Hot water heaters
Water heating is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions from the average Australian home and accounts for about a quarter of household energy use.
Currently about 50 per cent of Australian households use electric hot water systems to heat water in their homes. These systems produce up to three times the greenhouse gases of low emission alternatives. Other low emission technologies include solar, heat pump and high efficiency gas.
The phase-out of greenhouse intensive hot water heaters
The Australian and state and territory governments are working together to phase out greenhouse intensive hot water heaters, commencing during 2010. This phase out will result in the reduction of greenhouse gases by about 51.1 million tonnes over ten years from 2010-2020.
More about the greenhouse intensive hot water phase-out.
Switching to low emission technologies
A range of low emission technologies are available for water heating in your home. Low emission hot water heaters when properly installed and used efficiently provide householders with an opportunity to contribute to greenhouse gas abatement and reduce energy bills. Builders of new houses and households replacing an existing hot water heater can choose from a range of low emission alternatives to suit their home, climate and budget including:
More about switching to a low emission water heater.