RACE FT H2 - Evaluating electric domestic hot water system performance in social housing to inform guidelines and specifications [23177]

Start year: 2024

Summary: Social housing providers such as the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) and Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) are routinely installing domestic hot water (DHW) systems for new builds, through responsive maintenance when existing hot water systems are beyond economic repair, and thorough planned upgrades to replace aged gas DHW systems with heat pumps. While these housing providers recognise the benefits of moving away from gas towards electric DHW technologies, they currently lack market visibility and guidance on which DHW options provide maximum value for both tenants and providers. Decision-making is further complicated by: • market changes in the availability of different technologies • the additional value of demand flexibility and the barriers to its activation • the efficiency-versus-flexibility trade-offs between heat pump and resistance storage units • the additional value of self-consumption when integrated with rooftop solar • lack of consistency in performance measurement and specification of heat pump DHW • potential policy changes, such as the ACT and Victoria’s move towards all electric new homes • the availability and impact of rebates through the NSW Energy Savings Scheme and other incentive schemes, and • the effect of a range of other variables on the above factors, such as dwelling type, climate zones, current and future tariffs, and smart meters.