Have you opened your power bill lately and wondered whether your hot water system using too much electricity is to blame? Costs are soaring across all aspects of life at the moment, but in Queensland homes, water heating can account for around a quarter of total electricity use – and that’s a big chunk. With energy prices rising more than just about anything else, we understand that it’s a major issue.
The good news? You probably don’t need to replace your system to see real savings. If you manage to optimise your hot water system in just the right ways – including the settings, how you use it, and some smart tariff choices – you can get a system that works smarter rather than harder.
Let’s just dive straight in:
1. Get on the right tariff
In Queensland, economy tariffs like Tariff 31 and Tariff 33 are specifically designed for appliances such as electric hot water systems.
These tariffs are cheaper per kilowatt-hour because supply is controlled by the network. Power is available for set minimum hours each day, but it can be switched off at varying times. And that’s perfectly fine for storage hot water systems in particular that heat and store water for later use.
- Tariff 31 generally provides at least 8 hours of supply per day and is often suited to larger electric systems (around 250L or more).
- Tariff 33 provides at least 16 hours per day and is commonly used for systems from around 125L upward, including heat pumps and some solar storage systems.
If your hot water system is currently on Tariff 11 (standard 24/7 supply), it may be costing you more than necessary.
Not sure how to connect to an economy tariff?:
- Your system must be hardwired on a dedicated circuit
- And you’ll need a licensed electrician to assess your setup and coordinate with your retailer.
If you’re serious about learning how to save power on your hot water system, this is often the first place we look.
2. Check your thermostat setting
Many homeowners never check if they can tweak their thermostat setting after installation.
In Queensland, the recommended storage temperature is 60 °C – the sweet-spot to to ensure bacteria control while avoiding unnecessary overheating.
If your thermostat is set any higher than that, you’re simply using more electricity than needed – because it needs to be delivered to your taps quite a bit lower to reduce the risk of scalding. But if it’s set too low, you risk hygiene issues.
A small tweak here can make a noticeable difference over time – so look into it.
3. Make sure your system is the right size
In simple terms:
- An undersized system will constantly reheat because it runs out of stored hot water.
- An oversized system can also be inefficient because you’re heating more water than you use.
If you’re looking to optimise hot water system performance, capacity matters.
For example:
- 1-2 people may suit a 125-160L system
- 3-4 people often require 250L+
- Larger households may need 315L or more.
Economy tariffs also have minimum size recommendations, so hot water sizing and tariff selection often go hand in hand.
Unsure? A licensed plumber can easily assess your usage and recommend a better match.
4. Reduce heat loss
Even a perfectly-sized hot water system can waste energy if heat is escaping.
The question, then, is how to improve efficiency:
- Insulate exposed hot water pipes
- Check that your tank insulation is intact
- Position the system close to main usage areas when possible.
Remember: The less heat that escapes, the less reheating is required.
5. Shorten shower time (it makes a big difference!)
It sounds basic, but it’s incredibly effective – and a minute here or two under the hot stuff isn’t going to make much of a difference to your life, is it?
What it will do, however, is save you a considerable amount of money. If you can swallow a reduction of shower time from eight minutes to four, we’re talking about hundreds of dollars here.
Prepared to go even further? Installing low-flow showerheads also reduces hot water usage without even sacrificing noticeable pressure.
If your hot water system using too much electricity is linked mainly to heavy usage, and behaviour changes are going to have to be part of the solution.
6. Fix leaks immediately
A dripping hot water tap might not seem like a big deal, but even a slow leak can waste thousands of litres per year.
Because that water has already been heated, every drop is costing you.
If you notice hot water leaks, have them repaired … straight away.
7. Consider upgrading if your system is old
Do you have an older electric storage systems? These ones in particular are a lot less efficient than the modern options – even if you want to stick with electricity and a familiar tank.
If your unit is approaching 10-15 years old, it may be worth considering:
- High-efficiency electric storage
- Heat pump systems
- Solar hot water.
Heat pumps and solar systems can reduce your running costs dramatically, especially when paired with the correct tariff.
An upgrade isn’t always necessary – but sometimes it’s the smartest long-term move. The best place to start is by asking your trusted hot water plumber.
8. Check if you’re already on an economy tariff
Do you have absolutely no idea what kind of tariff you’re currently on?
The easiest way to find out is by checking your electricity bill. If you see separate usage listed under Tariff 31 or Tariff 33 (or a similarly labelled controlled load tariff), you’re already connected.
If not, and your system qualifies, a licensed technician can assess whether switching makes sense.
Need some more hot water efficiency advice?
If you’re trying to work out how to save power on your hot water system, don’t just focus on a single factor. At the end of the day, it’s going to be a combination of:
- Getting onto the right tariff
- Tweaking those thermostat settings
- Matching system size with your usage & home.
- Modifying your behaviours.
For you, the solution might be really simple – while at other times it might mean a smart and timely system upgrade. The key is getting clear advice before making changes.
Here at Static Plumbing, we’re helping homeowners just like you across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast all the time as they assess their hot water setup properly. From discussing economy tariff suitability to repairing a simple leak and beyond, we always focus on the practical, long-term savings that really are within your reach.
Is your hot water system using too much electricity? Not sure how to optimise your hot water system performance before your next power bill gives you a nasty surprise? Give Static Plumbing a call – and we’ll help you make informed decisions that actually reduce your costs.
