Well-intentioned Government Policies Continue to Pour Cold Water on Australia’s Hot Water Industry
A Proud Australian Manufacturing Legacy
Water heaters are one of the last appliances still made in Australia. Dux Hot Water has been making water heaters in Australia for 110 years, an incredible milestone, especially for a regional manufacturer.
Over 400,000 heat pumps have been sold in Australia since 2020. That’s a great thing. Dux loves quality heat pumps and we make a really good one right here in Australia. However, only 1 in 13 of the heat pumps sold here over the last 5 years were made in Australia. That’s appalling when local manufacturers have already invested millions to make these renewable energy products right here.
Low-Quality Imports
Dux isn’t saying all imported heat pumps are bad, in fact some are very good. Dux buys one for certain applications itself. Dux has now tested over 20 imported heat pumps. Unfortunately, many are low quality and may prove unsuitable for Australian conditions. If they don’t last their warranty period and the seller has left the market, what protection will a consumer have? Very little, if any. More to come on this.
Plumbers Sidelined in the Name of Rebates
Dux believes that plumbers are best placed to advise on the appropriate water heater for your home. Plumbers are the trained professionals but they’ve been sidelined by door knockers and overseas call centres touting stacked Federal and state rebates. Whilst that may have changed recently, we’re now seeing the focus shift from homes to businesses.
Joining Forces to Protect Local Industry
To shine a light on the threat to local manufacturing, Dux has joined the Australian Water Heating Manufacturers (AWHM) with Rheem Australia and Rinnai Australia.
For more information, visit keepourhotwaterflowing.org.au
Dux strongly supports the heat pump supply chain recommendations from environmental think tank Beyond Zero Emissions. They recommend fast tracking of a Minimum Performance Standard on heat pumps and rebates linked to local content.
A Call to Action
Dux wants to be making water heaters in Australia for another 110 years. We don’t want to go the way of the car industry, so it’s time for us to make a stand.