Most of us don’t think twice about the hot water flowing through our homes until the bills arrive. Whether it’s your morning shower, dishes after dinner, or the laundry – hot water is one of those invisible comforts we rely on daily. But it’s also one of the biggest contributors to your energy costs.

And if your system is older, outdated, or just not running as efficiently as it should, you might be paying far more than you need to. At ABA Plumbing & Gas, we have seen it all – from small drips that add up to hundreds of dollars, to aging systems guzzling energy behind the scenes. Here’s what every Adelaide homeowner should know about the true cost of hot water.

How Much Is Hot Water Costing You?

On average, hot water can account for up to 30% of your home’s total energy use. That’s a big chunk of your power or gas bill, especially during winter when usage naturally increases.

For electric storage systems, that figure can rise even higher. These units heat water continuously, even when you are not using it. It’s not unusual for some older electric systems to be adding $800 to $1,200 annually to your power bills.

In comparison, modern gas continuous flow systems or energy-efficient heat pumps can be far more cost-effective in the long run, even though the upfront price might be a bit higher. Over five years, the savings can add up to thousands.

Hot Water Not Working? The Silent Signs You’re Overpaying

Not every system screams out for attention. Often, the signs are quiet but costly:

• Hot water not working 
• Your hot water runs out faster than it used to
• Water pressure seems inconsistent
• You hear strange noises (like popping or hissing) from the unit
• The system hasn’t been serviced in years
• Your energy bills have slowly crept up, but nothing else has changed

If any of these sound familiar, your system could be working harder than it needs to costing you more without giving you better performance.

Hot Water System Repair or Replacement? What Makes More Sense?

This is one of the most common questions we get. The answer depends on a few key factors:

• How old is your current system? (Anything over 10–12 years may not be worth saving.)
• How often do you need repairs?
• Are the running costs higher than they should be for your household size?

In many cases, we have helped homeowners save money by replacing an inefficient unit with a newer, better-suited model, not just in repair costs, but also in day-to-day usage. Gas continuous flow systems, for example, only heat water when you need it. That alone can reduce your energy bills significantly.

Simple Steps to Cut Hot Water Costs Today

Before you commit to replacing anything, there are a few things you can try right now:

• Lower the thermostat if it’s set above 60°C
• Fix dripping taps quickly as every drip adds up
• Wash clothes in cold water when possible
• Don’t ignore that lukewarm shower – it could be your system crying out for attention
• Book a hot water health check with a licensed hot water plumber Adelaide (we can help with that)

Hot Water System Adelaide – Help That Makes Sense

You don’t need to put up with high hot water costs. Whether you are curious about a better system, want honest advice, or just need a quick repair done right, the team at ABA Plumbing & Gas is here to help. We have helped hundreds of Adelaide families stay warm, save money, and feel confident their system is doing what it should.

ABA Plumbing & Gas repairs, installs, and replaces all models from leading hot water brands, including Vulcan, Rinnai, Rheem, Dux, Bosch, AquaMax, Stiebel Eltron, Quantum, Chromagen, Everhot, and Thermann.

If your hot water costs seem too high or you are just not sure, simply give us a call. We will give you straight answers, fair pricing and no pressure.