Dux Supports Hot Water System Efficiency Labelling
Dux Hot Water has thrown its support behind the
industry's call for the Federal Government to fund research which would allow
the extension of a proposed mandatory water efficiency labelling scheme to hot
water systems.
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The scheme, which will be the first of its kind in the world, will by 2006
see all new washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, showers and some types of
taps and urinals carry a star rating showing their water efficiency.
The legislation for the Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards (WELS)
scheme recently introduced to Federal Parliament does not, however, include hot
water systems, all types of which can waste some water.
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An Australian Standards committee is currently considering how to best
implement the scheme in the hot water industry.
The committee has requested that the Federal Government fund research into
patterns of water usage.
"The general public will only have confidence in the labelling scheme if it
is based on facts, which is why we need to do the research," said Dux Hot
Water's business analyst, Mark Amos.
Dux Hot water says the water efficiency labelling scheme is necessary to help
consumers make better informed purchasing decisions based on the pros and cons
of different hot water system types.
For example, technical studies by Dux Hot Water show that even the
latest-technology, electronically controlled continuous-flow gas water heaters,
in some circumstances, waste more water than storage type hot water systems.
This is because of the time delay between the commencement of water flowing
at the point of outlet (e.g. shower rose) and the subsequent ignition of the gas
in the water heater.
Cold water or water which is "not yet hot" often ends up wasted, going down
the drain without being used.
"Extending the WELS rating scheme to hot water systems would allow
environmentally conscious consumers to consider the water efficiency of
different systems balanced against their relative energy efficiency," says Dux
Hot Water's environmental products manager, Richard Taylor.
Mr Taylor said continuous-flow hot water systems were a highly energy
efficient option in situations such as holiday homes where hot water usage is
occasional.
"The environmental benefit of their five star energy rating must, however, be
balanced against the reality of their relative water inefficiency," he said.
Dux Hot Water offers consumers a range of highly energy efficient hot water
systems including its SunPro solar system in either gas or electric boosted
versions, its HeatPro heatpump system and Prodigy 5-star gas system.
Dux also sells a range of continuous-flow water heaters called Endurance.
"All these systems boast environmental benefits but some are better suited to
certain applications than others," says Richard Taylor.
"Consumers should get all the facts before choosing a hot water system."
Information on the full range of environmentally friendly Dux Hot Water
systems is available from www.dux.com.au or by phoning 1300 365 116.
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