Water Heating Saving Tips

Traditional electric hot water systems are very inefficient and cost a lot to run. The government is still offering rebates to replace your existing electric storage tank with solar hot water system or heat pump.

Eligible households can claim a rebate of $1,000 for a solar hot water system or $600 for a heat pump hot water system through the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme - solar hot water rebate

Basic Elegibility Criteria

1) Rebates are only available to people who have not previously received assistance to install ceiling insulation through the Home Insulation Program or the Homeowner Insulation Program at this address.

2) The system must replace an existing electric storage hot water system.

3) An owner-occupier, landlord or tenant can apply for the rebate as long as the dwelling where the hot water system is installed is a principal place of residence.

4) The system must be installed and certified by a suitably qualified person (for example an electrician and/or plumber).

Hot Water Saving Tips

Here are some other ways you can reduce hot water usage

Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater.

Insulate your electric hot-water storage tank, but be careful not to cover the thermostat. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater.

Drain a couple litres of water from your tank every 3 months to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of your heater. Best to follow the manufacturer's advice on how to do this.

Install energy-saver showerheads.

Take more showers than baths. Bathing uses the most hot water in the average household.