Planning an install on the Sunshine Coast
Room around most homes
Separate houses made up 73.1% of occupied homes in the Sunshine Coast council area at the 2021 Census, and flats or apartments 12.8%. Most installs are on house blocks. In an apartment, check with the body corporate before a unit is added or moved.
June is the solar test
Sunshine Coast Airport averages 24.1 MJ per square metre of sun a day in January but 12.0 in June. Ask how a solar system performs in June, not just in summer.
Morning air for a heat pump
The same station's July mean minimum is 9.7°C, and its humidity at 9am averages 71%. A heat pump works from that air, so ask the installer about siting and run times.
Know where the pipes run
Sunshine Coast Council can supply plumbing records and drainage plans for a property through a building, plumbing and development search. They help when a system is moving to a new spot.
New home or existing home?
New homes. For a new dwelling, Queensland counts the energy performance of the hot water system in the National Construction Code's Whole of Home energy budget. Your builder, designer and plumber should agree on the system early, because it counts towards that energy budget.
Existing homes. Installing, replacing or removing a water heater in an existing building is notifiable work, and so is fitting or replacing a temperature control device. The licensee registers it with the QBCC within 10 business days of the invoice, and you should get a copy.
How an installation usually runs
Site visit
The plumber looks at where the unit can go, the water and drain connections, and the power or gas supply.
Choosing the system
Size, type and position are agreed. For solar or a heat pump, confirm the installer holds the QBCC's solar and heat pump endorsement.
Installation
A temperature control device is fitted, because Queensland requires one on all new and replacement systems, and the tank is set to heat water to at least 60°C.
Paperwork
Notifiable work is registered with the QBCC. If gas is connected, the gas fitter issues a gas system compliance certificate on completion.
Moving an existing system
Shifting a unit means new pipe runs and connections, and an electric or heat pump unit may need an electrician as well. Gas units need a licensed gas fitter, who must check the supply can handle the appliance in its new spot.
Ask the plumber who arranges each trade, and who registers the work. Our national hot water installation page covers placement in more detail.
Questions for the installer
- Where will the unit go, and why there?
- Are you QBCC-endorsed for solar and heat pump work?
- Which temperature control device are you fitting?
- Who registers the notifiable work, and when will I receive the copy?
- Is the STC discount shown on the quote, and is the model on the register?
What we would do
Decide on the system before the slab or the frame goes in, not after, so the pipes and power are run once. For solar, think about the June sun as well as the January sun, and for a heat pump, about the cool, damp winter mornings and where the noise will carry. Ask for the QBCC endorsement number in writing and check it. Then make sure the quote shows the temperature control device, the STC discount and who lodges the paperwork. A plumber who specialises in hot water installation will have answers ready.