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Home Design Guides: Hot water

Cold water diverter

Cold water diverters

In most plumbing setups, it takes a while for hot water to reach the hot tap when it's turned on. Cold water diverters recycle the cold water which would otherwise pour down the drain in this time.

Hot water systems: what's the right size?

Different hot water systems are designed for different levels of demand. Find out how to calculate the ideal size and type of system for your household's hot water needs.

Is gas available?

Gas, as perhaps the cheapest fuel source apart from solar, is well worth considering when looking for a hot water system. See how the availability of gas may affect your choice.

Solar hot water: do you have enough sunlight?

Solar hot water: do I have enough sunlight?

The availability and reliability of sunlight where you live can determine whether or not you can use solar hot water, and what type of system you should get if you can.

Bore water

Bore water and hard water

Bore water may be a huge convenience in remote locations with unreliable rainfall, but it can also cause damage to plumbing systems. See what needs to be taken into account.

Where should hot water systems be installed?

Where should hot water systems be installed?

The position of your hot water system relative to your taps is vital to your system's efficiency. Find out how best to plan your layout, and what to consider when space is limited.

Efficiency levels for different hot water systems

Hot water budget and cost

The cheapest system to buy is quite likely to be the most expensive to run - and vice versa. Find out what you need to take into account when budgeting for a new or replacement system.

Energy efficiency labels

Energy efficiency ratings for hot water

Hot water systems can chew through a lot of energy - and as a result these days they come with energy efficiency ratings to help you understand how best to choose the most efficient model.

Efficiency of different hot water systems

Phase-out of electric tank hot water systems

Electric tank storage hot water systems are notorious for the amount of greenhouse emissions they're responsible for. As a result, they're now being phased out throughout Australia.

Hot water system regulations

Hot water system regulations

Find out what regulations apply to different types of hot water systems, and how those regulations affect the way your system is selected, installed and maintained.

Temperature and pressure valve on a hot water tank

T&P valves and discharge pipes

All tank storage hot water systems must be fitted with T&P (temperature and pressure) valves and discharge pipes. Find out how these parts work and what role they play.

Thermostatic valve

Position and output temperature restrictions

Find out how regulations in Australia dictate where and how you position your hot water system, and at what temperature water must be stored and released from your taps.

Temperature zones in Australia

Hot water rebates

If you're planning on installing a hot water system that uses solar energy, chances are you're eligible for a big government rebate. Find out more about rebates and how to claim them.

Solar collectors

How to clean hot water solar panels

Solar panels are relatively expensive, and because they're on your roof they're constantly exposed to the elements. Find out how to safely clean your solar panels.

Gas hot water system

When to turn your hot water on and off

Running your hot water system can be expensive, especially when you're not there - but turning it off can be dangerous. Find out when you should turn your hot water off.

Temperature restrictions and tempering valves

Find out what sorts of restrictions apply to the temperature of water coming out of any given tap in an Australian household, and how that can be controlled.

Pipe lagging

Lagging and heat loss

See how lagging (insulation) and the distance that hot water has to travel through your pipes can affect energy efficiency in your hot water system.

Hot water systems

These days, hot running water's an indispensible luxury (some would say a necessity). Find out more about how water is heated and delivered to where it's needed in your home.

Hot water maintenance

Hot water maintenance

A bit of routine maintenance and care can easily double or triple the lifespan of your hot water system. Find out how.

Hot water regulations and rebates

Hot water regulations and rebates

Because many hot water systems operate on electricity or gas and heat water to scalding temperatures, there are some important safety regulations in place. Likewise, some systems attract generous government rebates which are well worth knowing about.

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