit.

Bosch

Bosch hot water systems are another common instant gas option, particularly for compact continuous flow gas replacements.

Stiebel Eltron

Stiebel Eltron hot water systems may suit buyers comparing electric, instant electric and heat pump options, depending on the property setup.

iStore, Envirosun and Emerald Energy

iStore, Envirosun and Emerald Energy are commonly compared in the heat pump category. For apartments, the key issue is not just the brand. The location must suit a heat pump.

Apartment Buyer Checklist Before Ordering Online

Before ordering a supply-only hot water system, check the following.

1. Match the Existing Energy Source

Check whether the apartment currently uses:

• Electric storage

• Natural gas

• LPG

• Instant gas

• Gas storage

• Centralised building hot water

• Solar-boosted hot water

• Heat pump

Do not assume you can change system type without extra work. Changing from gas to electric, electric to heat pump, or storage to instant may involve plumbing, electrical, gas fitting, drainage or compliance changes.

2. Measure the Existing Unit

Measure:

• Height

• Width

• Diameter

• Clearance above the unit

• Clearance around valves

• Doorway access

• Cupboard depth

• Safe tray size if fitted

For apartment buildings, also check lift access, stair access and hallway access.

3. Check Indoor vs Outdoor Rating

Not every hot water system can be installed indoors. External gas units are outdoor units unless the model is specifically designed and approved for internal or flued installation.

Heat pumps also need airflow, so they generally should not be placed in small enclosed cupboards.

4. Check Drainage

Hot water systems need a safe way to discharge water from valves. Heat pumps also create condensate that needs to drain correctly.

Poor drainage planning can cause water damage, nuisance discharge or compliance issues.

5. Check Valves and Fittings

Apartment hot water replacements often require valves and fittings to be checked carefully.

You may need items from valves, pipework and fittings, such as:

• Tempering valve

• Pressure limiting valve

• Duo valve

• Expansion control valve

• Isolation valve

• Non-return valve

• Relief drain materials

• Connection fittings

The correct parts depend on the system, site and local compliance requirements.

6. Check Body Corporate or Strata Rules

Apartments may have rules about:

• Balcony equipment

• External appearance

• Noise

• Penetrations through walls

• Shared services

• Drainage

• Gas appliances

• Plant room access

• Working hours

• Installer access

• Insurance requirements

Always confirm approvals before purchasing if the replacement changes the location, appearance, system type or service connections.

Common Mistakes When Buying Apartment Hot Water Systems

Buying a Heat Pump Without Checking Airflow

Heat pumps need suitable airflow. A heat pump placed in a tight cupboard or enclosed area may not be suitable.

Buying the Wrong Gas Type

Natural gas and LPG are different. Always match the correct gas type.

Buying an Outdoor Gas Unit for an Indoor Location

External gas hot water units are not indoor units unless specifically designed and approved for internal or flued installation.

Only Comparing Tank Litres

Tank capacity matters, but so do dimensions, element size, access, recovery rate and available space.

Ignoring Valves and Compliance Parts

Supply-only system pricing is not the same as total installed cost. Replacement work may require valves, fittings, electrical work, gas fitting or compliance upgrades.

Assuming a Like-for-Like Unit Will Fit

Even similar-capacity systems can have different heights, widths, connection points and access requirements.

Not Checking Body Corporate Rules

Apartment buildings can have rules that affect where a system can go and what type of system can be used.

Best Hot Water System for Different Apartment Types

Best for Studio Apartments

For studios, compact electric hot water systems or selected instant electric hot water systems may suit, depending on hot water demand and electrical capacity.

Best for One-Bedroom Apartments

A 80L to 125L electric storage unit may suit many one-bedroom apartments, depending on shower habits and available space.

Best for Two-Bedroom Apartments

A 125L to 160L electric storage unit is commonly compared for two-bedroom apartments. If the property already has instant gas, a suitable instant gas hot water system may also be worth comparing.

Best for Apartments With Two Bathrooms

Two-bathroom apartments need careful sizing. A larger electric storage tank or higher-flow instant gas unit may be needed, depending on the existing services and whether both bathrooms are used at the same time.

Best for Apartments With Balconies

A balcony may open up more options, but it does not automatically mean any system can be used. Heat pumps, gas units and outdoor electric storage units all need correct clearances, drainage and approval.

Supply-Only vs Installed Cost

Hot Water Outlet sells supply-only hot water systems and accessories online. Supply-only pricing is useful for comparing product costs, but it is not the same as total installed cost.

The final installed cost may depend on:

• Licensed plumbing labour

• Licensed electrical work

• Licensed gas fitting

• Valve replacement

• Pipework changes

• Drainage work

• Old unit removal

• Disposal

• Access difficulty

• Compliance upgrades

• Body corporate requirements

• Switchboard capacity

• Gas pipe sizing

• Delivery access

Plumbing, gas fitting and electrical work must be completed by appropriately licensed tradespeople.

FAQ: Best Hot Water System for Apartments

What is the best hot water system for an apartment?

The best hot water system for an apartment is usually the one that matches the existing approved setup. Electric storage is common, instant gas may suit apartments with existing gas continuous flow, and heat pumps may suit only where outdoor airflow, drainage and approval are available.

Can I put a heat pump hot water system in an apartment?

Sometimes, but not always. Heat pumps need airflow, drainage, suitable electrical setup and acceptable noise placement. Body corporate approval may also be required.

Can I replace an electric storage unit with instant gas?

Only if the property has suitable gas, an approved location, correct flue setup and licensed gas fitting compliance. Many apartments cannot change system type without additional work and approvals.

Can I use an instant electric hot water system for a whole apartment?

Sometimes, but many instant electric systems require significant electrical capacity. They are often better suited to small point-of-use applications rather than whole-apartment high-flow use.

What size hot water system do I need for a two-bedroom apartment?

Many two-bedroom apartments compare 125L to 160L electric storage systems, but the right size depends on the number of people, showers, hot water habits and available space.

Do apartment hot water systems need tempering valves?

Many hot water installations require temperature control for safety and compliance. A licensed plumber should confirm what is required for the specific property and system.

Can I install an outdoor gas hot water system inside a cupboard?

No. External gas hot water units are outdoor/external only unless the product is specifically designed and approved for internal or flued installation.

Does supply-only pricing include installation?

No. Supply-only pricing generally does not include installation, plumbing labour, electrical work, gas fitting, valves, fittings, pipework changes, old unit removal, disposal or compliance upgrades.

Final Thoughts

For apartments, the best hot water system is usually the one that fits the existing services, available space and building rules. Electric storage is often the simplest option, instant gas may suit existing gas continuous flow setups, and heat pumps may be worth comparing where outdoor airflow, drainage and approval are available.

Browse hot water systems, compare electric hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems, heat pump hot water systems and compatible valves, pipework and fittings online at Hot Water Outlet.