Water heaters switch

Mount Barker Courier
Wednesday 9/4/2008 Page: 18

Electric water heaters will be phased out in SA under new State Government greenhouse gas emission standards. New greenhouse gas and flow-rate performance standards for residential water heaters will take effect from July 1, to boost the gas, solar and heat-pump markets. The move is in line with the Federal Government's commitment to phase out electric water heaters from 2010.

Residential water heating accounts for about one third of household energy related greenhouse gas emissions in SA and electric water heaters have a higher greenhouse impact than other alternatives such as solar or gas systems. Making the switch could save about 2t of greenhouse gas emissions per household per year. The new standards will apply to new or renovated homes at the time of development approval and for established homes at the time of water heater replacement.