It’s always a good idea to consider timing when purchasing a major household appliance like a hot water system. By leveraging sales throughout the year, you can maximise your value for money.
Making the right timing decision isn’t just about luck; it’s about strategy, especially with the current cost of living in Australia. Aligning your purchase with seasonal sales, government rebate cycles, and end-of-financial-year promotions can save you a substantial $500 to $2,000, so the strategising is worth it.
However, bagging a bargain shouldn’t come at the cost of an emergency breakdown if you hold out too long.
With over 30 years of experience supplying, installing and fixing hot water systems in Australia, Same Day Hot Water know the ideal times to buy a hot water system. You can use this guide to map out your annual sales calendar. We’ll also show the rebate windows and explain the red flags that mean you definitely should not wait.
These are the key windows for strategic purchases of the best discounts and promotions on hot water systems in Australia.
Not all sales periods are the same, and this is arguably the most reliable and significant sales event for major appliances, so mark it in your calendar. This is because retailers clear inventory to meet annual financial targets before June 30, offering discounts typically ranging from 15-25%.
For investment property owners, there can also be tax benefits for capital purchases. In 2024, savvy buyers saved an average of $600-$900 during the EOFY rush.
It’s the ideal time to plan an upgrade.
This global sales phenomenon is now firmly entrenched in Australia. Historically, hot water systems didn’t appear too much in Black Friday sales, but this is rapidly changing. Expect online-focused deals on specific brands and models, often with bundle opportunities that pair the unit with discounted installation (or potential for state/federal rebates on qualifying renewable systems).
A word of caution: always research the standard retail price before the sale to ensure you’re getting a genuine discount, not a marked-up item on “special.”
Like EOFY, these sales often focus on clearing remaining stock before the new financial year. While demand from tradies is high, competition from other buyers can be lower because of the summer holidays. On that note, if you do decide to buy, you should consider installation availability, as many tradespeople are also on holiday. You can always secure a great price if you can afford to wait a month or two for installation.
These are like a prelude to the EOFY, but the May sales hit a strategic sweet spot. Retailers begin to clear older stock, but buyer competition is lower. This often means better availability for both the system and installers, providing a good balance of discount and efficiency.
The next strategy to factor in is government rebates, which can also reduce your upfront cost, especially when you stack them with the sales listed above. However, you can save even more by understanding the dual-layered system: federal and state-based incentives that often work in tandem.
Furthermore, it should be noted that Government rebates in Australia are almost exclusively for renewable, sustainable and energy-efficient hot water systems (solar hot water systems and heat pump water heaters, and not gas hot water systems or electric hot water system installation costs). This is to encourage a move towards solar water heaters and natural gas to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Nationally, the main incentive is Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), providing an upfront discount of $800-$1,200 on eligible solar or heat pump systems.
State-based programs offer further top-ups. For example, Victoria’s Solar Hot Water Rebate offers up to $1,000, while NSW’s Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) provides similar incentives via accredited suppliers. Just check your state’s energy authority website for what’s available.
As touched on, the real savings come from strategically “stacking” a sale price with active rebates. The key is timing your purchase with the rebate (such as STC) application processing. The “sweet spot” is often during mid-year or EOFY sales (May-July). This is when retailer discounts coincide with settled rebate values and faster program processing. If you can time it right, you’ll save big.
Be aware that the federal STC scheme for solar panel and battery installations is set to decrease in value starting 1 January 2026. The deeming period (number of years the government assumes a solar or battery system will generate renewable energy) is stepping down from 6 years (in 2025) to 5 years. Therefore, to lock in the highest available rebate, you must have your system installed and signed off by 31 December 2025, with the Certificate of Compliance confirming completion.
This means planning now can secure thousands in savings that may not be available in the next financial year.
As tempting as sales can be, certain warning signs from your hot water system can mean a risk to your safety, home, and wallet. Waiting for a promotion can backfire, potentially costing you more, which defeats the purpose.
If you notice any of the following, schedule a hot water system replacement immediately:
Let’s compare the two:
Don’t risk an emergency. If you’re reading this because you’ve noticed any of these red flags, contact us immediately for an urgent assessment. Our team can provide a fast, fair quote and often complete same-day replacement, preventing further damage and restoring your hot water safely.
This buys you time, so plan to wait for the EOFY (June/July) or Black Friday (November) sales for the deepest discounts. Use the 2-3 months before research models and available rebates, so you’re ready to buy when the promotion hits.
Consider not gambling on waiting for a specific sale date if it means risking a mid-winter failure because you have an old hot water system.
Balance savings against the increasing risk of breakdown. Your best bet could be to get a professional to come and assess the best move forward.
Time is your enemy. If you are not happy with how much hot water your system delivers, aim to replace the system within 2-4 weeks, regardless of the sales calendar. You’ll find that many suppliers offer year-round promotions anyway, prioritise a reputable, available installer over chasing a minor extra discount because a reliable installation now prevents a costly emergency later.
In peak winter, installers book out 2-3 weeks. This is when people need their hot water the most. So, booking in off-peak seasons like Autumn means faster service and installation.
Import delays can spike in Q4, and popular models sell out before EOFY. So, plan ahead and pre-order during a sale to ensure you secure your desired unit at the best price.
Get quotes 6-8 weeks before planned purchase and ask about quote validity periods.
Winter demand pushes prices up. Summer demand remains high. Autumn (March-May) is the true quiet season, often offering the best balance of price, availability and installers on hand.
Example based on a $3,000 system. Savings are illustrative and can vary.
Use this quick reference guide/checklist to make a clear, confident choice:
Your Next Steps:
The best time to plan is now, even if the best time to buy is later. They say good luck is being prepared for when the right opportunity arrives.
The time is now to strategically time your purchase for the EOFY, Black Friday, or May sales to maximise savings, potentially $1,500-$3,000 (or more). But remember, any of the warning signs we’ve mentioned need immediate action. At Same Day Hot Water Service, our over 30 years of experience provides expert advice, competitive pricing, and reliable hot water system availability when you need it most.
Ready to secure your home’s hot water with confidence? Get Your Free, No-Obligation Quote Today.