Hot water pathways for social housing

The project addresses the challenge of upgrading domestic hot water systems in social housing to make them more efficient and flexible. Housing providers recognise the economic and environmental benefits of upgrading to more efficient heat pump hot water technology and transitioning from gas to electricity. However, deciding on the best solution for each home can be challenging. In addition to the many variables that can impact on decision making, such as climate zone, housing type, household size, energy tariffs and availability of rooftop solar, decision making is further complicated by market uncertainty, varying technology availability, uncertainty of tenant energy savings, and a changing policy landscape.Building on prior work of the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) and others in social housing, energy upgrades and hot water demand flexibility, the project combines a market scan with pilot testing of heat pump hot water units, performance modelling and detailed analysis. This work will be used to develop a set of guidelines that can assist decision-making for housing providers.