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One of the most popular forms of water heater, used in homes throughout Australia, could be
responsible for wasting up to 2.5 billion litres of water a year - enough to fill 1000 olympic-sized
swimming pools!
Extensive research and testing*, carried out independently to Australian Gas Standard 102, has
revealed that continuous flow water heaters - currently installed in thousands of Australian
homes - each waste between 35 - 70 litres of water a day. In comparison, the most popular
form of water heating the mains pressure water heater, may only be wasting up to 394 million
litres a year - the equivalent of only 158 olympic swimming pools.
Local water heater manufacturer, Rheem Australia, commissioned the research as part of its
on-going commitment to the responsible usage of water within the home.
And while the continuous flow water heater is part of the Rheem range of products, the company
claims a lack of information has led to many consumers being completely unaware of the massive
water wastage associated with this type of water heater when used for general domestic
purposes.
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According to Rheem, the continuous flow water heater (also
referred to as instantaneous) was originally developed
overseas for use in apartment blocks, where lack of
space prevented the installation of an economical
mains pressure water heater, or for installations
such as community sporting facilities where hot
water requirements are sporadic, say at
weekends only.
While proving to be a solution to installations of
this kind the continuous flow water heater, by
its very design, results in 1.8 to 3.6 litres of
water being wasted in achieving the desired
temperature at the outlet of the water heater (as
opposed to the tap). This equates to about 35 to 70
litres of water per day per household.
According to the Australian Bureau of statistics figures, there have been more than 200,000
continuous flow water heaters imported into Australia over the past two years, resulting in the
very conservative estimate of 2.5 billion litres of water being wasted over the past year. These
figures are based on an average wastage per unit of 35 litres a day and do not take into account
any of the many continuous flow water heaters imported and sold prior to 2000.
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In comparison, the independent testing identified the mains pressure water heater, specifically
designed to cater for all domestic hot water needs, maintains a full tank of hot water releasing up
to 5.4 litres of water run-off a day. This run-off is simply a function of the safety relief valve, which
ensures the safe operation of the water heater while delivering the full benefits of mains pressure.
According to Professor Graham Morrison, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering,
University of New South Wales, the test results were truly surprising.
"We had assumed the majority of the wasted water could be attributed to 'dead' water sitting in
the pipe from the previous use," Professor Morrison said.
"To discover such a large volume of water being wasted due to inadequate operation of the
appliance was somewhat daunting. The positive aspect of this though, is that once the consumer
is made aware of these facts - by way of labelling, ratings or whatever - he or she will be able to
make an informed choice on exactly the right type of water heater for their home," he said.
Rheem Australia believes a well-educated consumer can lead to a significant - and crucial - saving
in water consumption at a consumer level throughout Australia. And these new findings mean
consumers can now make significant savings on water usage on a daily basis without changing
behavioural patterns or lifestyles.
The company believes there should be a mandatory independent ratings system whereby all
water heaters, of any type, are assessed and graded for their consumption of water - a system
similar to the star ratings system already in place for electrical appliances such as refrigerators
and dishwashers.
This way says Rheem, the consumer will be well equipped to make an informed environmentally
conscious and financial decision on their choice of water heater while ensuring individual hot
water needs are adequately met.
For further information please contact Rheem Australia on 02 9684 9100.
For more information on saving water within the home, log on to websites such as
www.sydneywater.com.au or www.savewater.com.au
*The independent testing was carried out by testing a sample of instantaneous and mains pressure water heaters in
accordance with the usage patterns for energy labelling in Australian Standard AS4552/AG102.
| Released by: |
Linda Brander
Newscast Pty Ltd
Suite 8, 55 Avalon Parade
Avalon NSW 2107
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| Tel: |
(02) 9973 1095 |
| Email: |
lindabrander@idx.com.au |
| ABN: |
36 003 392 185 |
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