What is a WELS Rating?
Australia’s Water Efficiency Labeling and Standards (WELS) scheme plays a crucial role in reducing water waste and helping everyday Aussies save money on their utility bills. The WELS scheme helps people to make more informed decisions to reduce their bills and impact on the environment.
According to energy.gov.au, by selecting WELS-rated products, Australians can collectively save $2 billion by 2030, with individual households enjoying an average saving of $175 per year.Are you ready to take advantage of those savings? Contact our friendly team of plumbers today on 1300 520 898.
Understanding Your WELS Label
Water efficiency labelling is made up of three major components: star rating, rate of water consumption and registration.
Star Rating: You have probably seen these star rating stickers on your household appliances. This is a quick visual guide so you can quickly compare the water efficiency of your appliances. These star ratings range from 1 star (very low efficiency) to 6 stars (incredibly water efficient).
Rate of Water Consumption: Rate of water consumption simply means how much water your appliance uses per use. The specific details of consumption rate are displayed on the WELS rating label and can differ from product to product.
Registration and Licence: At the bottom of the label, there will be a section about the registration and license for the appliance. This includes the company who registered the product, licence number and general information about industry guides and testing.
Every product has different water efficiencies, but the biggest contributors to your overall water bill are:
Dishwashers - litres per wash, load capacity of the machine
Showers - litres per minute
Toilets - litres per average flush, litres per full flush and litres per half flush
Washing machines - litres per wash, load capacity of the machine
What Products Are Included Under the WELS Scheme?
There are a wide range of household products and appliances that need to be registered under the WELS scheme including:
- Dishwashers
- Washing Machines
- Toilets and Urinals
- Flow Controllers
- Showers
- Taps
How Much Do High Rated WELS Products Cost?
While high WELS-rated appliances and products may have a higher upfront cost, they can lead to significant savings on your utility bills over time. These long term savings can outweigh the initial costs, making them a smart investment choice.
How Everyday Plumbing Can Help You With Your WELS Products
Are you confused about water efficiency labelling? Our plumbers take the guesswork out of choosing the right appliance for your home. Our certified and qualified plumbers expertly install high WELS rated products, ensuring that they fit your lifestyle and budget. We will also handle any paperwork for registrations and rebates, so you can start saving right away.
Resources
Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme: https://www.wa.gov.au/service/natural-resources/water-resources/water-efficiency-labelling-and-standards-wels-scheme
Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme - Victorian Building Authority: https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/building/regulatory-framework/water-efficiency-labelling-and-standards-scheme
