Episode 4 :: Choosing an energy efficient hot water system
If you're building or renovating, or it's just the right time to replace your hot water system, it's worth looking at your options.
Hot water systems have a long life, so it really makes sense to choose a system that will meet your needs efficiently - which means less energy and lower running costs in the long run.
These systems may be out of sight in our homes, but by choosing an efficient one you can keep mind that you're helping to leave more of today's energy resources for tomorrow's generations.
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If you're looking for a new hot water system, here are some things to consider:
- What's right for your household? Think about how many people live there now, and how many might be there in the future. Also consider how and when you use hot water in your household.
- What type of system? Systems run on different types of energy including electricity, gas, electricity or renewable solar or wood energy. They can also be instantaneous flow, or store hot water in a storage cylinder.
- What will it cost? Think about the upfront purchase and installation costs, and the ongoing running costs.
- What are the environmental impacts? Choosing a system that uses renewable energy sources like the sun (solar and heat pump water heating) or wood (wood or wood pellet heating) will reduce the environmental impacts into the future.
ENERGYWISE™ has lots of good information on to help you answer these questions - find out more about choosing the right hot water system.
Whichever system you choose, using it efficiently will mean less energy and water is wasted - find out more about simple ways to save on hot water.
Download Action sheet 3: Get more out of your hot water
Did you know?
- The average electric hot water cylinder is 19 years old. [1]
- A modern, energy efficient system could halve your hot water heating costs. For example, solar water heating can reduce your hot water heating costs by 50 to 75%. Find out more about running costs of hot water systems.
- If you're planning to install a solar water heating system you may be eligible for an ENERGYWISE™ grant of $1000.
- Wrapping your hot water cylinder and pipes to keep the heat in could save you up to $150 a year if you have an older (i.e. pre-1987) cylinder. You can buy cylinder wraps and pipe insulation from hardware stores.
[1] Report on the Year Nine Analysis for the Household Energy End-Use Project (HEEP) 2005
