Hot water tanks made in the Latrobe Valley

Hot water is chosen by many as the starting point of their electrification journey.

To help people on that journey, several of us from Electrify Yarra took a trip ourselves to Morwell in the Latrobe Valley.

We wanted to see how Earthworker, a workers cooperative, builds hot water tanks for high end heat pump systems. When choosing a heat pump hot water system, you must choose one of three doors.

• Behind the first door is a very cheap, noisy, somewhat ineffective All-in-One system that can break down quickly. (Do not choose that door.)

• Behind the middle door are the better mid-price All-in-Ones like Apricus and Aquatech. Many choose the middle door.

• Behind the third door, are the Split systems. Splits cost more but they use less power, are quieter, heat more quickly and last longer. Some systems (Sanden, Reclaim and Earthworker) are rated as being made in Australia.

Earthworker tanks are behind the third door. They offer a 15-year warranty. Staff told us that

customers tell them that their stainless-steel tanks can last twice that long. In the Earthworker manufacturing process the completed tank is inserted into a larger diameter

recycled plastic sleeve. The gap between the two is then filled with insulation – like the pastry around a Chiko Roll. This substantial blanket of insulation means the system comes up to heat quickly and holds the heat (even over cold nights in Canberra). 

By contrast, All-in-Ones need a small kettle-style booster to reach and hold top temperature. This uses more energy. As you would expect, the Split tank and compressor kit costs more than an All-in-One. This higher initial cost will deter some. They will choose a good All-in-One from behind the middle door. Others will prefer to pay up front for a system with a longer, quieter life during which it generates greater savings over the long term.

One further factor may tip your decision towards Earthworker. If you choose one of the made-in-Australia systems, you will be able to claim an additional rebate of $400. Add to that the Earthworker tanks are being made in the LaTrobe Valley where jobs are not as plentiful as they were. One of the staff we spoke to, used to work in the timber industry.

As we learned on our trip, electrification is not just about saving money.