Is Your Hot Water System Set to ‘Money Drain’?

When was the last time you thought about your hot water system? For most Aussies, it’s a classic case of “set and forget”—until the power bill hits.
But here’s the kicker: heating water is often the biggest energy cost in your home (sometimes up to a third of your bill!). If you’re running a classic electric tank at night or all day, you could be pouring away hundreds every year.

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Here’s the real difference:

• Old-style electric tank (off-peak only): Uses ~3,000 kWh/year = ~$990/year
• Modern heat pump (on solar timer): Uses ~700 kWh/year = ~$230/year
  That’s $760 saved every year—just by switching how (and when) you heat your water.

Want to check for yourself? Use the Energy Rating Calculator to compare your system to today’s best.
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Quick win:

• Add a timer to your hot water tank so it only runs when your solar panels are cranking (most sparkies can install one, or use a smart plug/inverter timer).
• Even better: Ask your plumber or installer about upgrading to a heat pump system—super-efficient, rebates available, and pays for itself in a few years (especially if you’ve got solar).
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Spot the drainers:

• Old tank? No sticker? Never serviced?
• Runs even when nobody’s home?
• No timer or solar sync?
  If so, you’re almost certainly losing money.|
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COMING SOON Get personalised advice:
Snap a photo of your hot water system in the VoltaRocks app (Sam’s Appliance Audit). We’ll tell you exactly how much you can save, how your setup stacks up, and your quickest upgrade options.