For homeowners living in Canberra and the surrounding regions, upgrading to a more energy-efficient hot water system is one of the most impactful home improvements available right now. Whether aiming to cut long-term utility bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or align with ACT Government goals to move away from fossil fuel gas, there are tangible benefits for making the switch. The added bonus? Homeowners may be eligible for generous government-funded rebates and incentives, which can make the upgrade significantly more affordable.
Government-backed financial support is available through the ACT Government’s Home Energy Support Programme and energy provider initiatives like ActewAGL’s Water Heater Upgrade Programme. Together, these can offset thousands of dollars in installation and equipment costs. Navigating these offers, however, can be time-consuming. That’s where Contemporary Plumbing as local Canberra Plumbing experts steps in. With years of experience helping Canberra locals update their hot water systems, Contemporary makes the process simple, efficient, and financially rewarding.
Key Takeaways for Homeowners
- Eligible homeowners in Canberra can receive up to $2,500 in rebates under the ACT Government’s Home Energy Support Programme.
- An additional $1,500 in potential savings is available through ActewAGL’s Energy-Efficient Electric Water Heater Upgrade Programme, including a $250 credit towards electricity bills.
- These incentives are focused on replacing gas or ageing electric systems with more efficient alternatives such as hot water heat pumps and evacuated tube solar hot water systems.
- Contemporary Plumbing offers end-to-end support, including system selection, certified installation, and guidance through every step of the rebate application process.
ACT Government’s Home Energy Support Programme
As part of the ACT’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2045, the Home Energy Support Programme assists eligible households to adopt energy-efficient technologies. The rebate covers 50% of the installed cost of approved electric appliances, including heat pump hot water systems and solar thermal systems, with a cap of $2,500 per household.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid concession card (Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or DVA Gold Card).
- Own and live in the property being upgraded, which must be located in the ACT.
- Ensure the property’s unimproved value is under $750,000, as listed on the ACT rates notice.
As a condition of eligibility, homeowners must also participate in a free Everyday Climate Choices Workshop. These workshops are delivered online and educate participants on home energy savings, efficient appliances, and rebate processes. Proof of attendance is required during the application stage.
ActewAGL’s Water Heater Upgrade Programme
To complement the ACT Government’s efforts, ActewAGL provides an additional upgrade programme for its electricity customers. This programme incentivises the installation of approved heat pump water heaters by offering financial rebates directly tied to the installation.
- Receive $1,250 off the upfront cost of a new heat pump system.
- Get an additional $250 credit applied to the ActewAGL electricity account once installation is complete.
Contemporary Plumbing partners with ActewAGL-approved suppliers and electricians, ensuring all products meet the technical and programme standards necessary to access these offers. The result is a streamlined process for homeowners who want maximum value with minimal hassle.
Why Upgrade Your Hot Water System?
Hot water heating typically accounts for around 25% of a household’s total energy use. By upgrading to a more efficient system, homeowners can reduce both their energy bills and their carbon footprint. In Canberra, where temperatures fluctuate and gas reliance is being phased out, switching to an electric solution now positions homes for long-term savings and compliance with environmental policy changes.
Benefits of Upgrading:
- Lower Operational Costs: New systems consume significantly less energy, with heat pumps using up to 70% less electricity than standard electric water heaters.
- Reliable Year-Round Performance: Modern systems are engineered to work efficiently even in colder climates like Canberra.
- Future-Proofing Your Home: With a clear ACT Government roadmap to phase out natural gas, upgrading now helps avoid costly conversions later.
- Enhanced Comfort and Control: Many modern systems include programmable settings, timers, and even remote controls, offering improved day-to-day management.
- Improved Property Value: Energy-efficient homes are increasingly attractive to environmentally conscious buyers.
Choosing the Right System for Your Home
Selecting the right system depends on factors such as household size, roof orientation, available outdoor space, and budget. Contemporary Plumbing conducts in-home assessments to evaluate these variables and recommend the most suitable solution.
Hot Water Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are among the most efficient systems on the market, making them an ideal fit for many Canberra homes. They work by drawing ambient air into a heat exchanger, which then heats the water in a storage tank. Key advantages include:
- Energy Efficiency: Uses roughly one-third the energy of standard electric systems.
- Low Maintenance: Once installed, heat pumps require little servicing.
- Whisper-Quiet Operation: Designed for residential settings without noise disruption.
Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water Systems
These systems rely on solar energy to heat water, using vacuum-insulated tubes to trap heat, even during cold or cloudy days. They are well-suited to homes with good sun exposure and offer:
- High Efficiency: Particularly in Canberra’s climate, these systems outperform flat-plate alternatives.
- Boost Capabilities: Include an electric or gas booster to ensure hot water availability on low-sun days.
- Environmental Impact: Almost entirely solar-powered, reducing household emissions.
Both systems are eligible under current rebate schemes, and Contemporary Plumbing helps homeowners compare them in detail to find the best fit.
Professional Installation by Contemporary Plumbing
Contemporary Plumbing has established itself as a reliable and highly skilled plumbing provider throughout Canberra. Our experienced team takes pride in completing installations to the highest standard while ensuring homeowners understand the full functionality and benefits of their new system. Our comprehensive services include:
- Pre-installation site inspections and custom recommendations.
- Detailed, itemised quotes using approved equipment.
- Removal and disposal of old systems in compliance with local regulations.
- Complete plumbing and electrical coordination for a turnkey installation.
- Full certification and documentation to satisfy all ACT Government and ActewAGL requirements.
- Support in submitting applications, uploading invoices, and tracking rebate payments.
How to Access Rebates Step-by-Step
- Register for a Workshop: Head to the ACT Climate Choices website and book an Everyday Climate Choices workshop. These run regularly and are offered online for convenience.
- Home Assessment by Contemporary Plumbing: Schedule a consultation for expert advice and a detailed quote. Our team checks eligibility and confirms system compatibility.
- Submit Your Application: Once the workshop is complete and the quote is ready, the rebate application can be submitted via the ACT Government portal.
- Approve and Schedule Installation: Upon receiving rebate approval, Contemporary Plumbing will coordinate all aspects of installation, ensuring compliance.
- Apply for ActewAGL Benefits: For customers eligible under the ActewAGL programme, we will assist in claiming all credits and discounts associated with the water heater upgrade.
Why Choose Contemporary Plumbing?
Contemporary Plumbing brings more than expertise to the table—we bring commitment to quality, integrity in service, and a local reputation built on trust. As Canberra’s go-to plumbing team for hot water solutions, our focus is always on delivering the right outcome for the homeowner. Here’s why locals choose us:
- Deep knowledge of ACT energy efficiency programmes and rebate pathways.
- Full licensing and professional credentials.
- Transparent pricing and clear communication at every stage.
- Prompt response times and punctual, tidy installation practices.
- Post-installation support and warranty servicing.
Every job is approached with care, and every homeowner is treated with respect. That’s how Contemporary Plumbing continues to grow—by doing good work, every time.
Ready to Upgrade? Contact Contemporary Plumbing
Switching to an energy-efficient hot water system can unlock thousands of dollars in savings, reduce long-term utility costs, and support Canberra’s energy transition. Whether you want to take advantage of rebates, reduce your environmental impact, or simply update a failing hot water unit, Contemporary Plumbing is here to guide and deliver.
Speak with our team today for an obligation-free quote, personalised system recommendation, and a clear path to accessing government and energy provider rebates. Your home deserves the best in comfort, efficiency, and care—and we are here to make that happen.
Get In Touch
For any enquiries, please phone us or reach out by completing an online form:
📞 02 6292 8175
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Disclaimer:
The rebate information provided in this article is based on publicly available sources from ACT Government and ActewAGL at the time of publication. Programme eligibility, rebate values, and participation requirements may change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the ACT Climate Choices website or speak with our team for guidance.
