Whether you work hard outside your home – or work from home, owning certain appliances that indicate your standard of living. These include the brand and model of your car, laptop, phone(s), A/C, kitchen appliances and hot water system. Obviously, repairing, maintaining or servicing all of these is imperative for forming a positive first impression. Here, we’ll get into electric hot water system installation and service in Brisbane, including signs indicating the need for repairs.
When will you need to install an electric hot water heater?
You may want one after purchasing a new home, or replacing the existing hot water system in your current home. If you’re renovating or remodelling a bathroom, you may have to opt for a new electric hot water installation, too. The price of the unit will vary depending on the type of electric hot water system (storage or instantaneous). It will also depend on the length of the warranty.
Hot water systems generally last 10 – 12 years, and 25% of a household’s energy bill is due to heating water. So, you may want to select one that is not too expensive, yet easy to repair and service.
Types of electric hot water heaters
There are two basic types of electric hot water heaters: storage water heaters, and continuous flow or instantaneous systems. While electric storage hot water systems last 10 years or so, electric instantaneous hot water systems last for 20 years. Heat pump hot water systems use storage tanks, electricity, are energy-efficient, and more environmentally friendly than most conventional water heaters. Unfortunately, their upfront costs are higher, and they’re less reliable than other electric systems, if installed or used incorrectly.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water states that 50% of Australian households use storage water heaters. This may be because electric water heaters with tanks are reliable and inexpensive to buy and install. The running cost is higher than for other types of hot water systems, though. This remains the case unless the electric hot water heater is on the off-peak rate or connected to solar panels.
Whichever type you buy, you’ll want to check the size and capacity of the electric water heater before doing so. Purchasing a hot water system accordingly will result in a lower power bill.
Choice of phases (electricity supply)
For those residing in Australia’s northern states, a single phase electricity supply is sufficient for electric instantaneous flow hot water systems. This is because of the higher water temperature feeding into the instantaneous hot water system. The water temperature and pressure are comparatively lower in southern parts of Australia, so single phase instantaneous systems won’t work.
Of course, a 3-phase electric instantaneous hot water system will work the best anywhere in Australia that has 3-phase power.
What does the kilowatt rating (kW) indicate for electric hot water systems? How do you know what to buy?
If you purchase an electric hot water system with higher wattage, you’ll get a higher water temperature and stronger water pressure.
Electric hot water system repair and service
Keeping up-to-date with servicing your hot water system helps lower the cost of repairs if it is still under warranty. Hot water systems in homes should be serviced once every three years. For businesses, annual servicing is recommended. We’d like to dissuade you from attempting to repair a hot water system if you’re not a hot water specialist. Chances are that the problem is an indication of a larger one that you are not trained to recognise.
Here are several tips on knowing when it’s time to call for electric hot water repairs. Once you determine it’s the right course of action, check if your hot water system is still under warranty. If it is, you can get your electric system repaired at a reduced cost – or even for free! For example, electric instantaneous hot water systems can last twice as long as electric storage hot water systems. So, it’s important to keep up with electric instantaneous hot water servicing or maintenance.
Signs to look out for indicating the need for repair
- Wear and tear – Heating coils or other elements of your water heater may break or wear out during winter. This is due to households requiring more hot water and heating coils more energy to heat up colder water.
- Longer wait time – Having to consistently wait longer for water to heat up can indicate that your hot water system needs replacing.
- Higher power bills – Using the same amount of hot water and getting an increase in your power bill means the system needs replacing. You can purchase a more efficient electric system instead.
- Ageing – If your hot water system is 10 years old or more, it’ll be less efficient and break down more often. It can corrode, which will result in leaks. Heating up water in the winter will also lead to leaks.
- Discoloured water – When the water coming out of the tap is rusty in colour, or has sediment in it, it indicates that the hot water system is corroding. This can cause leaks later on.
- Leaks – This is by far the most common problem in electric storage hot water systems, and is caused by blocked or broken drain valve. This in turn is caused by excessive temperature pressure or water pressure in the storage tank.
Have you bought a new home or business, and need to install or replace an electric hot water system in Brisbane? Ipswich Hot Water can help – you can count on us for hot water system supply, installation, repair and same-day service. Offering competitive prices and a one-year warranty, call us on 0431 478 631 for a free quote. Or make an enquiry by filling out a web form, and we’ll get back to you at the earliest!
