Switching to a low emission water heater
Switching your water heating from an electric system to a low emission technology can reduce your household greenhouse gas emissions, reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your energy bills.
Choosing a water heater
Water heaters come in a range of technologies suited to different climates. So, it's important to consider your individual circumstances when choosing a new water heater. This information will help you to select the most appropriate water heater for your needs.
Do your research
Choosing a hot water system is a decision you may only make a few times in your life. When selecting a system, it's crucial you think about:
- your family size (how much hot water you need)
- where you live (climate affects the efficiency of hot water systems)
- your budget
- where the hot water system will be located
- the electricity tariff that you may be charged for your new hot water system.
You need to make sure that you select a hot water system that suits your needs, where you live and your budget. Spending a little more time researching your options will help ensure you purchase a system that provides enough hot water, saves you money and reduces your household's greenhouse gas emissions.
When installing a low emission water heater, you can choose between the following options:
Of these technologies, gas-boosted solar water heaters are the lowest emitter of greenhouse gases.
Do you have access to gas?
- Gas hot water systems can operate on piped natural gas or bottled liquid petroleum gas (LPG).
- If you have access to piped natural gas, then you can choose between any of the low emission water heater options. A gas-boosted solar water heater emits the lowest amount of greenhouse gas emissions in most parts of Australia and is a good choice if you want to do your part in tackling climate change.
- If you cannot access piped natural gas, then bottled LPG gas is an alternative. However, systems that use LPG are typically 2 to 3 times more expensive to run than systems that use natural gas. This may not be an important consideration if your hot water use is very low or your roof gets a lot of direct sunshine.
- If you do not have access to gas, then you can choose between a heat pump or electric-boosted solar water heater.
Do you have good access to sunshine?
- Solar water heaters deliver maximum cost savings and environmental benefit when installed on a north-facing roof that gets lots of direct sunshine. It is possible to locate a solar water heater on east or west facing roofs if you use a support frame to angle the collectors to the north.
- If your roof is shaded by nearby buildings or trees, a heat pump or gas water heater may be a better option.
- Solar water heaters can be heavy (300 to 700 kg), so you may need to discuss with your supplier or installer whether structural reinforcing of your roof is needed to support this added weight.
Do you live in a cold climate?
- If you live in an area that regularly experiences low temperatures, you will need to choose a hot water system that performs well in cold climates.
- If you live in a frost-prone area, you need to consider frost protection for a solar or heat pump hot water system.
- Solar water heaters and heat pumps can deliver energy and cost savings in cold climates, but you will need to ensure that your system is designed to cope with low temperatures.
- Heat pumps are not well suited to cool, dry climates and locations where frosts occur regularly.
- Discuss with your local supplier or installer which system is most appropriate for your location.
How much hot water do you use?
- Most low emission water heaters are available in a range of sizes and options to suit your hot water needs.
- Your hot water system needs to be sized according to the number of people in your household and the amount of hot water you use.
- The more hot water your household uses, the larger your hot water system needs to be.
Where will your water heater be located?
- Most low emission water heaters have flexible options for locating tanks indoors or outdoors, making the best use of available space.
- If space outdoors is limited, then a heat pump may not be the best option as they work best when located outdoors.
- Solar water heaters need clear roof space for the solar collectors.
- Some houses require the roof to be reinforced if a solar hot water system is to be installed. You will need to discuss with your supplier or installer whether structural reinforcing is needed for your roof.
- To further reduce your water heating costs, place your new hot water system close to the places where hot water is most often used. This will reduce the length of pipe required and minimise the loss of heat from the pipe. Insulation of hot water pipes will also help reduce energy losses.
Electricity costs
Electricity providers offer a number of different electricity tariffs that you can choose from. The type of tariff you choose can affect the operating costs of the system you install. It is important that you discuss your tariff options with your installer before installation begins and understand how different tariffs will affect your operating costs.
Installing your system
What to expect
Depending on the system you've chosen, installation can take up to two working days to complete. Most installations, however, are completed within one working day. Some installers are able to provide a temporary water heater to supply your house with hot water while you choose a new water heater.
When buying a hot water system, ensure that installation costs are included in the quote.
Installers may need access to your roof and ceiling space as well as inside and outside your home. They may also remove tiles from a tiled roof and they will need to turn off your gas and/or electricity and water supply during the installation.
What to do
Make sure your installer is adequately qualified. For all systems that require an electricity supply (e.g. heat pumps) or any system with an electric boost, remember that your installer must be a licensed electrician as well as a licensed plumber. For systems that use natural gas, your installer must be licensed to connect and work with natural gas. Requirements will vary from state to state, so check with your state or local government for more information.
While your installer is on site, it's the perfect time to make sure you have all the information and paperwork you need to lodge applications for any rebates, incentives and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) you may be eligible to receive.
Ask your installer to explain how your new hot water system works, especially if you have an electric booster installed. A booster, if left on, can result in expensive operating costs. Learn how you can achieve the best performance from your new solar or heat pump hot water system.