How to Save Hot Water This Winter: Tips from Your Local Pomona Plumber

Winter mornings in Pomona are chilly enough without discovering you’ve run out of hot water halfway through your shower. Whether your home has a gas or electric hot water system, a few simple changes can help you reduce energy use, lower your power or gas bills, and make sure everyone in the household enjoys a warm shower.

At Plumbing & Gas Services Pomona, we’re often asked why hot water seems to run out faster during winter. The answer is simple—your incoming mains water is much colder, meaning your hot water system has to work harder to heat it – that and typically more is used throughout the warmer months.

Here are our top tips for making your hot water go further this winter.

Tips for Gas Hot Water Systems

Gas hot water systems are popular because they recover quickly and are generally more economical to run than electric storage systems.

To get the best performance from your gas hot water system:

Keep showers shorter

A five-minute shower can significantly reduce hot water consumption compared to a longer shower.

Space showers apart

If you have a gas storage system, allowing 10–15 minutes between showers gives the system time to reheat the tank.

Check your pilot light

Older gas storage systems use a pilot light. If it’s gone out or isn’t burning correctly, your hot water performance may suffer.

Service your gas appliance

Like any appliance, gas hot water systems benefit from routine servicing. A licensed gas fitter can ensure your burner is operating efficiently and safely.

Tips for Electric Hot Water Systems

Electric storage hot water systems require a slightly different approach, particularly if your home uses off-peak electricity.

Be mindful of off-peak heating

Many electric systems only heat water during designated off-peak times. If the tank runs empty before the next heating cycle, you’ll need to wait for it to reheat.

Avoid running multiple appliances together

Try not to run the dishwasher, washing machine and showers all at the same time. This helps preserve your hot water supply.

Consider whether your system is the right size

If your family has grown or your household’s water usage has increased, your current hot water system may simply be too small.

Hot Water Saving Tips for Every Home

Whether you have gas or electric hot water, these simple habits can make a noticeable difference.

• Fix leaking hot taps as soon as possible.
• Install water-efficient shower heads.
• Wash clothes using cold water whenever practical.
• Insulate exposed hot water pipes to reduce heat loss.
• Set your thermostat correctly—hot enough for safe operation, but not unnecessarily high. You will need a licenced plumber to assist with this one.
• Consider upgrading older systems that have become inefficient.

When Should You Replace Your Hot Water System?

If your hot water system is more than 10–15 years old, frequently runs out of hot water, leaks, or requires regular repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.

At Plumbing & Gas Services Pomona, we supply, install and repair both gas and electric hot water systems. We’ll recommend the right size and type for your household so you have reliable hot water all winter long.

Need Help with Your Hot Water?

Whether your system needs servicing, repairs or replacement, Plumbing & Gas Services Pomona provides honest advice and quality workmanship throughout Pomona, Cooran, Cooroy, Kin Kin, Noosa Hinterland and surrounding areas.

Contact our friendly team today to keep your hot water flowing this winter.