Free Electrical Tool
Hot Water Running Cost Comparison
Not sure if your hot water is costing more than it should? Compare indicative yearly running costs across full-rate electric, off-peak, gas and heat pump.
Hot water is often the biggest hidden cost
Water heating is one of the largest slices of a typical home's electricity use, so how it's set up matters. A resistive electric storage tank on the full usage rate is usually the dearest option; the same tank on controlled load costs less, and a heat pump uses far less energy again. The off-peak hot water (controlled load) rules for NSW explain how the tariff works.
Moving to off-peak or changing your hot water system involves metering and, sometimes, switchboard work — our smart metering service covers the Level 2 ASP side of that. These figures are indicative only; we'll confirm what suits your home.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I save moving hot water to off-peak?
It depends on your rates, but off-peak (controlled load) tariffs are typically well below the full usage rate, so the same heating energy costs less. The calculator uses your entered peak and off-peak rates to show an indicative yearly difference. Setting up controlled load metering is Level 2 ASP work.
Is a heat pump hot water system really cheaper to run?
Generally yes. A heat pump moves heat rather than generating it directly, using roughly a third of the energy of resistive electric storage for the same hot water. Upfront cost is higher, so weigh the running-cost saving against the purchase and installation. Figures shown are indicative.
Why is the gas cost only indicative?
Gas hot water running cost depends heavily on your gas usage rate, daily supply charge and appliance efficiency, which vary a lot between plans and homes. Rather than pretend a precise figure, we show a conservative typical estimate for a 3-4 person household scaled by household size, clearly labelled indicative.
Can you switch my hot water to controlled load?
Yes — moving an electric hot water system onto a controlled-load (off-peak) circuit involves metering and network arrangements that a Level 2 ASP electrician handles. We can assess your switchboard and metering and advise what's involved. Any electrical work needs a licensed electrician's assessment.