Water heating is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions from most Australian homes. On average, each electric hot water system produces around four tonnes of greenhouse gases every year. That’s equivalent to running an average sized car for a year.
Electric hot water systems use at least three times the greenhouse gases produced by other more efficient technologies such as solar or gas hot water systems.
The Australian Government in partnership with state and territory governments is working to phase-out electric hot water systems.
This phase out will result in the reduction of greenhouse gases by about 78.7 million tonnes over twenty years from 2010-2030.
South Australia and Queensland have already commenced Stage 1 in of the phase-out in 2010 with energy intensive electric water heaters no longer be able to be installed in:
- any new detached, terrace or town house
- any existing detached, terrace or town house where there is access to piped natural gas, except where an exemption applies
During 2012, electric water heaters will no longer be able to be installed in:
- any existing detached, terrace or town house.
The phase-out will apply in all states and territories except Tasmania.
Full details can be found on the Dept Climate Change & Energy Efficiency and on the Phase out of Greenhouse Intensive Hot Water Systems Fact Sheet
The average lifespan of an electric hot water system is 8 – 12 years and each year they consume a huge 30% of your household energy. Think about the annual saving from your power bill on top of current rebates when considering a replacement. The Federal Rebate of $1000 is still available and right now Superior Solar is offering its customers a further $300 (equal to the old state rebate) off a solar hot water system but only until the end of September.