Water Heating

Hot water is costly to generate, so it is important that it's produced and used efficiently.

The following tips can help you choose the right water heater and ensure that it runs efficiently:

  • Consider using a timer for you hot water system so that water is not needlessly heated during times when it is not needed.
  • If you have a hot water storage system, install insulation and pipe lagging on your system - lagging should be installed on the first 2 meters of the copper piping leading from the storage tank (the pipe that carries hot water from the tank).   
  • Set your thermostat to a lower temperature generally 50° C for instantaneous systems and 60° C for storage systems is sufficiently warm enough.
  • Use water efficient appliances and install flow restrictors on taps.
  • Install a AAA water saving showerhead - download this shower savings calculator to see how much you can save.   
  • Fix any leaking pipes or taps.
  • Locate systems close to the point of use.
  • When choosing a new water heater, choose a system that is the right size for your needs and consider a solar hot water or heat pump system. Discounts on solar hot water systems are now available through our Rebates for Residents project.
  • When replacing your hot water system with a more efficient one check whether you qualify for any State or Federal Government Rebates.
  • Try to avoid using small amounts of hot water frequently as heat is lost through the pipes.
Choosing a Hot Water System?
  • The initial capital cost of hot water systems is usually the only factor that many people consider when choosing a system. However, over the lifetime of a typical electric or gas system you will spend 14 times the initial capital cost in running costs.
  • Check the Energy Rating labels on gas and electric systems and choose a high star rated model. Even one star improvement can give savings of around 10% on annual running costs.
  • If you don't have the roof space for a solar hot water system consider a heat pump system, these are extremely efficient and are designed to sit at ground level.
  • Choose the right sized system for your needs.