Post By Admin
October 12, 2024Have you ever found yourself standing in the shower waiting for hot water?
You’re not alone! That’s why lots of people wonder, “How long does a hot water system take to heat up?”
The time it takes depends on the type of system you have—whether it’s gas, electric, solar, or tankless.
So, before you frantically call your hot water plumbing service, it’s better to learn the common times for a hot water system to heat up.
Let’s dive for more detail in this article!
How Long Does It Take For the Hot Water System to Heat Up?
When you’re thinking about how long it takes for a hot water system to heat up, it really depends on two things: the type of system you have and how big your water tank is.
These two factors work hand in hand to determine how quickly your water heats up. Let’s break it down.
Source: Pexels
Each type of hot water system heats water in a different way and at a different speed:
1. Gas Hot Water Systems
How long does a gas hot water system take to heat up? Gas systems are pretty quick. They use a burner to heat water, which means it can usually get hot in about 30-40 minutes.
Gas is faster than electric because it generates heat at a higher level. So, if you have a busy household where people are constantly using hot water, a gas system could be a good fit because it heats water faster, even if your tank is large.
You won’t have to wait long between showers, and it’s great if you want hot water on demand.
2. Electric Hot Water Systems
The next type of hot water system is the electric system. So, how long does electric hot water take to heat up? They usually take a bit more time.
They use heating elements inside the tank, similar to the way a kettle works. This process usually takes around 60-80 minutes to fully heat the water, depending on how big the tank is.
Electric systems are reliable but slower than gas because the heat builds up gradually.
If you find yourself waiting too long for hot water with an electric system, it might be worth looking into a smaller tank or a faster option. This is especially true if your household needs more hot water throughout the day.
3. Solar Hot Water Systems
Solar systems are a bit different because they rely on the sun. On a bright sunny day, you could have hot water in 2-4 hours. But when it’s cloudy, it might take longer, and that’s where things can get tricky.
Many solar systems come with a backup, either gas or electric, to keep things moving when the weather isn’t ideal. The size of your solar panels and how much sunlight you get really affect how fast the water heats up.
If you’ve got a bigger solar system and you’re not getting a lot of sun, it’ll take longer to get hot water. Having that backup system is important for making sure you’re not stuck waiting on cloudy days.
4. Tankless (On-Demand) Hot Water Systems
With tankless systems, there’s no waiting around for a tank to fill up. These systems heat water instantly as it flows through the unit. So, as soon as you turn on the tap, hot water is ready.
This is perfect if you want hot water immediately without having to wait for a tank to refill. However, keep in mind that tankless systems work best for single uses, like one shower or running one tap.
If multiple people are using hot water at once, like in a busy household, the flow rate might slow down, and you won’t get as much hot water at the same time.
Water Tank Size for Hot Water Systems
Source: Pexels
The size of your hot water tank has a big impact on how long the hot water system takes to heat up and how much hot water you’ll have.
Generally, the larger the tank, the more water it holds—and the longer it will take to heat up. Here’s how different tank sizes make a difference:
1. Small Tanks (50 to 100 Litres)
Small tanks heat up quickly because there’s less water inside. A 50-litre tank, for example, can heat up in about 20-30 minutes with a gas system, and around 45-60 minutes with an electric one.
These are great for smaller households or people who don’t use a lot of hot water. But keep in mind, if you’re using a lot of water—say for multiple showers—it might run out faster, and then you’ll be waiting for it to heat up again.
2. Medium Tanks (150 to 250 Litres)
Medium-sized tanks are the most common in homes, especially for families. They provide enough water for multiple uses, but they also take a little longer to heat.
For example, a 250-litre tank might take 40-50 minutes to heat up with gas, and a little over an hour with electricity.
These tanks can usually handle the needs of a busy household, but if you’re using a lot of hot water at once—like running the dishwasher and showering at the same time—it might take longer for the water to heat up fully.
3. Large Tanks (315 Litres and Above)
Larger tanks are designed for homes that need a lot of hot water, like big families or homes with multiple bathrooms.
Because they hold so much water, it can take up to an hour or more to heat the whole tank with gas, and even longer (up to two hours) with electricity.
While they give you plenty of hot water, the downside is that once it’s used up, you have to wait quite a while for the tank to refill and heat back up.
If you find your large tank is always slow, it could be a sign that your system is aging or needs some maintenance to improve efficiency. Sometimes, you can identify it when you have low hot water pressure.
Conclusion
You’ve already learned how long a hot water system takes to heat up now. Do you think you want to replace your current hot water system with other types of water systems to suit your needs?
Remember: choosing the right combination of system type and tank size depends on how much hot water your household needs.
Next, call Neighbourhood Plumbing when you need to replace and install the new hot water system in your household.
We’re a leading professional plumbing service in Melbourne, and we’re ready to help you. Contact us today!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
