Cold showers are annoying. But inconsistent hot water? That’s a daily disruption you don’t need, especially when it drags into rising energy bills, longer wait times, or the dread of a failing system in the middle of winter.
In Newcastle, we deal with temperature swings and older housing stock that often wasn’t built for modern hot water demands. Whether it’s a growing family, a rental property that keeps getting tenant complaints, or a system that only works when it feels like it, we’ve seen it all.
Here’s the truth: A well-installed hot water system offers comfort, peace of mind, energy efficiency, and making sure your daily routine doesn’t start with frustration.
That’s why getting the install right the first time (with the right system, proper electrical setup, and local experience) matters more than most people realise.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Home
Every home runs differently, and so should its hot water system.
We don’t take a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, we start by looking at how you actually use hot water:
- Got a household of five all showering before 8 AM?
- Live alone and want to cut your power bill down?
- Upgrading an older system that never keeps up?
We help you choose between:
- Storage systems (great for consistent high use)
- Continuous flow units (heat as you need, lower energy waste)
- Indoor vs outdoor setups (based on space and ventilation)
- Electric vs gas (what you’re currently wired for vs future savings)
We also factor in load capacity, usage timing, and whether your switchboard can safely handle newer, more efficient units or if it needs an upgrade. No guesswork. No pressure. Just a clear breakdown of what makes sense for your home and why.
Electric, Gas, and Eco-Friendly Options Explained
Not all hot water systems run the same, and picking the right type can mean the difference between reliable showers and monthly bill regret.
Electric Systems
Electric setups are common across Newcastle homes, especially in older builds or apartments. They’re straightforward to install and pair well with off-peak tariffs, but without smart energy planning, they can bump up your power bill.
We recommend electric for homes that:
- Already have a compatible electrical setup
- Don’t need huge hot water volumes at once
- Want a quick, low-hassle replacement
Gas Systems
Gas units heat water faster and can be more cost-effective long-term, if your home’s already gas-connected. But they need proper ventilation and certified plumbing, which can complicate things if you’re retrofitting.
Gas might make sense if:
- Your home already runs on gas heating or cooking
- You need faster recovery times for large households
- You want to avoid electricity-only dependency
Eco Options: Heat Pumps & Solar-Assist

Looking to cut energy use or claim government rebates? Heat pump systems and solar-assisted units are growing in popularity, especially with rising electricity costs.
We’ve seen great results with heat pumps in Newcastle’s mild climate. These systems pull heat from the air to warm water, using far less energy than standard electric models.
Solar-assist setups work best with solid roof exposure and good water usage patterns. They cost more upfront but can pay off in the long run, especially for eco-conscious households looking to future-proof their utilities.
Trusted Brands Commonly Installed in Newcastle
We don’t believe in pushing one-size-fits-all brands. Instead, we choose systems based on your home, your usage, and what’s proven to work in Newcastle conditions.
That said, here are a few names our customers often ask about, and why they’re trusted by electricians and plumbers across the region:
✔ Rheem
Australian-made and known for solid, long-lasting storage systems. Great for families and homes needing consistent volume.
✔ Rinnai
Reliable for continuous flow setups, ideal if you’re going tankless and want hot water on demand with higher efficiency.
✔ Dux
Often chosen for budget-conscious upgrades. A decent range of electric and gas options with standard warranty support.
✔ EvoHeat & Quantum
Both brands offer energy-saving heat pump systems. Popular among households looking to lower running costs or qualify for rebates, especially with Newcastle’s climate supporting efficient heat exchange.
⚠️ Important: We don’t recommend systems based on brand reputation alone. What matters more is how well the system fits your home, power setup, and lifestyle. We’ll always explain the pros and cons so you’re not guessing.
Our Installation Process (What to Expect from Start to Finish)
We treat hot water installs like any other serious electrical job, precise, planned, and done to code. No shortcuts, no guessing, and definitely no duct-taping things to “figure it out later.”
Here’s how we handle it:
✔ Step 1: Site Check & System Match
We start with a proper assessment of your current setup, switchboard capacity, wiring condition, and physical space. Then we help you pick a system that suits your usage, fits the space, and plays nice with your home’s power supply.
✔ Step 2: Safe Removal & Prep
If you’re replacing an old system, we disconnect and remove it safely, taking care to check for any electrical faults or wiring hazards before fitting the new unit.
✔ Step 3: Installation & Testing
We install the system with new connections, power points (if needed), and any required safety switches. Once fitted, we run full system tests and a final safety audit, ensuring everything is aligned with NSW compliance standards.
You’re left with a fully functional system, and we clean up before leaving, no mess, no tools left behind, and no “call us if it breaks in two days” energy.
Pricing Breakdown & What Influences Cost
There’s no such thing as a flat price for hot water installs, and anyone telling you otherwise is either guessing or selling a one-size-fits-nobody solution.
Here’s what we look at before giving you a proper quote:
✔ System Type
Electric systems are usually more straightforward, while gas, heat pumps, or solar-assisted setups can involve more planning and installation steps.
✔ Your Home Setup
Things like plumbing layout, existing connections, and whether your switchboard needs upgrading all affect the overall cost.
✔ Efficiency Goals and Extras
Higher efficiency systems or optional features like timers and tempering valves can change the scope of the job, but they often pay off long-term.
We quote based on your real-world setup, not templates. You’ll get honest advice and clear pricing that reflects what your home actually needs.
Factors That Affect Cost
- System size (larger tanks = higher cost)
- Switchboard upgrades (if needed for modern units)
- Access issues (tight lofts, multi-storey installs, etc.)
- Brand and warranty length
- Optional extras like timers, valves, or off-peak controls
Every quote we give includes all these variables upfront, no “surprise” line items after the job’s done. And if there are choices to be made (e.g. staging the work vs doing it all at once), we’ll walk you through them.
Hot Water Repairs & Servicing Options

Even the best system won’t run forever without a bit of attention. And when it starts acting up (like weird noises, cold water halfway through a shower, or a unit that sounds like it’s boiling rocks), you don’t want to wait for it to fail completely.
Here’s how we handle it:
✔ Common Repairs
- Faulty thermostats or elements causing temperature swings
- Leaking valves or pipe joints showing early signs of wear
- Tripped safety switches or faulty wiring on electric systems
- Rust-coloured water (usually a tank issue)
We carry the tools and spare parts for most common issues and get the fix done fast, no endless “we’ll order it and come back in a week” nonsense.
✔ Regular Servicing
Think of this like an oil change for your hot water system. Annual servicing can catch issues early, improve efficiency, and extend system life, especially with electric storage systems that build up sediment inside the tank.
We inspect the unit, clean elements, test the thermostat, check safety valves, and make sure the pressure is stable. If anything looks off, we’ll let you know before it becomes a full-blown breakdown.
And yes, we service systems we didn’t install, too. If it’s wired in, we can work with it.
Ready to Sort Your Hot Water? Let’s Get It Done Right
In the last 16 years, we’ve seen and fixed a lot of water heaters in Newcastle. From busted tanks, cold showers, and systems that hum like they’re possessed. We also know how much a reliable hot water setup matters to daily life.
That’s why, at Elevated Electrical, we don’t just drop in a system and call it a day. We assess, install, test, and explain everything, so you’re left with a setup that fits your home, your habits, and your power usage.
Whether it’s a standard electric unit, a gas replacement, or a more efficient heat pump option, we’ll help you choose a system that works for the long haul. No jargon. No overselling. Just local expertise that gets it right the first time.
👉 Let’s get started? Request your quote today.
FAQs
Can a faulty hot water system affect my electricity bill?
Absolutely. A struggling system can run longer than necessary, drawing more power and costing more over time, especially if the thermostat is faulty or there’s internal buildup reducing efficiency.
What’s the lifespan of a modern electric hot water system?
Most systems last 8–12 years, depending on the brand, usage, and whether it’s serviced regularly. Some units go longer, especially with maintenance, while others die early if left neglected.
Is it worth upgrading if my current system still works?
If it’s over 10 years old, inefficient, or mismatched to your household’s needs, you’re likely paying more in energy than necessary. An upgrade could mean lower bills, fewer repairs, and better performance.