Imagine stepping into your shower after a long day, expecting soothing hot water, only to be met with an icy blast. This frustrating scenario often arises from common mistakes that homeowners make when upgrading their hot water systems in Canberra. Many homeowners in the ACT considered upgrading their hot water system as an expensive task. Between choosing the right size, meeting local regulations, and navigating rebates, there’s a lot that can go wrong if you’re not familiar with the process.

The good news is that these mistakes are easy to avoid with the right guidance. Is your current hot water system costing you more in the long run? Are you considering an upgrade but unsure how to choose the right system without falling victim to common installation errors? 

As a local expert team in Canberra, we install and replace hot water systems across the city every day. We have first-hand experience with the common pitfalls and have structured our process to avoid them entirely.

Here are the common mistakes people make during upgrades and how our team ensures that your installation goes smoothly, remains compliant, and is cost-effective. Let’s get started.

1. Underestimating Hot water demand

Homeowners often overlook important factors when selecting a water heater, such as the number of occupants, the presence of water-intensive appliances, and the length & frequency of showers. Additionally, they tend to forget to consider the potential for guests or future family growth. As a result, using an undersized water heating system can lead to several negative outcomes.

A system that is constantly operating at maximum capacity or one that is too small for the job may function inefficiently. This inefficiency can lead to higher energy consumption and increased utility costs, while also shortening the overall lifespan of the water heater.

How Our Team Addresses This:

• Our team ensures that your home’s hot water system is perfectly matched to its requirements to avoid these pitfalls.
• We conduct a thorough evaluation of your family’s daily and peak hot water consumption habits. This includes assessing the number of bathrooms and occupants, identifying all hot-water-using appliances and understanding typical usage patterns.
• Based on the evaluation, we recommend a system with the appropriate capacity and efficiency rating. This way, you can enjoy a consistent and efficient hot water supply that comfortably supports your family’s needs, both now and in the future.

2. Choosing the Wrong System Type

Selecting the right hot water system is a significant decision for any homeowner. One of the common mistakes is not thoroughly researching the different types available. The main options include tankless, storage tank, solar, and heat pump systems. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages regarding upfront cost, energy efficiency, and performance.

System type	How it works	pros	cons
Tankless	It heats water on demand as it flows through a heat exchanger, eliminating the need for a storage tank.	Provides continuous hot water; highly energy efficient (no standby heat loss); compact design; long lifespan of over 20 years.	Higher initial cost; may have a limited flow rate (might struggle with multiple simultaneous uses in large homes); requires specialised maintenance.
Storage tank	Heats a specific amount of water and stores it in an insulated tank until needed.	Lower upfront and installation costs; provides high water pressure with familiar technology and gives a reliable hot water supply during peak demand if sized correctly.	Less energy-efficient due to standby heat loss; requires more space; shorter lifespan of 10-15 years; higher operating costs over time.
Solar	Uses sunlight collectors, typically on the roof, to heat water or a heat-transfer fluid, often using a backup system for cloudy days.	Utilizes free, renewable energy; saves on long-term energy bills; Eco-friendly (zero emissions); low maintenance; long lifespan	High initial investment; complex installation; performance depends on weather/sunlight; generally requires a backup system for consistent hot water.
Heat Pump	Transfers heat from the surrounding air to the water using a refrigeration cycle, functioning like an air conditioner in reverse.	One of the most energy-efficient options, offering major long-term cost savings; environmentally friendly; eligible for government incentives/tax credits.	High initial cost; requires space for the unit and airflow; less efficient in very cold climates; takes longer to heat large volumes of water compared to gas.

How Our Team Helps

• Our team educates the homeowners about all available options by providing clear and detailed information about each system type. We ensure you understand the differences in technology and operation.
• We examine your household size, water usage patterns, available space, and budget to recommend the most suitable and cost-effective systems for your specific needs. This personalised guidance helps prevent the mistake of choosing an inappropriate system that may not meet your needs or budget in the long run. 

3. Ignoring Energy Efficiency

When selecting household appliances and systems, ignoring energy efficiency is a significant mistake that leads to higher operating costs and environmental impact. Inefficient systems, such as outdated HVAC units or traditional electric stovetops, consume more energy to perform their function, which directly increases utility bills over the product’s lifespan. This energy waste not only impacts your finances but also contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions and a greater reliance on fossil fuels. Prioritising energy efficiency aligns with initiatives like the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme, a key program in the Australian Capital Territory designed to encourage energy efficiency upgrades in homes. Making energy-efficient choices results in long-term financial savings and environmental benefits.

Our Approach

• We inform clients about the benefits of the ACT Sustainable Household scheme, which provides zero-interest loans for eligible energy-efficient upgrades such as hot water heat pumps, reverse cycle air conditioners, electric heating, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• We emphasise the positive environmental impact of these upgrades, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, helping clients make choices that align with their values and the ACT’s climate action goals.
• By utilising these strategies and leveraging the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme, we ensure clients make informed decisions that benefit both their wallets and the planet.

Also read: Top 7 Common Hot Water System Problems and How to Fix Them

4. Neglecting Installation Quality

Overlooking the quality of installation is a significant mistake when implementing new systems or products. One major error is choosing inexperienced installers, which carries risks that extend beyond just inadequate functionality.

Risks of Poor Installations

• Improper sealing or fitting of plumbing, roofing, or window systems can lead to costly water damage over time.
• Incorrect electrical wiring, gas line connections or structural modifications pose serious risks of fire, electric shock, or even structural collapse.
• Many manufacturers require products to be installed by certified professionals to maintain the validity of their warranties, but poor installation may result in the manufacturer refusing to cover future repairs or replacements.
• Improper installation of HVAC systems, insulation, or solar panels can compromise their performance, leading to higher energy bills and a shortened operational lifespan of the equipment.

Our Commitment

• Our installation professionals undergo rigorous and continuous training programs to stay updated with industry best practices and product specifications.
• They possess the necessary certifications and extensive field experience to handle complex installations safely and efficiently.
• We strictly adhere to all relevant building codes and safety regulations, emphasising that professional installation is essential for maximising your investment’s potential, ensuring reliable operation, and maintaining safety standards.

5. Ignoring Long-Term Maintenance

Failure of regular maintenance often leads to significant and avoidable problems. Regular checks and maintenance are crucial for protecting your property and ensuring optimal system performance.

Advantages of Regular Checks and Maintenance

• Consistent maintenance significantly extends the lifespan of major systems and appliances, such as HVAC units, roofing, and plumbing.
• Regular inspections can identify potential hazards, such as electrical problems or gas leaks, before they escalate into dangerous situations.
• Properly maintained systems operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and utility costs.
• A well-maintained home retains its market value better than a neglected one.

Disadvantages of Neglecting Maintenance

• Minor issues, like a small roof leak or a dripping pipe, can quickly lead to extensive water damage, mould growth, or structural compromise if left unaddressed.
• Clogged filters, dirty coils, or unlubricated moving parts force systems to work harder, leading to decreased performance and increased energy expenses.
• Neglect is a primary cause of major system breakdowns, which often require costly emergency replacements instead of simple repairs.
• Deteriorated systems or unaddressed safety concerns may eventually lead to code violations during inspections.

How Our Team Supports Homeowners

• Our team provides maintenance plans that schedule regular check-ups for critical home systems.
• We educate customers on how to identify early warning signs of wear and tear, such as unusual noises, odours, or utility bill spikes and inform them precisely when to contact us for professional assistance. This proactive partnership helps to ensure the issues are caught early, saving time, money and stress. 

Final Thoughts

Avoiding common mistakes when upgrading your hot water system is crucial for ensuring efficiency, comfort and cost-effectiveness. By carefully assessing hot water demand and choosing the appropriate system type, homeowners can prevent issues that arise from poor selections. Our team’s expertise guarantees a seamless upgrade process, helping you make informed decisions tailored to your household’s specific needs.

If you’re considering an upgrade or want to learn more about your options, don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Contact The Energy People today for a consultation or more information on how we can assist you with your hot water system upgrade. We’re here to help you find the perfect hot water solution for your home!