Story Title: Hot water system health check
Episode: 6
Date: 2nd October 2010
Presenter: Anne Armansin

Time to replace your hot water system? When your old one breaks down unexpectedly, give us a call on 1300 791 468, or visit originenergy.com.au/solar

• Visit Origin's energyinstitute.com.au for practical energy efficiency advice to help manage your energy use around the home
• Want to ask an energy related question? Ask Anne at Origin's energyinstitute.com.au

Hot water system health check

• Hot water systems have very big heating elements and if the internal thermostat is faulty, the element may run constantly – wasting energy and money. Thermostats are meant to turn the element off when water reaches set temperatures, so it's very important that it works properly.
• Check for leaks to the tank, pipes and taps:
• A unit that is leaking water from the bottom has an internal crack and should be replaced immediately. Because they are pressure systems, lost water gets automatically replaced and heated, meaning that the system will continue to heat water even when you don't need it.
• A hot water tap leaking one drip per second wastes more than 14,000 litres per year – that's 38 litres of hot water.
• Storage hot water systems use energy daily - even if you don't turn on a tap. This is called standing heat loss.
• Consider turning off your storage hot water system when you go on holiday so it's not using energy heating water that won't get used.
• Insulating the exposed hot water pipes leading from the unit into the house can help cut down heat loss.
• Set the thermostat to the lowest acceptable temperature.

Time to replace your hot water system?

• If you have the budget and your roof faces north, the most energy efficient hot water system for the average 3 to 4 person household is a solar unit with a natural gas booster element. 
• What seems like a cheap unit to purchase initially may end up costing you more in the long run - look at new systems rated most highly with the energy efficiency stars.

There is no one 'right' energy or type of hot water system for all homes because:

• natural gas may not be available to your property
• your roof may be shaded from adequate sun for a solar system
• you may live in an apartment or home with limited space for hot water unit
• your budget does not allow for any other type of system than a replacement for your existing electric unit

Contact Details

Origin
Address: Level 21
360 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne 3000
Website: http://www.energyinstitute.com.au
Email: homeenergyinfo@originenergy.com.au