From 1 July 2008 all new houses, and alterations and/or additions to houses that involve the augmentation of a water heater, must comply with minimum water heater requirements in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The requirements are an extension of those introduced in July 2006 which only applied to houses where there was a reticulated gas supply available to a point in the street, an easement or the like, adjacent to the property.
What types of water heater are acceptable after 1 July 2008?
After 1 July 2008 the following types of water heater are acceptable:
- A solar or heat pump water heater that achieves –
i) in a home with 3 or more bedrooms, at least 22 RECs in Zone 3
ii) in a home with 1 or 2 bedrooms, at least 14 Renewable Energy Certificates in Zone 3
- A gas water heater with an Energy Rating label of 2.5 stars or greater.
See below for more detailed information of each of these options.
Where can I find the detailed technical requirements?
Details of the technical requirements can be found in:
- For houses located in areas serviced by reticulated gas: South Australian variation SA2 to the Building Code of Australia (Vol.2) or clause H.8.3. of the South Australian Housing Code
- For houses located in areas not serviced by reticulated gas: Regulation 80B and Minister's Specification SA 80B [PDF 63.4 KB], which in turn references South Australian variation SA7 to the Building Code of Australia (Vol.2).
Where can I find out about the star ratings for each model of gas water heater?
Where can I find out about the number of Renewable Energy Certificates for each model of solar or heat pump water heater?
- For the RECs available for Solahart solar water heaters visit our RECs Calculator
How can I find out if reticulated gas is available adjacent to a property?
By calling the Envestra Natural Gas connection Hotline 1300 001 001
Do I need a development approval if I am installing a water heater that is not part of a new house or alteration/addition to an existing house?
No, a development approval is not required for the installation of a water heater. However, water heaters that are installed on a roof may result in significant additional loads that the roof was never designed to hold. Where the water heater is being installed on the roof and weighs more than 100kg, the existing roof structure should be assessed by a qualified professional to determine what, if any, additional work must be done to ensure that the roof can carry the additional load.