My Hot Water System Blew Up. Now What?

Bang.

Okay. So your hot water system is freshly kaput. But what next?

While we all want to avoid an extended period of cold showers, it’s important to note that the steps you take from this point onward are critical.

The thing to remember? Don’t panic buy, and make sure you do your research well before your hot water system dies.

In this article, we’ll run you through the five key steps to ensuring you get the right replacement hot water system for your needs, including:

• Step 1: Plan early
• Step 2: Understand your circumstances and needs
• Step 3: Be clear on your options
• Step 4: Don’t overlook heat pump hot water systems!
• Step 5: Work with a reputable, award-winning team

Let’s get into it.

Step 1: Plan early for a replacement hot water system

Key to making sure you get the right hot water system is planning for it early.

No-one wants to deal with cold showers, let alone the pressure of having no hot water in your household for days on end with no secure timeline for replacement.

In Victorian homes, the most popular hot water systems are either gas or electric options. While the average lifespan of a gas hot water system is typically 8-12 years, an electric hot water system usually lasts for between 10-15 years (Energy.gov.au 2023).

If you plan early, this should give you plenty of time to make the right call on your investment well before a hot water emergency occurs.

Step 2: Understand your circumstances and needs

When selecting a replacement hot water system, there are a few factors you should consider to ensure you pick the right one for your needs:

• Household size: Consider the number of people living in your home and their hot water usage – this will help you determine the size of the system you need
• Usage patterns: Consider when and how often hot water is used in your home – this will help you determine if a continuous flow system or a storage system is more suitable for you
• Energy efficiency: Consider the energy efficiency of the hot water system – you can compare systems using their energy rating labels
• Climate: Consider the climate in your area – this will help you determine the best type of system for your needs, as some systems perform better in cold weather
• Location: Consider the location of the hot water system, including the distance from the system to the point of use, as this may affect the size and type of system required.
• Budget: Consider your budget and the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance

Of course, your specific needs and circumstances then translate into a range of hot water system options.

Step 3: Be clear on your options

In Victoria, there are several types of hot water systems available. The main options include:

• Storage tank systems: These are the most common type of hot water system and consist of a tank that stores hot water until it is needed – there are electric and gas options available
• Continuous flow (or instant) systems: These systems heat water as it flows through the system, providing a constant supply of hot water – there are also gas and electric options available
• Solar hot water systems: These systems use energy from the sun to heat water and are a far more energy-efficient option than most systems
• Heat pump systems: These systems use electricity to transfer heat from the air or ground to heat water – they are a more energy-efficient option, but usually have a higher upfront cost (that pays itself off over time)

The bottom line? Don’t let the unknown deter you! Just because something seems expensive, inaccessible and unattainable a few years ago doesn’t mean things have stayed that way.

Which brings us to:

Step 4: Be sure to check out heat pump hot water systems

Heat pump hot water systems are by far the most energy-efficient alternative to traditional electric hot water systems.

Some of the main benefits of heat pump hot water systems include energy savings, environmental benefits, reliability, efficiency and their quiet operation:

• Energy savings: Heat pump systems can be up to three times more efficient than traditional electric and gas hot water systems (Energy.gov.au 2023) as they use less electricity to heat water
• Environmental benefits: Heat pump systems have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional electric hot water systems, as they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions
• Reliability: Heat pump systems have a longer lifespan than traditional electric hot water systems, as they have fewer moving parts and are less susceptible to corrosion
• Quiet operation: Heat pump systems are typically quieter than traditional electric hot water systems, making them a good option for residential applications

Want to learn more about whether or not heat pump hot water is worth it? Visit our Learning Centre.

Step 5: Work with a professional, award-winning team

The final thing you’ll want to ensure when replacing your hot water system is to work with a sales team that’s friendly, reputable and willing to invest the time into getting it right.

Wrapping up

So – guess what? Your award-winning G Store Hot Water team is here to help. With over 15 years of expertise in the art of high-efficiency hot water, we can’t wait to help you find a smart, cost-effective and energy-saving alternative.

Visit our Learning Centre now to read more, or give us a call today on 1300 137 567.