Types of water heaters
The main types of water heaters available to households are:
The type you can install will depend on your household’s available energy sources and in South Australia there are restrictions on the type and efficiency of water heaters. In most cases, a conventional electric water heater can't be installed.
To determine what water heaters can be installed in your home, see the step-by-step guide to determine your water heater options.
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Available energy sources
The three main energy sources used in household water heating are:
Solar water heaters produce the least greenhouse gas emissions and have the lowest running costs. A gas boosted solar is more greenhouse friendly than an electric boosted solar but if you do not have access to gas, electric boosted solar is still an energy efficient option. See Solar water heaters.
High efficiency gas water heaters are a good choice if you have a natural gas connection and solar can't be installed due to shading or limited space on your roof. See Gas water heaters.
If you do not have access to gas and solar can't be installed consider an electric heat pump water heater. Heat pumps are best installed outdoors in areas with good air circulation. See Heat pump water heaters.
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Sizing water heaters
It is important that you select the right size water heater for your home.
A storage water heater that is too large will waste energy heating water that you don't need, while a water heater that is too small will continually run out of hot water.
The size you need depends on:
- the number of people in the home
- your shower flow rate, see Water flow rate requirements
- the length and number of showers taken each day
- whether you have a spa bath
- whether you use hot water for clothes washing and the dishwasher.
A manufacturer or supplier will be able to assist you in choosing the right size for the type of water heater you are considering.
Reduce the size of the water heater you need and also reduce your water costs by becoming water efficient.
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Purchase and running costs
When selecting a water heater, you should consider both the purchase price and running costs.
Water heaters last for many years, so choosing an energy efficient water heater with lower running costs could actually save you money over its lifetime.
Government rebates are available to help with the cost of installing solar or electric heat pump water heater, see Rebates for installing an efficient water heater.
For gas water heaters, use the energy star rating label to select a model with the highest star rating. The more stars, the more efficient a water heater is. Aim for a water heater with a rating of 5 stars or more.
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Before you have a water heater installed
- Shop around and obtain three quotes to compare the options available.
- Ask a manufacturer or supplier to advise you on the best size water heater for your household.
- Ensure your installer is licensed to install water heaters in South Australia, see Using a licensed electrician and Using a licensed gas fitter.
- Make sure your installer places the water heater as close as possible to bathrooms, kitchen and laundry to reduce the amount of heat loss from pipe work.
- For gas water heaters, use the energy star rating label and select the most efficient model. Aim for 5 stars or more which is the most efficient.
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Maximise the efficiency of your water heater
- Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions to keep your water heater operating efficiently.
- Insulate any external hot water pipes to prevent heat loss.
- If you have a storage water heater, ask a plumber if having the tank's thermostat set closer to the minimum 60°C will provide any energy savings. Australian Standards set 60°C as the minimum temperature for storage water heaters, lower temperatures may allow harmful bacteria to grow. A tempering valve will lower the temperature of the hot water at the tap and can be installed by a plumber.
- Improve water efficiency in your home.
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More information
On this site
Rebates for installing an efficient water heater