Heater cost has knocked my socks off!!!

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Chambers

22 posts

Geek

#87350 26-Jul-2011 17:59

Hi Guys

Had two Quotes for an Rinnai Infinity 20 heater come back at me for $3500inc GST cost of heater + install.

Has kind off knock my socks off a bit as i did not think it would cost this much.

The two quotes have listed the heater at around $1100 which i feel more than happy about (mitre 10 list then as $1300), the installation cost has come in at $1400 on both. The rest of the cost being bits and pieces.

The installation cost seems hugly expensive, can anyone tell me if they have had one installed and if so what was the cost.

I am in the process of getting another quote but any other info would be helpfull.

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289 posts

Ultimate Geek

#498146 26-Jul-2011 18:06

When I got a quote to have my stove change over to a gas hob there was about $400.00 in compliance costs and already had gas to the house for hot water etc. (we decided against gas for now), that will probably vary depending on your council.

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casewindow

310 posts

Ultimate Geek

#498191 26-Jul-2011 19:21

I can't help you with the cost as we had one already installed with the house we bought.

But just so you're not disappointed, I have found (and others have confirmed the same behaviour), that taps/baths etc. on the far side of the house from the unit can take some time for hot water to come out (a lot longer than I have been used to with a water cylinder system).

However this could also have something to do with us having a concrete pad that has all the pipes through it (maybe it really cools the pipes down etc.)

But other than that it is a fantastic system. They do recommend getting it serviced every 2 years but we get ours serviced (along with the gas stovetop) annually.

TechSol

291 posts

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Technical Solutions Aust

#498348 27-Jul-2011 08:53

casewindow: I can't help you with the cost as we had one already installed with the house we bought.

But just so you're not disappointed, I have found (and others have confirmed the same behaviour), that taps/baths etc. on the far side of the house from the unit can take some time for hot water to come out (a lot longer than I have been used to with a water cylinder system).

However this could also have something to do with us having a concrete pad that has all the pipes through it (maybe it really cools the pipes down etc.)

But other than that it is a fantastic system. They do recommend getting it serviced every 2 years but we get ours serviced (along with the gas stovetop) annually.

This is usually more to do with the fact that a hot water cylinder is usually located in a cupboard inside the house somewhere (often near the bathroom or kitchen) - The infinity is located outside the house.... it's just a longer pipe run, so you have more cold water to clear out before you get to the hot stuff.

timmmay

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#498365 27-Jul-2011 09:44

You can get a heat pump hot water heater for $4500 (Econergy HP4000 LT), that drops water heating costs by 2/3 from standard electricity. With gas you have to look at the daily cost as well as gas cost. I do like the instant hot water things though.

scuwp

3762 posts

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#498395 27-Jul-2011 10:36

Instant gas hot water is a winner for sure, would not be without it now.

Why not ask for a breakdown in the quote?

Temp controllers will add to the cost if you are getting them (they are supposed to make it more economical but haven't noticed it myself)

If your gas is already at the house and near the location where the heater will be going then I suggest it sounds a little high. On the other hand if they need to run the gas from the road there will be additional costs for the trenching, connection, and compliance/certification hoops to go through which will quickly add to the costs.

What about power? There will be costs for an electrician, materials, and electrical certification as well which you will need to allow for.

The last costs I had for an Infinity with gas & electricity already near the heater location was around $900 - $1000 from memory.

Juts make sure any installer is qualified and get a compliance certificate for the additional power and gas fittings.

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MikeB4

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#498413 27-Jul-2011 11:10

There is usually electricity connections to be made and this boosts the install cost. Also a big chunk seems to be the certificating and Council stuff.

Another point to remember with these units, when they are running they use a lot of Gas as they need to heat the water very quickly. Whilst you have "endless" hot water long "teenager" showers can cost a fortune.

nakedmolerat

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#498621 27-Jul-2011 17:56

scuwp: Instant gas hot water is a winner for sure, would not be without it now.

+1! it is worth every cent

mattwnz

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#498639 27-Jul-2011 18:41

timmmay: You can get a heat pump hot water heater for $4500 (Econergy HP4000 LT), that drops water heating costs by 2/3 from standard electricity. With gas you have to look at the daily cost as well as gas cost. I do like the instant hot water things though.

For a house, a hot water heat pump this is better value than an instant gas water heating solution. It is also good if you have got underfloor heating. Instant gas water heaters are also very pricey to get fixed, and only a few companies fix them. The plumber I spoke to said they need to be replaced every 10 years or so, as that is when they start failing.

timmmay

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#498684 27-Jul-2011 20:44

I had a quick look at the consumer article. For two people heat pump hot water cylinders don't make sense, but for families or anyone who uses a lot of hot water they do. They reduce the water heating cost by 1/3.

I already have one heat pump, i'm probably going to get another multiheaded one for my dining area and office, and maybe a water heater one one day. The problems is where to put all the outdoor units.

bazzer

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#498790 28-Jul-2011 08:43

timmmay: I had a quick look at the consumer article. For two people heat pump hot water cylinders don't make sense, but for families or anyone who uses a lot of hot water they do. They reduce the water heating cost by 1/3.

I already have one heat pump, i'm probably going to get another multiheaded one for my dining area and office, and maybe a water heater one one day. The problems is where to put all the outdoor units.

Can't you run these things off a single outdoor unit?

timmmay

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#498803 28-Jul-2011 09:17

bazzer:
timmmay: I had a quick look at the consumer article. For two people heat pump hot water cylinders don't make sense, but for families or anyone who uses a lot of hot water they do. They reduce the water heating cost by 1/3.

I already have one heat pump, i'm probably going to get another multiheaded one for my dining area and office, and maybe a water heater one one day. The problems is where to put all the outdoor units.

Can't you run these things off a single outdoor unit?

I'll ask, but I doubt it. Outdoor units with multiple outputs are more expensive and distinct from single units. I could replace the unit I have outside my lounge, but then i'd have to run the heat pump coolant/heating pipes about 15 meters, which is less efficient than putting another unit closer. Also, not sure if you can combine water and air heating, probably just because the technology is too new, but i'll ask when I get around to doing it.

pando

235 posts

Master Geek

#498828 28-Jul-2011 10:11

Should hook up the refrigerator to it aswell for super efficiency

Currently looking at getting a 5.8kW heatpump installed, quoted $3650 all up, hard to tell if that's a good price as comms with the other competitor option has been like snail mail.

ZollyMonsta

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#498837 28-Jul-2011 10:27

Did you go through the energy/heating scheme?

That sounds about right. We paid around $3500 for a Rinnai Infinity to be installed via the Sustainability Trust. That was with quite a bit of piping. So if you haven't yet got a quote through the Govt scheme I'd suggest you do as it could come out cheaper.

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Chambers

22 posts

Geek

#498850 28-Jul-2011 10:57

ZollyMonsta: Did you go through the energy/heating scheme?

That sounds about right. We paid around $3500 for a Rinnai Infinity to be installed via the Sustainability Trust. That was with quite a bit of piping. So if you haven't yet got a quote through the Govt scheme I'd suggest you do as it could come out cheaper.

The link on there Sustainability website goes through to the Greater Wellington Reigon website. They are basically offering to carry the cost of the install then pay it back through there rates at 7% over 9 years.

All good if i didnt have the money, but i would think this is more expensive then a bank loan.

The funding on the Energywise Govenment website if only for solar water heating or heat pump hot water heater.

I have a gas line to my door thats why i am exploring this Gas option at the moment.

ZollyMonsta

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#498856 28-Jul-2011 11:07

Ahh you're talking about instant hot water 'infinity' ? I didn't read properly...

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As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

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