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The installation and use of your hot water system has substantial
influence on its running costs and life span.
General
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Keep
hot water pipe runs as short as possible to minimise the heat
losses from pipes. Have your hot water system installed as close
as possible to all points of hot water use. If this isn't possible,
locate it close to where small, regular amounts of hot water
are drawn off (usually the kitchen). |
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If
buying a gas hot water system, look at the star rating labels
- the higher the stars the more energy efficient the hot water
system. |
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Consider
installing a low flow shower head, or fit a flow restricting
valve to existing shower heads (see information on instantaneous
systems below). |
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Maintain
your system as required and have it serviced according to manufacturer's
instructions. |
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Install
solar hot water collector panels facing as close to north as
possible. |
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Have
a registered plumber rectify any problems of 'water hammer'.
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Storage hot water systems
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To
save money with a storage system, ask your installer to set
the thermostat to 60°C and ensure you know how to turn it
off when you go away on holidays. |
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Consider
installing a timer on electric storage units to reduce hot water
availability when you don't need it. |
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Turn
off your storage hot water system if you are going away for
more than a weekend. |
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If
you decide on a storage hot water system, estimate your hot
water needs as accurately as possible to ensure your tank is
not oversized for your household. |
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Insulate
the first two metres of the hot water pipe leading from the
hot water system, as well as the pipe leading from the relief
valve. Insulating these pipes will reduce the heat loss from
the pipes which would otherwise occur even if no hot water is
being used. |
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Insulating
all hot water pipes is usually not cost effective and only results
in small energy savings. Insulation should be considered where
long pipe runs occur, where pipe runs are in exposed situations
on the outside of the house and/or in areas with very cold winters. |
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Gas
storage systems usually reheat water more quickly than electric
storage systems. This means that the size of the storage tank
can usually be smaller for gas hot water systems than electric
hot water systems, without compromising your hot water requirements.
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Instantaneous hot water systems
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Adjust
the setting on a gas instantaneous hot water system to produce
a comfortable temperature throughout the year. Some have electronic
temperature controls which can be adjusted from a control unit
inside the house. |
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Electronic
ignition uses a lot less energy over the year than a gas pilot
light. Electronic ignition units use no gas at all when not
being used. However, be aware that mains electricity ignition
systems may not supply hot water during power 'blackouts'. |
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Some
low flow showerheads are not compatible with some instantaneous
hot water systems as they can restrict the flow of water to
the extent that the hot water system turns off. Ensure you select
a showerhead that is suitable for the flow rate from your hot
water system. |
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Unlike
storage hot water systems, there is no need to insulate the
first few metres of pipes from instantaneous systems. However,
insulation should be considered where long pipe runs occur,
where pipe runs are in exposed situations on the outside of
the house and/or in areas with very cold winters.
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