With the introduction of State and Federal Government hot water rebates, Australians are bursting at the seams to install a new and more energy efficient hot water system. Announced earlier this year, the State and Federal Government hot water rebates have excited the greater Australian public. This is due not only to the significant savings, but also to help reduce green house gases and getting on track to meet carbon emissions targets. Accounting for up to 25% of the energy usage in an average Australian home, electric water heaters are an inefficiency of the past. Often located outside and out of mind, it is easy to overlook both the financial and environmental savings that can be had by upgrading your old water heater with a newer, more energy efficient system. Many new solar systems can reduce energy use by up to 80%, as they use the suns free energy to heat water. Rheem Product Manager - Sustainable Energy Products, Ben Murphy, says “Both Federal and State Governments are striving to meet strict carbon reduction targets, hence the extensive range of attractive rebates that are being offered as an incentive to households to upgrade their existing water heater to more efficient solar, heat pump and, in some cases, five-star gas systems.” While the rebate is no longer means tested, owners must qualify to be eligible for the rebate. For instance, the $1600 rebate applies to installations of solar water heaters and heat pumps replacing electric water heaters, and the household must be a residential dwelling. Additionally, the solar water heater or heat pump water heater must be eligible to receive a minimum of 20 RECs, and the system must be purchased and installed between 3 February, 2009 and 31 March, 2012. It is not available for new homes, or knock down rebuild construction, and the rebate must be applied for within six months (or 184 days) of the installation date. Households cannot claim both the Solar Hot Water Rebate and the Ceiling Insulation Rebate (also currently offered), and most importantly, a licensed plumber must install the new water heater. The new hot water system must replace a current electric storage hot water system. This means leading models from Rheem such as the Heat Pump, Vulcan Split System, Vulcan 5 Star Gas Hot Water and Roof Mounted Solar are all eligible for rebates under the Government scheme. Applying for the rebate is quite simple. Once the system has been installed, all you or your clients need to do is submit an application form to the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, available online from the sites listed at the end of the article. Ensure your customer attaches a copy of the purchase receipt with the application, and then approximately eight weeks later, your customer should receive the rebate via direct deposit into a nominated bank account. There are many websites and services available from leading hot water system manufacturers to assist you and your clients with deciding which system to use and how much rebate you are entitled to. One of these is manufacturers is Rheem, with their new Solar Saver website. A valuable resource, Solar Savers provides you with all the information you need, from product selection, rebate details, government forms and a rebate calculator that calculates how many rebates you are entitled to, based on your location and the type of system you are looking to install. For more information on hot water rebates visit www.solarsavers.com.au, www.environment.gov.au or see the team at your local Tradelink Branch. In this issue • New and exciting from Tradelink • @ Tradelink - Trade Door • Work safety - Sun protection • The best deals in town • The Plumbers Handbook • Price changes • Branching out and new developments • Getting your apprentice off to the right start • HVAC connection • Planet friendly plumber - Modern lifestyle calls for condensing technology issue 140 • augustseptember • 2009 connection Australia heats up with hot water rebates PROUDLY SUPPORTING FUND RAISING RESULTS ON PAGE FOUR!
Transcript
With the introduction of State and Federal Government hot water rebates, Australians are bursting at the seams to install a new and more energy efficient hot water system.
Announced earlier this year, the State and Federal Government hot water rebates have excited the greater Australian public. This is due not only to the significant savings, but also to help reduce green house gases and getting on track to meet carbon emissions targets.
Accounting for up to 25% of the energy usage in an average Australian home, electric water heaters are an inefficiency of the past. Often located outside and out of mind, it is easy to overlook both the financial and environmental savings that can be had by upgrading your old water heater with a newer, more energy efficient system. Many new solar systems can reduce energy use by up to 80%, as they use the suns free energy to heat water.
Rheem Product Manager - Sustainable Energy Products, Ben Murphy, says “Both Federal and State Governments are striving to meet strict carbon reduction targets, hence the extensive range of attractive rebates that are being offered as an incentive to households to upgrade their existing water heater to more efficient solar, heat pump and, in some cases, five-star gas systems.”
While the rebate is no longer means tested, owners must qualify to be eligible for the rebate. For instance, the $1600
rebate applies to installations of solar water heaters and heat pumps replacing electric water heaters, and the household must be a residential dwelling.
Additionally, the solar water heater or heat pump water heater must be eligible to receive a minimum of 20 RECs, and the system must be purchased and installed between 3 February, 2009 and 31 March, 2012. It is not available for new homes, or knock down rebuild construction, and the rebate must be applied for within six months (or 184 days) of the installation date.
Households cannot claim both the Solar Hot Water Rebate and the Ceiling Insulation Rebate (also currently offered), and most importantly, a licensed plumber must install the new water heater.
The new hot water system must replace a current electric storage hot water system. This means leading models from Rheem such as the Heat Pump, Vulcan Split System, Vulcan 5 Star Gas Hot Water and Roof Mounted Solar are all eligible for rebates under the Government scheme.
Applying for the rebate is quite simple. Once the system has been installed, all you or your clients need to do is submit an application form to the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, available online from the sites listed at the end of the article.
Ensure your customer attaches a copy of the purchase receipt with the application, and then approximately eight weeks later,
your customer should receive the rebate via direct deposit into a nominated bank account.
There are many websites and services available from leading hot water system manufacturers to assist you and your clients with deciding which system to use and how much rebate you are entitled to.
One of these is manufacturers is Rheem, with their new Solar Saver website. A valuable resource, Solar Savers provides you with all the information you need, from product selection, rebate details, government forms and a rebate calculator that calculates how many rebates you are entitled to, based on your location and the type of system you are looking to install.
For more information on hot water rebates visit www.solarsavers.com.au, www.environment.gov.au or see the team at your local Tradelink Branch.
In this issue
• New and exciting from Tradelink
• @ Tradelink - Trade Door
• Work safety - Sun protection
• The best deals in town
• The Plumbers Handbook
• Price changes
• Branching out and new developments
• Getting your apprentice off to the right start
• HVAC connection
• Planet friendly plumber - Modern lifestyle calls for condensing technology
issue 140 • augustseptember • 2009
connectionAustralia heats up with hot water rebates
PROUDLY SUPPORTING
FUND RAISING RESULTS ON PAGE FOUR!
new products
2
New and exciting from TradelinkImperial Ware Arena SuiteStyled with an innovative, elegant edge, the latest products from Imperial Ware Australia embrace smooth, clean designer lines.
More suited to the contemporary bathroom, the Imperial Ware Arena 420 Inset Vanity Basin and Arena Close Coupled Suite offer a unique style that fuses sculptured design with functional form.
Concerned not only with elegant design, but also about the impact on the environment, Imperial Ware Australia have developed the water saving EVO® System, featuring a 4 star WELS rating.
The Arena Close Coupled suite features this water saving technology, thereby utilising only 4.5 litres of water for a full flush, and three litres for a half flush.
TankworksTradelink are proud to announce they have partnered with Tankworks, one of Australia’s premier water tank manufacturers since 1934.
Fully Australian owned and operated, Tankworks Australia Pty Ltd has operated continually for over 80 years, manufacturing and installing quality long lasting water tanks and accessories.
This wealth of engineering experience combined with modern management systems produces quality, industry-leading water tanks supported by a company that has stood the test of time. Each made to measure steel Tankworks water tank is backed with a 20-year corrosion and 10-year construction warranty.
Tankworks have manufacturing plants located in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and at the time of print, service all states except Western Australia.
Adesso Range LaunchedA popular element of the European Collection, Adesso tapware is bold, sexy and the perfect addition to any contemporary bathroom.
Since Mila’s release in October 2008, there has been great interest from consumers about more products from Adesso, with a demand to extend the range.
The time has finally come to unveil the newest additions to the Italian inspired Adesso range - Angolo, Cielo, Rana and Lucerne.
Featuring a variety of bathroom and kitchen mixers, showers and bath spouts; Adesso delivers simplistic style with bold accents. Each piece will create a stunning focal point, while multiple pieces create a striking statement within your home.
Visit your local Tradelink Branch today to find out more aboutthese and other great new products now available.
@Tradelink
Have you visited TradeDoor yet?
If not, you are missing out on some very useful tools to help you with your everyday business, including:
• Online invoice and statements - view online anytime 24 hours a day 7 days a week
• Account Status - view your account details including credit limits, date of last payments, etc
• Projects - Group specific invoices to keep track of your project costs and monitor project cash flow. This handy tool will group all selected invoices together, summarise every item you have purchased showing the average and total cost over the entire project, as well as a summary of your total monthly expenditure. There is no limit to how many projects you can have.
Visit www.tradelink.com.au or speak with your Account Manager today and learn how to sign up to TradeDoor for free. Conditions apply, see in store for details. New RainBank® features:
Barrel union connections – trouble free, easy connections to pipework and pumps.High flow rates – up to 100 litres per minute suitable for large homes and irrigation systemsHigh pressures – will not restrict mains water flows.Top Entry Floats – mount float switches through the top of the tank.Reliability – proven design by a dependable Australian company.
NEWIMPROVEDVERSION!
For your local Davey dealer call: 1300 367 866 or visit: davey.com.au
Day after day... Year after year...
YE
AR
S O F D E P E N DABI L
I TY
work safety
3
According to the Australian Cancer Council, Australia has one of the highest incidents of skin cancer in the world, at nearly four times the rates in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Accounting for 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers, skin cancer is the most common for Australians aged 15-44, while two in three Australians will be diagnosed with it by the time they are 70.
Plumbers working in the sun are at risk of permanent skin damage, skin cancer and also the effects of heat.
There are several ways to reduce the effects of the sun and minimise skin exposure. Firsly, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and re-apply it frequently through the day. Ensure to apply it to your face, neck, hands, lips and ears.
Wherever possible, work in the shade or regulate sun exposure work to hours outside of the high-risk times of 10am-2pm (11am-3pm daylight saving time).
You could also wear long clothing such as trousers and long sleeved shirts with a collar, preferably made from ‘sun safe’ materials with a high ultraviolet protection (UPF) level.
Add to this a broad brimmed hat or safety helmet with a cloth brim and neck flap, as well as close fitting wrap around style sunglasses and you will have ample protection from the harsh effects of the sun.
Ensure the sunglasses meet Australian Standard AS 1067:2003, and look for category 2, 3 or 4, ensuring the lens description states “good UV protection”.
To minimise the effects of heat, work in shaded areas wherever possible or try to work in the cooler hours, such as those earlier in the day or later in the afternoon and evening. Schedule as much indoor work as possible during peak UV radiation times.
You should also take regular rest breaks during high physical activity work. Ten minutes per hour in a cooler area will assist with cooling your body down and keeping you in good condition. Additionally, your lunch break should be taken in a cool, shaded area or indoors.
Try to drink cool, non-alcoholic drinks regularly even if you are not thirsty. You should consume at least half a litre per hour to re-hydrate your body. Rest immediately if you feel the
symptoms of heat stress. These symptoms include weakness, dizziness, feeling light headed, fatigue, nausea, abnormal behaviour, confusion, clamminess or reduced sweating.
This information was taken from the Plumbing Industry Guide to Safety 2009. More than 4,100 copies of the guide have been distributed to all plumbing, gasfitting and consulting companies, and plumbing supply stores throughout Australia as well as NPAA members.
Pro-Visual Publishing produces 48 extensively researched information charts covering health, safety and wellbeing issues for a range of industries. Additional copies are available and all guides are produced and distributed without cost.
To receive additional copies of the Plumbing Guide or any other guide, please contact Pro-Visual Publishing on (02) 8272 2611 or email [email protected]. For more information on skin cancer, visit www.cancer.org.au
Sun protection
Lightweight,compact ductile ironfittings available in100mm and 150mm.
Available from
CONTACT IPLEX ON 1318 40 OR FAX 1318 60
www.iplex.com.au
PN20 Socket Tee
Solar installations require the best valves available to ensure continued trouble free operation. Trust your next install to the industry leading HeatGuard Ultra and So-lar Non-Return Valve.
* Specifically designed for solar applications* Australian designed and manufactured* Available now
HeatGuard Ultra & Solar Non-Return Valve
For more information call customer service on 1800 810 803 or visit www.rmc.com.au
* MIX11116 (15mm or 1/2”) and MIX11117 (20mm or 3/4”)
* SNR502
Another reason why Dorf is
the smart choice
10 YearCartridge Warranty
For more information visit your nearest Tradelink branch,
phone 13 14 16 or visit us at www.dorf.com.au
Exclusive to Dorf Flickmixer® range
* WELS 5 star rated
Flickmixer® Basin Mixer*
4
Your Guide to Bathroom ValueThe new Tradelink Guide has hit the streets, offering you and your clients more value and more bathroom inspiration than ever before.
Designed to inspire, Your Guide to Bathroom Value shows your clients what is possible from the products available at Tradelink.
Providing more than just products, the Guide explains why you should use the specific ranges on offer, how they all work together as a collective, and if the products are a little out of your clients price range, there is even a value for money alternative from Tradelink’s exclusive brands.
With over 40 products at special prices from Caroma, Dorf, Fowler, Imperial Ware, Raymor, Kohler, European Collection and Methven, your clients will be inspired to do more with their next bathroom building or renovation project.
Spring Clean Your Tools PromotionStarting in September, the Spring Clean Your Tools Promotion will bring you a fresh deal on leading products.
Featuring ten items from Bahco, Irwin, Super Ego and Ridgid, the new sale will build your tool kit at a fraction of the cost.
The tools on sale include a spade bit set, work light and lead, eight metre tape measure, tin snips and more.
Also, if you purchase a Ridgid SeeSnake® micro™ you will receive a bonus Ridgid cap and t-shirt package.
Keep an eye out each month for new monthly specials from our Trade Merchandise range.
RIDBC SuperheroesFollowing up on the RIDBC Superhero sightings last edition, the donations have been tallied from Tradelink’s Superhero fund raising with some great results!
Over May and June, Crane Distribution set out to kick start the fundraising for our nominated charity, the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.
Branches went to great lengths to raise money, with many staff holding BBQ’s and organising promotions, some even opting to shave heads and cross dress, all to raise money for a worthy cause.
With national donations for May and June totalling over $32,000, we’d like to thank everyone who donated for their generosity. Tradelink will continue to support the RIDBC throughout the year, so if you would like to make a donation, simply visit your local Branch.
The best deals in town
branch promotions
Tradelink are determined to bring you great deals to save you money on the products you need and your clients want.
For more information on Your Guide to Bathroom Value, the upcoming Trade Merchandise promotion or RIDBC, visit your local Tradelink Plumbing Centre.
The Plumbers Handbook
A wealth of information at your fingertips
Produced by the Australian Copper Development Centre in association with the Australian Copper Tube Industry, Crane Copper Tube and MM Kembla; The Plumbers Handbook is the ultimate guide for any plumbing installation business.
The Plumbers Handbook, now in its eighth edition, is an industry aid produced at a time when marked changes are taking place with respect to installation practice and material specification.
A convenient guide to assist your daily business, it features a wide range of information including Australian Standards, tube size ranges, copper tube properties, water supply piping design, joining and installation methods and more.
Relevant to all copper pipes used by plumbers everywhere, this wealth of information is bound to help you out in the toughest of situations.
The latest edition of The Plumbers Handbook is available for free from www.copper.com.au or call 1800 067 895.
5.5+ Star Highflow.
For more information phone Bosch on 1300 30 70 37 or visit www.bosch.com.au/hotwater
Energy efficient hot water heaters from Bosch
bathroom valueYour gu de to
THEPLUMBERS
HANDBOOK
Proudly produced by
The Australian Copper Tube
Industry
o nd 1
5
price changes
Manufacturer Product Change DateVinidex WA only Various 01/07/09
Warren & Brown & Technologies All products 3.5% 01/07/09
Wholesale Products Various Various 01/07/09
Woodland Home Products BeefEater BBQ's 01/07/09
Ampelite Various 2% to 10% reduction 20/07/09
Aqua Cooler Bottled water coolers Various 01/08/09
Bathe Hansgrohe buy rate Various 01/08/09
Capral Limited Finishing rates Various 01/08/09
Caroma Specials expire 01/08/09
City West Water Property service plans 4% 01/08/09
Dorf/Clark Specials expire 01/08/09
DTA Australia Various 5% 01/08/09
Gameco Code 043750 1% 01/08/09
In Sink Erator Replacement tank/jacket 20% 01/08/09
Treated Pine Distributors Lining board profiles 5% 01/07/09
Tyco Water Plastic Pipeline Systems (WA only)
Metal productsABS products
25%8% 01/07/09
Veitch Stainless Steel All products 6% to12% 01/07/09
Ever strong and reliable, the Tradelink network will continue to expand and improve to help you when you need it the most.
NSW Branches Taree and Eastwood are nearing completion, with each building starting to take shape and resemble The Bathroom Specialist. Both Branches expect to be ready and open for business mid to late this month.
The newly relocated Parramatta Branch is performing well at its new Victoria Road address. The Branch can be contacted on the same phone and fax numbers - 02 9683 6155 and 02 9683 4954 respectively.
Meanwhile, across the country the Kohler and Englefield displays are continuing to make their way into our network of Showrooms. Further installations have commenced throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania in the past month, with further upgrades happening around the country. It is expected that 40 additional Showroom renovations will be completed by the end of August.
Check out future editions of Connection or visit our website for more information on these openings and to find out what else is happening in your local area.
6
HVAC connectionComdronic AC6 Commissioning Meter
The Comdronic AC6 is an electronic manometer programmed to carry out differential pressure measurements primarily on balancing valves in the building services industry.
The state-of-the-art software and extensive database of the world’s balancing valves allows direct reading of flow, differential pressure, percentage of design flow and target flow.
System accuracy is guaranteed by the use of carefully selected sensors with resolution and accuracy most appropriate for the range of differential pressures being measured.
Supplied with PcomPRO™ project software, the user is able to upload complete project information from PC to AC6, and even name individual valves for ease of identifying on site. Valve settings can be saved on site for downloading to PC on completion of project, which can then be copied to a spreadsheet.
For more information regarding HVAC parts, visit your local Tradelink Branch, or download the HVAC&R online catalogue from www.tradelink.com.au
network updates
Branching out and new developments
Eastwood
Cnr Ball Ave & Blaxland RdPhone & Fax: TBA
Includes Showroom Opening soon 2009
Taree
Cnr Flametree Cl & Bushland DrPhone & Fax: TBA
Includes Showroom Opening soon 2009
Create lasting values with the Renova Nr. 1 Plan basin.
Tools For Your Trade is a Federal Government program funding selected new apprentice purchases up to the value of $800, including GST.
Available within the first year of their apprenticeship, this scheme gives new apprentices a great start to their chosen trade career, as it is an addition to any tool allowance currently received under the award wage or private employment arrangement.
Products available under the scheme include trade tools, protective clothing, safety footwear, and other necessary work items.
To redeem your Tools For Your Trade incentive visit your local Tradelink Plumbing Centre. For more information visit www.toolsforyourtrade.com.au
Getting your apprentice off to the right start
7
Introducing the Bosch 26eco+, the most energy efficient gas hot water system from a world leader in hot water technology.
With the introduction of the Bosch 26eco+, Bosch continues to deliver the most reliable and efficient hot water appliances to fit the lifestyles of today’s modern households.
Featuring 6.9 star energy efficiency and condensing technology, the Bosch 26eco+ is available for natural and LP gas installations. Ideal for 2-3 bathroom homes, the heating efficiency is due to the unit being a fully condensing appliance.
Unlike traditional hot water systems, a condensing unit captures heat from the exhaust gas and uses it to preheat the incoming cold water.
When heat from the exhaust gas is collected within the secondary heat exchanger, condensation occurs from moisture in this exhaust gas, and the resulting water is discharged from the drainpipe. Because of this, a 26eco+ can be fitted without having to worry about condensate run off into the garden, lawn or roof.
To prevent non-acidic condensate, the 26eco+ has a neutraliser that is specifically designed to transform this acidic condensate into an environmentally friendly emission.
With today’s focus on reducing your carbon footprint, you can sleep easy knowing the 26eco+ produces only 1.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year, effectively removing the equivalent of one and a half cars off the road*.
To put the amount of carbon dioxide emissions into perspective, the average household produces almost 12 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year from energy used in the home, and the average conventional electric hot water system produces seven tonnes.
With an output of 26 litres per minute, the 26eco+ offers the highest flow rate of any condensing unit on the market, a maximum gas consumption of 178 Mj/hr, antifrost as standard and can be teamed with up to four temperature controllers.
The 26eco+ not only has a simple layout, runs quietly and is easy to maintain, the compact design is coupled with a 10-year
heat exchanger warranty and a three-year parts and labour warranty.
For a constant, reliable and energy efficient source of hot water there is a Bosch 26eco+ to suit every household’s specific requirements.
* Carbon emissions based on average Victorian consumption. Averages may vary in other regions. Information obtained from Sustainability Victoria.
For more information on the Bosch 26eco+ or any of their leading products, contact Bosch on 1300 30 70 37 or visit www.bosch.com.au/hotwater
planet friendly plumber
FIRENZEpremium rail shower
Satinjet® technologythousands of droplets per seconddual spray handset all brass 835mm railsoap dish and friction sliderbrass elbowtwist free chromalux hose
mETHvENluxury watersaving showers
code 044430
Feel theSatinjet®
Difference!
LifetimeReplacementGuaranteesee website for detailswww.methven.com
Modern lifestyle callsfor condensing technology
The Imperial Ware Arena Close Coupled suite incorporates the EVO System® environmental technology that utilises only 4.5 litres of water for a full flush.
Co-ordinating this sophisticated elegance is the Arena 420mm Inset vanity basin, Callisto towel warmer & Kasintra toilet roll holder.
For additional information, please contact your closest Tradelink store.
To fi nd out more call 132 552, or visit www.rheem.com.au
NEW RHEEM MPi-325 HEAT PUMP…SO QUIET YOU’LL HARDLY
KNOW IT’S RUNNING • WHISPER TECHNOLOGY enables quiet operation• No solar panels• Cuts energy use by up to 65%*• Two piece design reduces handling weight• Back-up boost element• Eligible for RECs and Government rebates * Conditions apply
1390OWD
TTTTooT
NEW RHE…SO
• W• N• C• T• B•• E *
1390OWD
1390_Connect Magazine AD 190x98.indd 1 17/07/09 9:41 AM
To find your nearest Branch please visit... www.tradelink.com.au
After Hours Emergency No: 1800 801 750(Not available in SA or WA)
For VIC/TAS support, please contact your local branch.
QLD/NT State Support Office 1051 Nudgee Road, Banyo, QLD, 4014Locked Bag 71, Virginia BC, QLD, 4014Ph (07) 3260 9777 Fax (07) 3260 9750
NSW/ACT State Support Office Unit 4, Building C, 3-9 Birnie Avenue, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141Locked Bag 3032, Lidcombe, NSW, 1825Ph (02) 8737 5444 Fax (02) 8737 5502
SA State Support Office 966 Port Road, Albert Park, SA, 5014PO Box 415, Woodville, SA, 5011Ph (08) 8444 9500 Fax (08) 8347 1280
WA State Support Office38 Vinnicombe Drive, Canning Vale, WA, 6155PO Box 1449, Canning Vale, WA, 6970Ph (08) 9334 9900 Fax (08) 9334 9901
If you DO NOT wish to receive (1) further copies of Connection, or (2) any further Tradelink promotional material, tick appropriate box and return this edition along with your name, address and Tradelink account number to: Connection Editor, Tradelink Plumbing Centres, Locked Bag 71, Virginia Business Centre, QLD 4014.
METRO INVISI SERIES II® WALL FACED SUITE (WELS 4 Star Rating, 3.4 litres per average �ush)
Winner of Australian
International Design Award in the Housing & Building
category
Caroma Invisi Series II® toilet suites take concealed cistern toilet suite technology to the next level. Having undergone a complete redesign Invisi Series II® is more versatile, more compact and even easier to quote, order and install.
New Designer Button Plates
Invisi Series II® offers an exciting range of designer button options in chrome and satin.
Reverse White
For more information call 1300 CAROMA (1300 227 662), go to www.caroma.com.au or visit your nearest Tradelink branch.
Invisible technology wins prestigious design award
