Helping do your bit for the planet

Q: I am undecided as to which side of the global warming argument I am on, but I am wondering if installing a solar hot water heater is worth the extra cost? I do want to protect the planet, but I am also conscious of my back pocket as well. Do you have any advice?

A: A great question. We hear so much debate in the media and from the ‘powers that be’ about the environment and the impact that our energy consumption is (or isn’t) having on it. It has been a debate going for a long time and no doubt it will go on for a long time more, but have you ever wondered how much your hot water system contributes to your home energy consumption?

In 2008 the Australian government set up a website to help inform home owners on how to make their homes environmentally sustainable. Their statistics show that the average household contributes to 7 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year, and they projected that water heating would contribute to 21% of household energy use by 2012.

If your average electricity bill is $400 a quarter, this means that you are spending $336 per year on the hot water in your home. That is $3360 over the recommended 10 life-span of a hot water heater, and only if the price of electricity doesn’t rise. This alone would justify the extra spend to a lot of households.

It all depends on your home, and your water usage habits, but installing a solar hot water system in your home can dramatically reduce your energy consumption, while also helping reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. Even if you aren’t 100% sure about global warming, isn’t it better to lean to the side of being cautious?

EARTH HOUR & WORLD PLUMBING DAY

This month the world participates in two events that we recongnise here at The Plumbing & Electrical Doctor. Earth Hour is held on March 25^th, and acknowledges that we all have a part to play in reducing global energy consumption.

World Plumbing Day is held on the 11^th of March, and is to recognise the important role plumbing plays in the health of people on the planet. After all, if there is no clean water for us to drink, then there is no us. Read about what you can do to contribute at worldplumbingday.org.