Consideration of hot water circulators for inclusion in the WELS Scheme
Background Research Project
Prepared by Coomes Consulting Group Pty Ltd for the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
27 June 2008
PDF file
About the report
Hot water circulators are circulation pumps designed for use in domestic and commercial hot water circulation systems. When activated, a circulator draws cooled water out of the hot water line and back to the water heater, either through a dedicated return line or through the cold water line. By ensuring the water in the hot water line is at an optimum temperature before use, circulators reduce or may even eliminate draw off, which is the water that drains away before hot water reaches the fixture.
The report provides useful background information to help prepare a cost benefit analysis and regulation impact statement in 2009 on the potential inclusion of this product into the WELS Scheme.
Background
In late 2005, an independent analysis was conducted of potential products which might be suitable to include in an expanded WELS Scheme. In 2006-07 a shortlist of products was agreed by Australian, state and territory governments and the National Water Commission.
New products to be considered for WELS labelling are:
- combination washer/dryers that use water in dryer mode
- evaporative air coolers
- instantaneous gas hot water heaters
- hot water circulators and
- domestic irrigation controllers.
Consideration is also being given to the introduction of new minimum water efficiency standards for:
- clothes washers
- taps
- dishwashers
- combination washer/dryers
- showers
- urinals and
- other potential new products.
Raising the minimum water efficiency standards for toilets is also being considered.
Research is underway to determine the feasibility and implications of expanding the Scheme. This work includes the preparation of cost benefit analyses and three regulation impact statements. Technical background reports such as this one are being made available on this website for public comment once they are finalised.
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