Water heating

Water heating accounts for about 30-35% of a home’s energy consumption (electricity and gas). Large reductions in hot water energy use are feasible by improving the thermal performance of the hot water system.

Solar hot water describes heated water achieved through the usage of solar energy. Solar heating systems are generally composed of solar thermal collectors, a fluid system to move the heat from the collector to its point of usage, and a reservoir to stock the heat for subsequent use. The systems may be used to heat domestic hot water or a swimmi...

Solar water heating is generally more economically viable the more people in the household and the more hot water used. This means the more hot water you use, the better your savings will be.

In New Zealand, solar radiation is an abundant energy source. Many homes are exposed annually to 20 - 30 times more energy from the sun than they use in electricity or gas.

According to the BRANZ HEEP report, water heating accounts for 29% of energy use in an average New Zealand house. Average water use is in the order of 40-60 litres per person per day. Any reduction in energy used to heat water, or the amount of hot water used, can have a significant impact in terms of both national sustainability and cost to the us...

Approximately 95% of New Zealand homes have their hot water stored in cylinders heated using electricity or gas. The remainder have a continuous flow system predominantly using gas. However, these are less energy efficient and sustainable than solar, heat pump or recovered heat sources. In determining the appropriate heating source and system type,...

This is the sort of energy-conserving future Martin and Liz Irvine have planned for their family when they build their holiday home at Tupare on the shores of the Kaipara Harbour – and by next summer it should be a reality. The Auckland business couple wanted an out-of-Auckland getaway that was energy neutral – or better – for themselves and the...