With gas prices set to increase in Australia in the coming years, it makes sense to explore other, cost effective, environmentally friendly water heating options for your home.
Heating the water for your home can contribute up to a third of your yearly power bill. (On an average power bill for Brisbane residents that is a cost of around $467 per year.) Switching water heaters can reduce this household cost and provide significant savings for years to come.
With gas prices set to increase in Australia in the coming years, it makes sense to explore other, cost effective, environmentally friendly water heating options for your home.
Heating the water for your home can contribute up to a third of your yearly power bill. (On an average power bill for Brisbane residents that is a cost of around $467 per year.) Switching water heaters can reduce this household cost and provide significant savings for years to come. Plus, a standard electric storage hot water system produces on average about 4 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year. That's as much as a medium sized car!
Electric heat pump hot water systems use over 60% less power than traditional water storage systems, lowering your electricity bill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Making the conversion from your old electric hot water system to a heat pump system is a simple switch over by a licenced electrician and plumber.
How it works
A heat pump hot water heater absorbs heat from the ambient air to warm the water in your heater. The heat is transferred to a refrigerant, as the refrigerant is heated it is converted to high-pressure, high-temperature gas, the gas is then passed through a condenser in the water tank heating up the water. This uses much less electricity than a traditional system as it only uses power to run the pump which circulates the refrigerant rather than heating the water in the tank directly.
The system is similar to that in your fridge except that the refrigerant is pumping heat into the water to warm it, rather than out to cool the fridge.
Will a heat pump system suit your home?
Heat pump systems are ideal for the Brisbane climate due to our warm temperate conditions with a very low chance of frost. For an added reduction in running cost, some models can be connected to an economy tariff such as Tariff 33 or Tariff 31. A larger tank size may be recommended by your electrician for bigger households on off-peak tariffs so you don't run out of hot water. Alternatively, an electric booster can be fitted to help heat during peak or busy times.
The heat pump will only run when it is needed. Another benefit of this system is that during hot weather the condenser will switch off when the water reaches the required temperature, so it is not running continuously.
Save with your heat pump
As well as saving on yearly running costs you may be eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) when you switch you home water heating system. An STC is a measure of renewable energy which can be traded for cash or a discount on the purchase price of a hot water system. For more information on STC's - yourenergysavings.gov.au
Energex is offering rewards through it's Positive Payback scheme for switching your hot water system to economy Tariff 33 or economy Tariff 31. For more information on this program - energex.com.au
Electric heat pump hot water systems
Ask our experienced electrical team about which heat pump system is right for your home and the most suitable electrical tariff to connect your hot water system to. Call on or complete our quote request today.