How to avoid putting your VEEC Water Heating cash at risk
The VEU have provided additional clarity on their expectations for lagging on Water Heaters
We understand that there are concerns from some plumbers that the VEU’s interpretation of these standards is not consistent with the Victorian Builders Association. While we understand this perspective, the Regulator has made it clear what they require to approve VEECs.
Any installs which do not demonstrate compliant lagging via photo evidence cannot be passed for payment by Green Energy Trading.
Please review the following and ensure your installers do too, as this will avoid putting your VEEC claims and cash at risk.
1.Lagging/Insulation of valves
The VEU is concerned about lagging of valves not meeting the AS/NZS standard. Lagging influences the thermal efficiency of the heat pump, which then impacts the energy saving potential from which VEECs are calculated
2.Lagging/insulation of PTR drain and direction of drainage flow
The drain valve must be insulated at least 500mm from the tank down the piping. However, to give you the best chance of your install getting approved by the VEU, insulating the whole length down the PTR drain valve may be worthwhile. Additionally, you must ensure the drainage valve is pointing away from the tank and premises into a space which the water can flow away.
3. Lack of photos displaying plumbing compliance
Photos must clearly show that the lagging and drainage valve are compliant. We have seen a number of claims which were installed correctly that were failed by the VEU as the photos provided did not adequately demonstrate this. When in doubt, please instruct installers to take multiple photos of the new tank from several angles so the compliance can easily be verified. This can be taken in our Onsite app and uploaded directly into the form in Geo.
Due to this increased scrutiny that the VEU are placing on installs and the photo evidence demonstrating compliance, we will soon be making the use of our Onsite app mandatory for VEEC Water Heater installs.
Installers who use Onsite have consistently provided better photo evidence resulting in less RFIs, meaning their claims get processed and paid faster than those who do not. More information on the app can be found here.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 03 9805 0700orbenefit@greenenergytrading.com.au