Weekly · FL Post Wire
Australians love getting into hot water. About 15% have four or more showers a day, while nearly a third say they shower at least twice daily. Most people’s showers last five minutes or more, and one in five will spend between 10 and 15 minutes under the mist, sending up to 135 litres of water down the drain.
Water heating is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in an average Australian home, and the second largest user of energy. Most hot water use happens in the shower, followed by the bath, laundry, and kitchen. Water costs can exceed $1,000 per year, particularly for households still reliant on gas hot water systems, according to researchers at the University of Technology Sydney.
Efficient and electric technologies can reduce those costs by 72%, or sometimes more when paired with rooftop solar. Lloyd Heathfield, solar and electrification programs lead at Yarra Energy Foundation, notes that the shower is usually the best place to start saving. Switching to an efficient shower head is a quick way to save on water and energy.
Tim Forcey, an independent energy consultant, says shower heads can use up to 50 litres per minute, but modern ones use as little as four litres per minute. Methven’s Kiri Satinjet is a highly efficient option, though cheaper alternatives are available under government programs. Cutting shower time from 10 to four minutes can reduce indoor water use by 25% and energy consumption by up to 15%.
Modern shower timers with traffic light alerts help encourage shorter showers. Using cold water for washing clothes, washing hands with cold water where practical, and keeping showers shorter can all help reduce hot water consumption. Modern dishwashers are more efficient than hand washing if fully loaded.
Heat pumps are recommended as an efficient, electric alternative to gas or conventional electric water heating. They work like reverse-cycle air conditioners, collecting heat from the surrounding air and transferring it into water. Heat pumps can cost a third of the price of gas and a quarter to a fifth of electric resistive systems.
Running costs are lower when powered by rooftop solar or during free power periods. Planning ahead is crucial—households should consider switching to electric systems before their current unit fails, as gas hot water systems incur daily connection fees. Federal and state rebates are available to assist with upfront costs.
Tools like Rewiring Australia’s Electric Saul and Victoria’s Easy Electric SEC can help estimate savings and find rebates. A new hot water system is a long-term investment, but it’s better to weigh options before a breakdown occurs, especially when cold and wet.
Source: The Guardian
