As an Australian homeowner, you know that hot water is a daily essential – but heating it can eat a big chunk out of your energy bill. That’s where off-peak hot water systems, including electric hot water systems, come in. By heating water during low-demand periods when electricity is cheaper, these clever systems can help you save on your energy bills while still having plenty of hot water on tap when you need it. In this post we’ll go through what off-peak hot water is, how it works, the benefits and practical tips to help you get the most out of this smart, sustainable solution.
What Is Off-Peak Hot Water and How Does It Work During Off Peak Hours?
In a nutshell, off-peak hot water systems heat water during the “off-peak” hours when electricity demand and prices are at their lowest – usually late at night or early in the morning, like 11pm to 7am. The exact off-peak times vary by state and energy provider but the principle is the same: by shifting the energy-intensive task of water heating to these off-peak hours, also known as the off peak period, you can take advantage of much cheaper electricity.
The heated water is stored in an insulated tank, keeping it hot and ready to use throughout the day. When you turn on a hot water tap, this pre-heated water is delivered to where you need it. Depending on your household size and hot water needs you can choose from different types of off-peak hot water systems, including the off peak water heater:
| System Type | Description | Best For |
| Electric Storage | Heats and stores a large volume of water during off-peak hours, with the tank size and heating schedule tailored to your household’s needs. | Larger households with higher hot water demand. |
| Heat Pump | An energy-efficient option that uses heat from the air to warm the water, taking advantage of off-peak electricity to power the heat pump compressor. | Environmentally-conscious households looking to minimise energy use. |
| Solar | Harnesses the sun’s energy to heat water, with an electric booster that can be set to off-peak times for cloudy days or increased demand. Solar hot water systems may have high initial costs but can be offset by financial incentives. | Homes in sunny regions looking to maximise renewable energy use. |
Key Benefits of Off-Peak Hot Water
There are good reasons why off-peak hot water is the smart choice for Australian households:
- Big Savings The main draw of off-peak hot water is the money you can save. With off-peak electricity rates much cheaper than standard tariffs, you can cut your hot water energy bills by hundreds of dollars a year. Off-peak hot water systems can also optimize energy consumption by distributing usage during off-peak hours. While the exact savings will depend on your location, energy provider and household usage, many homeowners report saving hundreds of dollars a year.
- Environmental Benefits By moving your water heating to off-peak times you’re not just saving money, you’re also taking pressure off the grid during peak hours. This helps to promote a more stable and sustainable energy supply. Many off-peak systems like heat pumps and solar are also energy-efficient, reducing your home’s footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, using off-peak hot water systems can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing energy consumption and utilizing renewable energy sources.
- Convenience and Peace of Mind With a properly sized off-peak hot water system you can have a constant supply of hot water on tap whenever you need it without having to think when to heat it up. Many modern systems also have user-friendly features like automatic heating timers and remote monitoring so you have more control and peace of mind.
Overcoming Challenges: Practical Tips and Solutions
While the benefits of off-peak hot water are clear, there are a few hurdles to keep in mind. Here’s how to overcome them:
1. Ensuring Sufficient Hot Water Supply To avoid running out of hot water, you need to choose the right size system for your needs. As a rule of thumb, a household of 3-4 people will need a tank with a capacity of at least 250 litres. If you do find yourself running low on hot water most systems have a manual override or “boost” function that allows you to trigger additional heating outside of off-peak times – just be mindful that using this too often can increase your energy costs.
2. Maintaining Your System Like any appliance, your off-peak hot water system, including the water heater, will need some regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. This includes:
- Scheduling annual maintenance checks by a licensed professional to inspect the system, flush the tank and check for any leaks or wear.
- Insulating your tank and pipes to minimize heat loss and improve efficiency.
- Keeping an eye on your system and addressing any issues promptly.
3. Adjusting Your Routines To get the most out of off-peak hot water it’s worth considering some simple changes to your daily habits, such as:
- Running your dishwasher and washing machine during off-peak times to use cheaper electricity and pre-heated water.
- Spacing out showers and baths to not overloading the system during peak use times.
- Using cold water for tasks like rinsing dishes or watering plants.
Off-Peak Hot Water Across Australia
Ready to switch to off-peak hot water? Here’s a quick guide to the typical off-peak periods in each state and territory:
| State/Territory | Typical Off-Peak Hours |
| New South Wales & ACT | 10pm – 7am |
| Victoria | 11pm – 7am |
| Queensland | 9pm – 7am |
| Western Australia | 11pm – 7am |
| South Australia | 10pm – 7am |
| Tasmania | 10pm – 7am |
| Northern Territory | 10pm – 7am |
Note that these are general guidelines and exact off-peak periods may vary by energy provider and plan. Check your electricity bill or contact your provider to confirm your specific off-peak schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much could I save by switching to off-peak hot water?
A: This will depend on your circumstances but many households save hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills due to the cheaper off-peak rates. Use your provider’s cost calculator or speak with an energy consultant to get a personalised quote.
Q: What if I need to boost my hot water outside of peak times?
A: Most off-peak systems have a manual override or “boost” function for this purpose. However, use this sparingly as the higher electricity rates during peak times will quickly eat into your savings. If you find yourself regularly boosting, consider upgrading to a larger tank.
Q: How do I choose the right size off-peak hot water system for my home?
A: The right tank size depends on the number of people in your household and your hot water usage. A family of 3-4 will generally need a tank of at least 250 litres. Your hot water system installer can provide guidance based on a assessment of your needs.
The Bottom Line: Is Off-Peak Hot Water for You?
As we’ve seen, off-peak hot water is a three-fer for Australian households: cost savings, environmental benefits and everyday convenience. By heating water when electricity is cheapest and adjusting your habits, you can save on your energy bills without running out of hot water. Compared to traditional water heaters, off-peak systems offer significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact.
Of course, whether or not to switch to off-peak hot water depends on your home, lifestyle and budget. But for many Australians it’s a smart, sustainable choice that will pay off for years to come. If you’re thinking of making the switch be sure to:
- Research the off-peak hot water options and rates from your energy provider.
- Think about your household size and hot water usage to choose the right system and tank size.
- Consult with a licensed hot water professional for personalised advice and installation.
- Make a plan for regular maintenance and usage tweaks to get the most out of your system.
With the right system and a few simple changes off-peak hot water can be a powerful tool in your energy saving arsenal. So why not find out how this clever approach can save you money, reduce your environmental impact and keep your household running smoothly?
Off-peak hot water is here and now – and it’s waiting for you to turn on.
