How to Override Off-Peak Hot Water | Mates Rates Plumbing
Running out of hot water right before school drop-off is a very Australian problem. If your storage heater only runs overnight on a controlled load (off-peak tariff), you’ve probably wondered whether you can nudge it on during the day. You can — in specific ways, and with care. This guide from Mates Rates Plumbing explains how off-peak works, safe override options, when it’s worth doing, and the traps to avoid. First, a quick refresher: what “off-peak” actually does Most electric storage systems are wired to heat when electricity is cheapest (typically overnight). Your tank then stores that heat for daytime use. That’s why it’s cheap to run — but inflexible if you’ve had a morning of back-to-back showers or unexpected guests. Many plumber and electrician guides make the same point: off-peak saves money by shifting heating to low-tariff windows, but convenience can suffer. Your safe override options (and what each really does) 1) “Boost” / manual override button (on ...