Most people do not think about their hot water system until there is a problem. A cold shower, a leaking unit or running out of hot water in the morning can quickly disrupt the household routine.
When a system needs replacing, choosing the same type as the old one may seem like the easiest option. But your home’s needs may have changed. There may be more people living in the property, different daily routines, solar PV on the roof or changes to the home’s energy setup.
The installation site matters too. The replacement needs to suit the available space, connections and access at the property. For outdoor equipment, Canberra’s cold winters are another factor to consider.
The Energy People has been servicing Canberra for more than 25 years and has completed more than 30,000 hot water installations in Canberra homes. The team supplies and installs electric, gas, heat pump and solar hot water systems, giving homeowners several options when an existing system needs replacing.
Start with how your household uses hot water
Your daily routine is a useful starting point when choosing a new hot water system.
If several people shower before work and school, a large amount of hot water may be needed within a short period. If showers are spread throughout the day, there is more time between uses.
Showers are only part of your household’s hot water demand. Baths, laundry and washing up add to it as well.
Your current system can also tell you whether its capacity is still suitable. If someone regularly runs out of hot water during a shower, the system may not be large enough for the household. If everyone has enough hot water throughout the day, there may be little reason to move to a much larger system.
Looking at what happens during a typical day can therefore be more useful than choosing a system based on household size alone.
Compare electric, gas, heat pump and solar hot water
The main options for Canberra homes include electric, gas, heat pump and solar hot water systems. Each has different installation requirements, so the property and household both need to be considered.
Electric hot water
Electric storage systems use an electric element to heat water, which is then kept in an insulated tank.
They can be a straightforward replacement when an existing electric system has worked well. If your household has grown or your hot water usage has changed, it is worth checking whether the current tank size still meets your needs.
Gas hot water
Gas hot water systems are available as storage and continuous-flow models.
A storage system heats water and keeps it in a tank, while a continuous-flow system heats water as it is needed.
If your property already has a suitable gas connection, gas can be included when comparing replacement options. The connection and requirements for the new installation should be checked before choosing a system.
Heat pump hot water
A heat pump uses electricity to transfer heat from the surrounding air into the water.
The Energy People offers Reclaim, Stiebel Eltron and Apricus heat pump systems across Canberra and surrounding regions.
If your home has solar PV, tell the installer. When your solar system generates electricity and when your household normally uses hot water can both help when assessing whether a heat pump is suitable.
Solar hot water
Solar hot water systems use energy from the sun to heat water.
The roof needs to provide suitable space and positioning for the system. Its layout, orientation and available area can all affect whether a solar hot water installation is practical.
If the roof cannot accommodate the required equipment, another type of system may be a better option for the property.
Check the installation area
The type of system is only one part of the decision. The equipment also needs to fit the property and the available installation area.
Storage tanks need adequate space, while heat pump and gas systems have their own installation requirements. Solar hot water systems need suitable roof space and positioning.
Access is another practical consideration. If the existing unit is in a narrow or difficult-to-reach location, removing it and installing the replacement may require additional planning.
The property’s existing connections should also be checked. This includes electrical and gas connections, along with any solar PV already installed.
Before installation, the installer should establish:
- Where the existing system is located
- How much space is available
- Whether there is suitable access
- Which electrical or gas connections are already available
- Whether changes to the existing setup are required
Checking these details before installation helps confirm that the chosen system is suitable for the property.
Consider Canberra’s winter conditions
Canberra’s winters can be very cold, particularly for equipment installed outdoors.
This is an important consideration when choosing a heat pump. Reclaim systems, for example, include frost and freeze protection designed for colder conditions.
The location of the unit should also be discussed during the installation assessment. The position of outdoor equipment and the conditions around it can affect how the system should be installed.
Repair or replace your existing system?
A fault does not automatically mean the entire hot water system needs replacing.
If the unit is otherwise in good condition and the problem can be repaired, fixing it may be worthwhile. Replacement may make more sense when an older system has recurring faults, struggles to meet household demand or has become unreliable.
It is worth arranging an inspection if you notice:
- Hot water running out earlier than usual
- Sudden changes in water temperature
- Water leaking around the unit
- Unusual operating noises
- Repairs becoming more frequent
- The system struggling during busy periods
- Ongoing reliability problems
Once the cause of the problem is identified, it is easier to decide whether repairing the system or replacing it makes more sense.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a new hot water system is about finding an option that suits your household, your property and the way you use hot water. Your current system, household demand and available energy options can all help determine which system is right for your home.
The Energy People has more than 25 years of experience servicing Canberra and has completed more than 30,000 hot water installations in Canberra homes.
If you are unsure whether to repair your existing system or replace it, the team can assess your current setup and discuss suitable hot water options.
Talk to The Energy People
If your current system is becoming unreliable or no longer provides enough hot water for your household, The Energy People can assess the existing setup and discuss suitable replacement options.
Get in touch with The Energy People to discuss your hot water needs and request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth replacing a hot water system that is still working?
Not necessarily. If the system is reliable and provides enough hot water for your household, there may be no immediate reason to replace it. If it is becoming unreliable or developing repeated faults, an assessment can help determine whether repair or replacement is more suitable.
Can I use a heat pump with existing solar PV?
Yes. Existing solar PV can be considered when choosing a heat pump. Your household’s hot water routine and the timing of solar generation can help the installer assess whether this combination suits your home.
Does an existing gas connection mean I should choose a gas system?
No. It simply means gas is one option available to consider. Household demand, the property and the installation requirements should also be taken into account.
What if my roof is not suitable for solar hot water?
Another type of system may be more suitable. The available roof space and positioning should be assessed before deciding whether solar hot water is practical.
When should I have my hot water system inspected?
Arrange an inspection if you notice leaks, unusual noises, temperature changes, repeated faults or less hot water than usual. An assessment can identify the problem and help determine the appropriate next step.
What hot water systems does The Energy People install?
The Energy People supplies and installs electric, gas, heat pump and solar hot water systems across Canberra.
