Dux Hot Water 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.

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.

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.