Report: Water efficiency labelling for instantaneous gas water heaters
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, 2008
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Summary
Currently, instantaneous gas water heaters account for about 30-40 per cent of the gas hot water market compared with 60-70 per cent for traditional gas storage systems. However, the proportion of instantaneous gas water heaters being installed is growing, at the expense of storage type water heaters.
This growth in instantaneous water heater installations is largely due to their versatility and to regulatory requirements that demand buildings be more energy efficient. Before the feasibility of WELS labelling for these products can be determined, data on actual volumes of water wastage from instantaneous gas hot water heaters needs to be collected.
Background
In late 2005, an independent analysis was conducted of potential products which might be suitable for including 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 conditioners
- instantaneous gas hot water heaters
- hot water recirculators 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 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. Cost benefit analyses and regulation impact statements are being prepared and reports such as this one are being made available on this website for public comment once they are finalised.
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