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When you’re renting a commercial property, you’ve got to work with what you’ve got. But when it comes to your hot water system, “what you’ve got” might be guzzling energy, costing you a fortune, and leaving a hefty carbon footprint behind.
So, what can you do?
If the system’s owned and managed by your body corporate, you’ve got a bit of a hurdle. But it’s not impossible. With the right approach, some clear evidence, and a good pitch, you can push for an upgrade that benefits everyone.
Let’s walk through how.
Spot the Signs – Is It Time for an Upgrade?
Before you raise the issue, you’ve got to know what you’re dealing with. Here’s what might tip you off:
- Sky-high energy bills that don’t match your usage
- Hot water that runs out too quickly or takes forever to reheat
- Complaints from staff or customers about inconsistent temperatures
- An old, outdated system that hasn’t had proper maintenance in years
If any of that sounds familiar, you’re probably dealing with a system that’s past its prime.
Why Heat Pumps Are a Hot Topic Right Now
Heat pumps are getting a lot of love and for good reason.
They use way less energy than traditional electric or gas systems, often slashing usage by 60-75%. That means lower bills and fewer emissions, ticking the boxes for both the financially savvy and the environmentally conscious.
A few quick wins with heat pumps:
- Energy-efficient: They move heat rather than generate it.
- Long-term savings: Higher upfront cost, but serious drop in ongoing bills.
- Rebates available: Government incentives can help with installation costs (check out Too Hot To Handle’s rebate info for more).
Making Your Case to the Body Corporate
This is where it gets tricky. The body corporate controls the infrastructure, and they’ll be thinking about costs, responsibilities, and whether it’s worth the effort.
Here’s how to stack the odds in your favour:
1. Gather Evidence
Bring the facts:
- Current system specs and age
- Energy bills showing costs over time
- Any performance or safety issues
- Quotes or assessments from professionals (like Too Hot To Handle)
2. Do the Maths
Break down potential savings over time. Show them how a new system pays for itself in a few years, especially with rebates or bulk-buy options.
3. Highlight the Environmental Angle
With sustainability being a major corporate value now, leaning into the green aspect can help. Heat pumps can cut carbon emissions dramatically, that’s PR gold for some boards.
4. Pitch It as a Win-Win
Make it clear this isn’t just for your benefit. A better system boosts property value, lowers maintenance issues, and keeps tenants happy long-term.
What If They Push Back?
You might get hit with:
“It’s too expensive.”
Point to rebates, grants, and long-term savings.
“The current system still works.”
Sure, but at what cost? Efficiency losses mean they’re paying more every year.
“We’ll look into it later.”
Ask for a review date or suggest a professional inspection now, just to get the ball rolling.
Who’s Actually Responsible?
Every building’s setup is different, so double-check the lease agreement. In most cases, the body corporate handles shared systems or those that service multiple units. If it’s a system that only serves your tenancy, you may be able to upgrade it yourself with permission.
Rebates & Support Available
Right now, there are generous state and federal rebates for switching to energy-efficient systems. These can knock thousands off the upfront cost. Providers like Too Hot To Handle can even help manage the process for you, from system selection to rebate paperwork.
Check out the current offers here.
Final Thoughts
You’ve got the power to make a change even if you don’t own the building.
By showing the savings, outlining the benefits, and backing your case with data, you’re way more likely to get the body corporate to say yes to a hot water upgrade.
And with energy costs rising, every month you wait is money down the drain.
