Why Melbourne Homeowners Are Switching to Continuous Flow Hot Water
Running out of hot water mid-shower is one of the most common frustrations for Melbourne households. It happens to families with undersized storage tanks, households with high simultaneous demand, and anyone who has ever been last in the shower queue on a cold winter morning.
A continuous flow hot water system solves this problem permanently
Gas Experts Melbourne supplies and installs all major continuous flow hot water brands across Melbourne. Whether you are upgrading from a storage system that is no longer meeting your household's needs or replacing a failing continuous flow unit, we will have your new system installed and running, in most cases the same day you call.
How Continuous Flow Hot Water Works
A continuous flow hot water system, also called an instantaneous or tankless hot water system, heats water on demand rather than storing it in a tank.
Here is how it works
You open a hot water tap.
The flow of water through the unit triggers an internal flow sensor.
The burner ignites automatically.
A high-output gas burner fires up and heats the water as it passes through a compact heat exchanger inside the unit.
Hot water is delivered continuously.
As long as the tap is open and water is flowing through the unit, hot water is delivered at the set temperature. There is no tank to exhaust. The supply is unlimited.
The burner shuts off when you close the tap.
The unit only consumes gas when hot water is actually being drawn. No standby heat loss, no keeping a tank of water hot around the clock.
Continuous Flow vs Gas Storage Hot Water: The Honest Comparison
Both continuous flow and gas storage systems have their place. Here is an honest side-by-side comparison to help you make the right decision.
| Feature | Continuous Flow |
|---|---|
| Gas Storage | Hot water supply |
| Unlimited | Limited to tank capacity |
| Running cost | Lower: only heats on demand |
| Higher: maintains tank temperature 24/7 | Purchase price |
| Higher | Lower |
| Installation cost | Slightly higher |
| Lower | Unit size |
| Compact: no tank | Larger: requires tank space |
| System lifespan | 15 to 20 years |
| 10 to 15 years | Best for |
| Larger households, simultaneous demand | Smaller households, predictable demand |
| Energy efficiency | Higher |
| Moderate | Our recommendation: |
For households of 4 or more people, homes with simultaneous hot water demand (multiple showers, dishwasher and washing machine running at the same time), or anyone who regularly runs out of hot water, continuous flow is the right choice.
For smaller households of 1 to 3 people with predictable, sequential demand, a correctly sized gas storage system is cost-effective and straightforward.
When in doubt, call us. We will give you an honest recommendation based on your household size and usage patterns.
The Benefits of Upgrading to Continuous Flow
The most obvious benefit. With a continuous flow system, there is no tank to exhaust. Hot water is available for as long as you need it, for as many people as need it, at any time of day or night.
A gas storage system maintains a tank of water at 60 degrees Celsius around the clock, whether anyone is using hot water or not. This is called standby heat loss and it costs money 24 hours a day.
A continuous flow system has zero standby heat loss. It only consumes gas when hot water is being drawn. For a typical Melbourne household, upgrading from a gas storage system to a continuous flow unit can reduce hot water running costs by 20 to 30 per cent.
Continuous flow units are wall-mounted and compact. There is no large storage tank occupying space in your garage, laundry or outdoors. This is particularly valuable in homes with limited space or during renovations where the utility area is being reconfigured.
A well-maintained continuous flow system typically lasts 15 to 20 years, significantly longer than a gas storage system (10 to 15 years). Over the long term, the higher purchase price is offset by the longer replacement cycle.
Modern continuous flow systems allow you to set a precise water temperature at the controller. The unit maintains this temperature regardless of the incoming cold water temperature or the flow rate, providing consistent, comfortable hot water every time.
Lower gas consumption means a lower carbon footprint. For environmentally conscious Melbourne homeowners, upgrading to a high-efficiency continuous flow unit is a straightforward way to reduce household gas usage.
How to Choose the Right Continuous Flow System for Your Home
The key specification for a continuous flow hot water system is its flow rate capacity, measured in litres per minute (L/min). This determines how much hot water the unit can deliver simultaneously at the set temperature.
Flow Rate Guide
| Household Situation | Recommended Flow Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 people, single bathroom | 16 to 20 L/min |
| 2 to 3 people, single bathroom | 20 to 24 L/min |
| 3 to 4 people, 1 to 2 bathrooms | 24 to 26 L/min |
| 4 to 5 people, 2+ bathrooms | 26 to 32 L/min |
| Large household or high simultaneous demand | 32 L/min+ or multiple units |
Other factors to consider:
Gas connection capacity. High-output continuous flow systems require a gas supply with sufficient flow rate and pressure. We confirm your gas connection suitability before recommending a unit.
Indoor vs outdoor installation. Most continuous flow units are installed outdoors on an external wall. Indoor installation requires an appropriate flue system. We advise on the best installation location during the assessment.
Temperature controller location. For optimal convenience, the temperature controller should be positioned near the bathroom or kitchen. We include controller installation in our standard supply and install price.
Ready to Upgrade to Endless Hot Water?
Gas Experts Melbourne makes upgrading to continuous flow hot water simple. Free assessment, fixed pricing, same-day installation available and full compliance documentation on every job. Call us today.
Continuous Flow Hot Water Brands We Supply and Install
We supply and install all major continuous flow hot water brands available in Australia.
Australia's most popular continuous flow hot water brand. Rinnai's Infinity series is the benchmark for continuous flow hot water in Melbourne homes, reliable, efficient, widely serviced and available in a range of flow rates from 16 to 32 litres per minute. The Rinnai Infinity 26 is one of the most commonly installed units across Melbourne's south-east.
Popular models: Rinnai Infinity 16, Rinnai Infinity 20, Rinnai Infinity 26, Rinnai Infinity 32
A premium German engineering brand with a strong reputation for quality and efficiency. Bosch continuous flow units are popular in higher-end Melbourne renovations and new builds.
Popular models: Bosch 16H, Bosch 20H, Bosch 26H
A trusted Australian brand with decades of hot water experience. Rheem continuous flow units offer solid reliability and are widely available with good parts support.
Popular models: Rheem Continuous Flow 12, Rheem Continuous Flow 16, Rheem Continuous Flow 20, Rheem Continuous Flow 27
A reputable Australian brand offering good value continuous flow units for residential applications.
Popular models: Dux Continuous Flow range
A Japanese brand with a loyal following in the Melbourne market. Paloma continuous flow units are known for reliability and competitive pricing.
Popular models: Paloma Continuous Flow range
Continuous Flow Hot Water Installation Costs
We provide fixed-price quotes: no hourly rates, no hidden charges.
| System | Approximate Supply and Install Cost |
|---|---|
| 16 L/min unit: supply and install | From $1,200 to $1,600 plus GST |
| 20 L/min unit: supply and install | From $1,350 to $1,800 plus GST |
| 26 L/min unit: supply and install | From $1,500 to $2,100 plus GST |
| 32 L/min unit: supply and install | From $1,800 to $2,500 plus GST |
| Labour only (customer-supplied unit) | From $400 to $600 plus GST |
Note: Prices are indicative ranges only. Final pricing depends on the specific model selected, whether any additional gas line work is required and the installation location. A fixed price is confirmed before work begins.
Special Offers
- Instant Hot Water Upgrade Upgrade from a storage system to continuous flow, discounted installation rate. Ask when booking.
- Trade-In Offer $100 off when you trade in your old hot water system.
- Pensioner Discount 10% off all installations for pension and concession card holders.
What's Included in Our Continuous Flow Installation
- Free assessment to confirm the right unit for your household
- Fixed-price quote including supply (if purchasing through us) and full installation
- Removal and responsible disposal of old hot water system
- Supply and installation of new continuous flow unit
- Gas line connection, sealing and pressure testing
- Cold water inlet and hot water outlet connections
- Temperature controller installation and wiring
- Full commissioning and temperature test
- Carbon monoxide combustion test
- Gas safety inspection
- Written completion report
- Certificate of compliance for gas work
- Warranty registration assistance
Why Melbourne Homeowners Choose Gas Experts Melbourne for Continuous Flow Installation
