Is your hot water system not performing as it should? Perhaps it’s not heating up as quickly or sufficiently as it used to. Are you seeing a rise in energy bills and poor performance from the appliances connected to them?
If so, it could be time to consider replacing your hot water system. After all, nothing is worse than having a system that breaks down right when you need it- cold showers in Melbourne’s freezing winter, no thanks!
To prevent that, and to keep your hot water supply running, here are some of the most common signs that it’s time to upgrade your hot water system.
1. Increase in Energy Bills
Have you noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills lately? It’s easy to brush it off as the rising cost of electricity, but could there be something else at play? If your hot water system is old or inefficient, it could be the culprit behind your high energy bills.
According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, hot water heating accounts for around 25% of household energy use in Australia[1]. If your hot water system is struggling to keep up, it will use more energy to heat the same amount of water, and that will show up on your energy bill costing you more than it should.
2. Unusual Noises or Smells
If you’ve noticed strange noises or smells coming from your hot water system, it’s time to take action. Unusual noises could be a sign that your hot water system is struggling to operate efficiently or that there could be damage that needs repairing.
Sounds To Listen Out For
Pay attention to sounds like gurgling, rumbling, or popping noises as they may indicate that sediment and debris have built up inside the system. Sediment can cause hot spots in the system which damages the system over time. If left unresolved, the problem can create costly repairs and replacement fees.
Smells That Are A Cause For Concern
Likewise, smells of rotten eggs or other unpleasant odours can indicate a problem with your hot water system. A sulfuric smell is an indication of bacteria present in your hot water tank. If your water smells metallic, it could mean that there is corrosion taking place inside the tank, which is another warning sign that your system may need replacing soon.
3. Leaks or Rusting Parts
Leaks can be a sign of an underlying issue with your hot water system and should not be ignored. A small leak in the pipes or fittings of your hot water system can quickly turn into a much larger problem. Even if the source of the leak isn’t found, it could cause costly damage to your home if left unchecked.
To check for leaks, inspect your system regularly from the outside. Are there any wet patches or rusting parts? What about signs of corrosion or rusting on the pipes or fittings? Corrosion can cause a weakened connection which may lead to leaks in the system. If you notice any of these, it’s likely that your system needs to be replaced.
4. Age of System
The average lifespan for most hot water systems is around 8-12 years, so if yours has been installed longer than this then it may need replacing. Old hot water systems tend to be less efficient and more prone to breaking down and could end up costing you more money in the long run.
Even if your system is still working, it could be a good idea to upgrade and take advantage of the energy efficiency offered by newer models on the market. Not only will this reduce your energy bills, but it will also help to preserve our environment for future generations.
Benefits of Replacing Your Traditional Hot Water System With A Heat Pump Hot Water System
You may have heard of heat pump hot water systems and how they have become increasingly popular in recent years. Heat pump hot water systems are a great alternative to traditional storage tank systems due to their energy efficiency, lower cost of operation and long lifespan.
How Heat Pump Hot Water Systems Work
Heat pumps transfer heat from the air outside your home to heat the water inside your tank. By capturing heat that is already present in the atmosphere, these systems are extremely efficient and use up to 70% less energy than traditional hot water systems. This makes them an ideal choice for households looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
Benefits of Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
Heat pump hot water systems are becoming more and more popular because of their high efficiency and low running costs. Not only do they help to reduce energy bills, but they also offer a more consistent temperature and no need for gas.
Heat pumps are also much quieter than traditional hot water systems and require minimal maintenance, so you can rest assured that your tank will be working efficiently for many years to come.
Make the switch to hot water heat pumps and enjoy:
- Lower energy bills due to improved efficiency
- Greater reliability and fewer breakdowns
- Longer lifespan than traditional systems
- Reduced environmental impact with more efficient energy use[a]
- Increased convenience with advanced features such as remote monitoring
Overall, replacing an old hot water system with a heat pump hot water system can be a great investment for your home. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it is also more environmentally friendly and will help preserve our environment for future generations.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, then it may be time to consider replacing your old hot water system.
With the advancements in technology, there are now more energy efficient and cost-effective options like hot water heat pumps available on the market to help you save money while also reducing your environmental impact.
If you’re looking for an expert to help you with the process, reach out to a qualified plumber or hot water specialist like our Gaschill team who can guide you through the installation process and make sure you get the right system for your home.
