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Hot water systems

Water heating can account for almost 40% of your home's energy use.

Running your hot water system efficiently, reducing your hot water consumption and choosing an energy efficient hot water system can make an enormous difference to the size of your energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

Quick tips to save hot water:

  • install a 3 star WELS rated showerhead
  • take shorter showers
  • fix any drips
  • wash clothes in cold water.

Running your system efficiently

  • The thermostat on the water heater should be set to deliver the lowest acceptable temperature. (A storage system must be kept above 60°C for safety reasons). This will lower your running costs and extend your tank's life.
  • Ensure your unit is not oversized for your household.
  • Install your system as close as possible to all points of hot water use, to minimise heat loss in pipes. If this is not possible, locate it close to where small, regular amounts of hot water are drawn off (usually the kitchen). 
  • Insulate exposed hot water pipes, especially the first two metres leading from the hot water system. Closed cell rubber insulation is recommended.
  • You can add extra insulation to a storage tank to reduce heat losses, saving you up to $15 a year (don't restrict flues or air vents). Check with the manufacturer to ensure the warranty won't be affected before installing extra insulation.
  • Keep the hot water system sheltered and protect any pilot lights from draughts.
  • Install a timer on peak rate electric storage units.
  • To maximise performance of a solar system, when possible do jobs requiring hot water early in the day. This allows the water remaining in the tank to be reheated by the sun.
  • If your electric storage system is running on a peak tariff, switch it off whenever you can. They can be very expensive to run - up to 3.5 times more than off-peak electric or natural gas systems.
  • Turn your hot water unit off if you're going away for an extended period. Some units have a 'vacation' setting to make this easier.

 

 

Page last updated: 17 November 2008