mitasol
Member
Hi, I am looking to replace our Rheem electric HWS, possibly with a heat pump. Most suppliers here offer the Rheem, Dux or Saxon models. I have read some horror reviews about each of these; the one that I would like is a Stiebel Eltron but I can't seem to find a dealer here. Then again I suppose we could go with panels on the roof, we have a fair amount of sun here 
Scott
dymonite69
Member
Based on Townswille weather data with a family sized collector * you could heat from 140-200L water in winter and over three times that in summer.
Here is a comparison of energy savings for different sites:
http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs65.html#design
* e.g. double flat plate collector or 30 tube ET system.
kelandjennie
Member
As we are considering solar hot water, (panels or tubes) I would be interested in your choice of a heat pump as an alternative. Also, I have read on the forum about shw storage being connected to off peak electricity. Our previous shw system was only backed up when we wanted to provide boost, due to overcast skies, fog, etc. (we were in Canberra). I recommend no connection to off peak, as this defeats the purpose of going solar. We are now on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine
Member
kelandjennie,
I have a Hills evacuated tube system.
I have it connected to off peak Tariff 33, only because I have the pool pump connected to off peak Tariff 33 as well.
The electric booster though has never been used, I just leave it switched in the fuse box, but it is comforting to know if I ever need to boost, it will be 40% cheaper with Tariff 33.
However, if you have no other use for Tariff 33, yes I agree it is not worth paying around $5 per month for something you may only rarely need.
In my case when I had the sparky out to wire Tariff 33 for the pool pump, I just got him to add the electric boost as well.
I have a 3.5 year old Quantum heatpump, 270l, here in Rockhampton. It has had to be regassed twice in 3 years with the 2nd time out of warranty costing $245. It is basically a reverse cycle aircon unit in construction. Other than that it works well, averaging around 3.4kWh/day over the full year in this warm climate. A more detailed report on it is on my webpage.
I agree with the other posts in that a solar hws is preferable if your dwelling is suitable in your Townsville location. My choice was constrained by a roofing problem otherwise I would have gone for solar.
cleorex
Member
We are considering replacing our 22 year old gas hws with a solar hws (thermocycle type). Just 2 people now with family loading a few times a year.
We are located in Townsville in the tropics where there is plenty of sun for most of the year although the collectors would have to be north facing.
Do any forum members have experience with evacuated glass tube type in North Qld?
Do they find the to be efficient?
