Typical heat-up times from cold
| System | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Electric, continuous tariff | Around 3 to 4 hours for a 250 litre tank |
| Electric, off-peak tariff | Heats during the tariff's set hours, often overnight |
| Gas storage | About an hour |
| Heat pump | Several hours, longer on cool mornings |
| Continuous flow | Instant |
Bigger tanks take longer. These are rough guides, and your installer will tell you what to expect.
After a new installation
If your new system is on an off-peak circuit and was installed during the day, you may not have full hot water until the next morning. Ask your installer whether the circuit can be switched to continuous for the first heat-up.
When it's not normal
If an electric system still isn't hot after a full heating period, check the isolator and switchboard. If a gas unit won't ignite, or a heat pump shows an error code, call us.
Common questions
Why is my new hot water system not hot yet?
It may still be heating, especially an off-peak electric tank that only heats at set times. If it's not hot after a full heating period, check the power and call us.
How long does a 250 litre electric hot water system take to heat?
Roughly 3 to 4 hours from cold on a standard circuit with a typical element.
Sources and further reading
- Business Queensland: hot water systems (temperature control devices on new and replacement systems)
- QBCC: Form 4 notifiable work (installing, replacing or removing a water heater)
- Clean Energy Regulator: solar water heaters and air source heat pumps (STC eligibility)
- Residential Tenancies Authority: emergency and routine repairs