Hot Water Boost Button? (NSW)

[Gamiss]

Hoping for some advice / help on this one.

We just moved into a new property in Penrith, NSW and after coming home just before midnight we went to have a shower only to have the water cold.

We are on an Off Peak hotwater setup here we've since found out which is creating an issue for us as when you actually NEED hot water... well you need it!

I have seen a few other posts here talking about a hot water boost button that can be installed in the meter box to kickstart water heating immediately for the following hour on demand.

We need that!

I called the AGL service team to enquire about this and they didn't have any idea what I was even talking about.

I spoke to an AGL representative on your support chat, same thing.

If there anyone here who knows who / where I can actually chat to an AGL rep who knows what I'm talking about and assist me in getting this installed at our home?

Very frustrating experience so far with AGL!

[NeilC · Accepted solution]

@Gamiss,

The HOT WATER BOOST button should be on your electricity meter and no-where else.

Hot water is run from your Off-peak / Controlled load section of your meter.

Push the button (mine says for six seconds) and you will hear a click and power will be supplied to the hot-water service.

Be aware though, that in doing so, you will using your PEAK rate not your OFF_PEAK rate.

By the way I would have thought that about 23:00 (11pm) your OFF-Peak would have already activated and would stay on until 5 or 6 in the morning .

These times are controlled by your SUPPLIER/DISTRIBUTOR not your RETAILER (AGL).

• Endeavour Energy
• Essential Energy
• Ausgrid

Are the the three Distributors in NSW

Depending on the size of your hot-water service it may take up to three hours to get hot water that may be of a reasonable temperature.

If you have only just moved in. DID you check that the hot water breaker was turned on?

If my post answers your question, please click MARK AS SOLVED!

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Cheers

Neil

[prinsu_jain]

Hi There,

Is there an option to get Hot water system on the normal supply rather than Controlled load ? Is this something to be done by an electrician or Ausgrid or AGL ?

Thanks

[NeilC]

@prinsu_jain 

Hi,

You can pay an electrician to move your meter to non controlled/ off-peak mode.

The hot-water system works on a thermostat, so when the temp of the water reaches the low point a relay clicks in and allows the water to be heated from the available power source.

So, that means if power is available that it will start consuming power, when this occurs you will be paying at the current rate for that time.

If you do not have a smart meter then you will be paying at the MAXIMUM RATE, if you have a smart meter then you will be paying at the rate due at that time.

I would suggest that you ask an electrician first as the consequences of moving to non off-peak/controlled load may impose considerable financial costs to your electricity bill.

If you own your home, maybe you should look at solar hot-water systems or solar panels and a heat- pump hot-water system.

Cheers Neil

[Scientia]

My boost button has a wire through it that prevents me from pressing it in to boost the hot water. It only seems to serve the scroll function. It is too tight for me to cut with pliers. Why is there a wire through the button and who can I call to have it removed?

[Caban]

@Scientia 

If the wire has a seal on it then I think it's an offense to break it unless you are authorised.

[SYED_AGL]

Hi,

Thanks for reaching out.

Yes, @Scientia — you're absolutely right. It is an offense to tamper with or break the device unless you're authorized to do so.

If you’re finding that your current hot water schedule isn’t providing enough coverage, you may want to consider switching from CL1 (Control Load 1) to CL2 (Control Load 2). CL2 typically offers more hours of supply for hot water, which could better suit your needs.

If you’d like help with making this change or understanding what’s involved, feel free to send us a private message with your account details, and we’ll be happy to assist.

[Scientia]

Hi @SYED_AGL ,

Thank you for your reply, I appreciate the advice and it is something to consider.

However, if I don't wish to change from CL1 to CL2 and simply use the Boost button, how can I arrange to have the wire cut from the Boost button?

Thank you.

[Caban]

@Scientia I would assume that the seal is there as is not allowed.

If you do not wish to change from CL1 to CL2 then another option is to get rid of the CL all together and move across to TOU (if you are not already) The Off Peak rates on TOU are not much more than the CL1 rate and you save on the CL Daily Charge, which normally makes the use cost more.

To keep things economical you will need to put a timer on your HWS so it then switches on during the Off Peak times. This can be a Daily Timer which turns on after 10pm or a Weekly Timer to let it heat longer hours on the weekends. Then you can "boost" it when you like and pay the higher tariff for that convenience.

Maybe crunch some numbers yourself to see how it works out for you.

[Scientia]

Thank you @Caban