The Top 5 Regrets of Homeowners Who’ve Just Installed Hot Water Systems

Keen on revamping your hot water system or embracing a brand-new setup? With so many hot water systems on the Victorian market, making sure that you select the right hot water system is a decision that demands careful consideration in order to steer clear of unexpected pitfalls – trust us on this one.

Your hot water system is one of the most energy-guzzling services in your home. With this realisation comes the fact that ensuring its energy-efficiency means huge gains on not only your long-term savings but your home’s overall value to boot.

As the subsequent need for an energy-efficient and reliable hot water supply intensifies, especially in the face of Victoria’s ever-changing environmental conditions year-round, avoiding common installation and product selection regrets becomes more critical than ever.

Let’s delve into the top five regrets homeowners often grapple with after installing hot water systems and explore some of the practical solutions to keeping your home functioning as effectively (and reliably) as possible.

Regret 1: Choosing a hot water system of the wrong size

Are you setting up your water heater for failure?

It’s possible – if you’re choosing a tank size based on your current needs, rather than incorporating your future needs as well!

Hot water systems vary in capacity, ranging from approx. 125L to 350L as a general guide. Selecting the right size hinges on factors such as:

  • The number of people in your household
  • Your hot water usage patterns
  • Whether or not you require backup hot water

If your chosen water heater and tank is too small or doesn’t take into account how your needs may change either for you or future owners of your house, you’ll find yourself frequently running out of hot water. Conversely, opting for a tank that’s too large means wasting money by continuously heating water you don’t need.

Solution: Consult with a trusted hot water professional such as the members of our wonderful G Store hot water team to determine the ideal size based on your household’s specific needs. It’s an investment that pays off in efficient heating without draining your pocket.

Regret 2: Installing your hot water system in the wrong location

The placement of your water system is more critical than you might think – for reasons related to safety, convenience, and efficiency.

Depending on local codes, certain spaces like storage closets, attics, and under floors might be prohibited for water heater installations. Even if you’re replacing an old unit, assuming the same location will work is a mistake. Newer hot water system models are generally better insulated and wider than their predecessors, requiring careful consideration as to their placement.

Solution: Rely on an experienced plumber or hot water system retailer/installer to ensure your water heater has the proper access, meets safety regulations, and has enough room for optimal airflow. Have those conversations early!

Regret 3: Forgetting to install a drain under your hot water tank

An overlooked detail with potentially costly consequences involves the absence of a drain pan underneath your water heater. This pan is specifically designed to collect any water discharge or leaks from the unit, minimising the risk of water damage or leakage to other areas of your property.

Solution: The ideal solution to this one is simple. Always install a corrosion-resistant drain pan that is (generally) at least 1.5 inches tall and 2 inches wider than the water heater’s diameter. This preventative measure safeguards against potential water-related headaches in the future.

Regret 4: Not considering a heat pump hot water system

Overlooking the benefits of a heat pump hot water system can lead to missed opportunities for energy efficiency.

Unlike traditional systems, heat pump hot water systems extract heat from the air or ground, making them more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

You can explore a range of incredible heat pump hot water systems available on our website, and also do your own research related to which is best-suited to your particular interests and needs.

What’s more, the current rebates available for both heat pump and solar hot water systems in Victoria mean a high-efficiency hot water system is likely more achievable than you think!

Solution: Explore the advantages of a heat pump hot water system with a professional retailer such as G Store. It’s a regret-proof choice that can enhance your system’s efficiency and contribute to huge long-term savings on your bills.

Regret 5: Selection of poor materials and connections

Embarking on the journey towards a new hot water system without the necessary expertise can result in worst-case-scenario poor material choices and improper connections.

Choosing the right type and size of pipes, avoiding metal mixing, utilising proper soldering techniques, and routing plumbing correctly are crucial for the system’s warranty, performance, and efficiency.

Solution: No-one expects you to be a hot water expert! The only way to ensure quality is to work with a trusted hot water retailer such as G Store to help you select a hot water system that will stand the test of time (without breaking the bank).

Wrapping up

Looking for more info on the best hot water systems and hot water solutions in Victoria, plus the brands and models we stock and recommend here at G Store?

Visit our Learning Centre’s hot water blogs today, or give our award-winning G Store team a call today on 1300 137 567 for free, generous advice regarding all of your questions.

We can’t wait to work with you!

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