Heat Pump Hot Water
Replace your old gas or electric hot water with an efficient heat pump. Uses up to 75% less energy and pairs perfectly with solar to virtually eliminate hot water costs.
How Heat Pump Hot Water Works
A heat pump works like a reverse air conditioner. It extracts heat from the surrounding air and uses it to heat water, achieving 3-5x the efficiency of traditional electric systems.
Extract
Fan draws ambient air across an evaporator containing refrigerant
Compress
Compressor increases refrigerant temperature to 60-80°C
Transfer
Hot refrigerant transfers heat to water via heat exchanger
Store
Hot water is stored in insulated tank for use on demand
COP Rating Explained
COP (Coefficient of Performance) measures efficiency. A COP of 4.0 means for every 1kWh of electricity used, the system produces 4kWh of heat energy. Traditional electric water heaters have a COP of ~0.9.
Hot Water System Comparison
See how heat pumps compare to other hot water options in terms of efficiency, cost, and environmental impact.
| Type | Efficiency | Running Cost | Upfront Cost | Lifespan | Emissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
water_heaterHeat Pump | 300-400% | $150-250/yr | $3,500-5,500 | 10-15 years | Lowest (with solar) |
electric_boltElectric Storage | 90-95% | $500-800/yr | $1,500-2,500 | 10-15 years | High |
local_fire_departmentGas Storage | 70-80% | $400-600/yr | $1,800-2,800 | 10-12 years | High |
solar_powerSolar Thermal | 60-80% | $100-200/yr | $4,000-7,000 | 15-20 years | Very Low |
Top Heat Pump Brands
Quality heat pump systems from trusted manufacturers, all eligible for government rebates.
Reclaim Energy
AustralianPremium Australian-designed system with industry-leading efficiency.
Sanden Eco Plus
JapanJapanese quality with excellent cold climate performance.
iStore
AustralianPopular integrated unit with good value for money.
Rheem Ambiheat
AustraliaTrusted brand with nationwide service network.
Apricus
AustralianKnown for solar thermal, now offering quality heat pumps.
Chromagen
Israel/AustraliaAffordable option for smaller households.
Heat Pumps + Solar = Zero Hot Water Costs
Heat pumps pair perfectly with solar power. By running your heat pump during solar generation hours, you can heat water for free using excess solar energy.
Smart Timing
Set your heat pump to run during peak solar hours (10am-2pm) to maximise free energy use.
Reduce Export
Instead of exporting excess solar at low feed-in rates, use it to heat your water.
Lower Bills
Many households reduce their electricity bill by an additional $300-500/year with this strategy.
Example Daily Scenario
ESS + VEU + REPS + Federal STCs
State energy efficiency schemes provide additional rebates that stack on top of federal incentives. Claim both for maximum savings.
Victorian Energy Upgrades
Victoria's energy efficiency scheme provides VEECs (certificates) that reduce heat pump costs significantly.
Energy Savings Scheme
NSW retailers provide ESCs (certificates) when you upgrade to an efficient heat pump hot water system.
Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme
SA energy retailers offer REPS incentives for installing eligible heat pump hot water systems.
infoHow Rebate Stacking Works
Federal STCs (All States)
Small-scale Technology Certificates are created when you install an eligible heat pump. The number of STCs depends on your location (zone) and the system efficiency. These are claimed by your installer and deducted from your upfront cost.
State Schemes (VIC/NSW/SA)
VEU, ESS, and REPS are retailer obligation schemes. Energy retailers must surrender certificates, creating demand. When you upgrade, you can assign your certificates to a provider in exchange for an upfront discount — separate from STCs.
Heat Pump Rebates by State
Government rebates can significantly reduce the upfront cost of a heat pump hot water system.
Frequently Asked Questions
helpAre heat pumps noisy?
Modern heat pumps are designed for quiet operation, typically 38-50dB - similar to a refrigerator. Some premium units are even quieter. Installation position can also minimise any noise impact.
helpDo heat pumps work in cold weather?
Yes! Quality heat pumps work down to -10°C or lower. CO2 refrigerant models (Reclaim, Sanden) perform particularly well in cold climates. In very cold conditions, they may use a backup electric element.
helpWhat size heat pump do I need?
For most households: 1-2 people = 160-180L, 3-4 people = 250-270L, 5+ people = 315L+. We assess your actual hot water usage to recommend the right size.
helpCan I replace my gas hot water with a heat pump?
Absolutely. Heat pumps are the most common gas hot water replacement. We handle all the electrical work and can often use existing plumbing connections.
helpHow long does installation take?
Typically 4-6 hours for a straightforward replacement. If significant plumbing or electrical work is needed (e.g., relocating the unit), it may take a full day.
Upgrade to Heat Pump Hot Water
Cut your hot water costs by up to 75% and eliminate gas dependency. Get a free quote including all available rebates.