Heat recovery captures and reuses heat that would otherwise be wasted from industrial and commercial processes—such as exhaust air, refrigeration systems, or wastewater. Across many Australian facilities, a large share of input energy is lost as heat. By integrating heat recovery technologies, this energy can be upgraded and reused for space heating, hot water, or process heat, reducing the need for additional energy generation and improving overall system efficiency.

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Technologies commonly used:

• Heat exchangers (air-to-air, water-to-water)

• Mechanical and high-temperature heat pumps

• Heat recovery chillers

• Thermal storage systems

• Waste heat recovery units on exhausts and flues

 

Typical applications:

• Space heating and domestic hot water in commercial buildings

• Process heating in food, beverage, and manufacturing industries

• Pool and water heating in aquatic centres

• Pre-heating boiler feedwater or make-up air

• Drying, washing, and sanitation processes
   

Key benefits:

• Energy cost savings typically 20-50% depending on the application

• Emissions reductions of 20-60% through reduced fossil fuel use

• Efficiency improvements of 30-70% by capturing otherwise wasted heat

• Payback periods often 2- 5 years for well-matched systems
   

For Australian businesses facing rising energy costs and increasing pressure to decarbonise, heat recovery offers a practical and proven solution. When combined with electrification strategies - such as replacing gas systems with heat pumps - it can significantly reduce operating costs and emissions while maintaining reliable performance.