Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
A heat pump is an energy-efficient water heater that extracts warmth from the surrounding air to heat the water. It works in a similar way to an air conditioner, but in reverse. A fan draws in ambient air, which passes over an evaporator coil containing liquid refrigerant (CO₂, R290, or R32). The refrigerant absorbs the heat and turns into a vapour. The vapour then passes through a compressor, which increases it to a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This hot gas flows through a heat exchanger, which transfers the heat to the water in the tank. Once the heat has been transferred to the water, the refrigerant returns to a liquid state, and the unit expels cool air.
TYPES OF HEAT PUMP UNITS
ALL-IN-ONE HEAT PUMP
With the all-in-one heat pump unit, the compressor and storage tank are combined into a single unit. They generally run R290 gas
Pros:
They are generally cheaper, easier to install, and require less floor space.
Cons:
Must be installed outdoors with clear, easy access. The unit weighs approximately 150 kg and must be transported on a trolley in an upright position due to the gas contained within the unit.
SPLIT HEAT PUMP
With a split heat pump, the compressor (similar to an outdoor air conditioning unit) is installed separately from the storage tank. The tank and compressor can be installed in separate locations (within manufacturer specifications), allowing flexible installation. The unit generally operates on CO₂, R290, or R32 refrigerant gases.
PROS:
Flexible installation options are available. Stainless steel tank options are available. Longer warranty periods may apply. The unit is lightweight and suitable for tight spaces. It provides faster hot water recovery rates.
CONS:
More expensive. Requires a larger floor area
GAS TYPES:
Heat pump hot water systems use refrigerants to absorb heat from the air and transfer it to the water. CO2, R290 and R32 are currently the main refrigerants used, and they differ in environmental impact, safety and efficiency in colder climates.
CO₂ (R744) – is a natural refrigerant with a very low GWP, making it one of the most environmentally friendly options. It performs well in extreme cold weather and is highly efficient for heating hot water.
Propane (R290) – is a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant with a low GWP. It is efficient for heating domestic hot water and performs well at low ambient temperatures.
Difluoromethane (R32) – is a synthetic refrigerant. It is commonly used in split heat pump units due to its high volumetric capacity, but it is less environmentally friendly than CO₂ or R290.
LOCATION:
Heat pumps should always be placed outside in a well ventilated area. Heat pump hot water heaters do not operate efficiently in rooms or areas with limited airflow. This is because the unit draws in ambient air and exhausts cold air, which can accumulate in an enclosed space. If the cold air cannot dissipate, the heat pump may draw in the cooled air again, causing the system to heat the water less efficiently and over a longer period. This can also reduce the heat pump’s service life due to increased
workload.
The units should not be placed in front of a window, it is also recommended that if you are wanting to run the system of a night that they not be placed near a bedroom or quiet areas. While the technology is improving and some heat pumps units are as quiet a refrigerator, some are still as noisy as an air conditioning unit.
Brands
Apricus/ Reclaim
Long-standing Australian company since 2005, backed by comprehensive product warranties. Their range includes an all -in-one and split-system heat pump hot water systems.
All-in-one: Wi-Fi enabled. Available sizes: 200, 260 and 300.
Split system: Available in non Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi models. Tanks are available in stainless steel or glass lined. Available sizes: 160, 250, 315 and 400.
Apricus All-In-One heat pump hot water system comes with a 260 litre storage tank. The Apricus unit is compact in size, yet powerful enough to supply hot water for up to six people in a household. The Apricus extensive 6-year warranty guarantees you peace-of-mind knowing that all heat pump parts and labour are covered for 6 years from date of installation!
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty condition, warranty conditions apply
Aquatech /Hydrotherm
Australian based company established in 2009, Aquatech Solar Technologies has been designing, engineering, and distributing high-efficiency heat pumps across Australia with comprehensive warranties and local support. Their range includes all-in-one heat pump systems, available in various sizes, with Wi-Fi connectivity.
All-in-one: Wi-fi enabled, Available sizes: 225, 268, 320
The Aquatech Rapid/X6 Heat Pump delivers high-efficiency heating and reduces power consumption by 70%. The 225L tank is suitable for 3-6 people and is backed by a 5 year All Parts Warranty.
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty conditions, warranty conditions apply.
The Aquatech Dynamic/X8 Heat Pump is one of Australia’s most advanced hot water systems featuring a Wi-Fi enabled smart controller and Vitreous Enamel Construction. The 268L tank is suitable for 3-6 people and is backed by a 5 year All Parts Warranty.
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty conditions, warranty conditions apply.
The Hydrotherm FUSION/X8 Heat Pump features AC to DC inverter technology, enhancing energy efficiency and heating capacity. It offers exceptional performance and is recognised as one of Australia’s most efficient heat pumps. With 320 litres of storage it is suitable for up to 8 people and is backed by a 6 year All Parts Warranty.
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty conditions, warranty conditions apply.
DUX
Dux is an iconic Australian brand established in 1915, with water heaters manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility in the Southern Highlands. Dux offers strong warranty coverage and customer support. Their range includes all-in-one heat pump systems.
All-in-one: Wi-Fi enabled, Available sizes 200, 270, 285(300)
Apricus All-In-One heat pump hot water system comes with a 260 litre storage tank. The Apricus unit is compact in size, yet powerful enough to supply hot water for up to six people in a household. The Apricus extensive 6-year warranty guarantees you peace-of-mind knowing that all heat pump parts and labour are covered for 6 years from date of installation!
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty condition, warranty conditions apply
Evoheat/ Thermastore
EvoHeat are the industry specialists in heat pump technology. With over 15 years’ experience in providing energy efficiency solutions, with comprehensive warranties and dedicated support team. Their range includes all-in-one heat pump systems
All-in-one: Wi-Fi additional option. Available sizes 150 & 270
EvoHeat heat pump hot water systems come in either a 150L or 270L storage tank. The EvoHeat 150L unit is suitable for three people, and the 270L unit is powerful enough to supply hot water for up to six people in a household. For further peace of mind EvoHeat offers a 6-year warranty on the tank, and 5-years warranty on the compressor and parts.
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty condition, warranty conditions apply
iStore
iStore – Air to Energy has a proven reputation, with over 30 years’ experience in solar hot water. They have also been designing heat pumps for over a decade. They have a strong reputation for warranties and support. Their range includes all-in-one heat pump units
All-in-one: R290 gas, Wi-Fi enabled, Available sizes: 180 & 270
EvoHeat heat pump hot water systems come in either a 150L or 270L storage tank. The EvoHeat 150L unit is suitable for three people, and the 270L unit is powerful enough to supply hot water for up to six people in a household. For further peace of mind EvoHeat offers a 6-year warranty on the tank, and 5-years warranty on the compressor and parts.
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty condition, warranty conditions apply
Panasonic
Panasonic Australia is a market leader, offering reliable and reputable products. Panasonic products are backed by strong warranty coverage and a dedicated support team. Their range includes all-in-one and split heat pump systems.
All-in-one: R290 gas, Wi-Fi enabled. Available sizes 300
Split System: Co2 gas, Wi-Fi enabled, Available sizes: 250,
EvoHeat heat pump hot water systems come in either a 150L or 270L storage tank. The EvoHeat 150L unit is suitable for three people, and the 270L unit is powerful enough to supply hot water for up to six people in a household. For further peace of mind EvoHeat offers a 6-year warranty on the tank, and 5-years warranty on the compressor and parts.
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty condition, warranty conditions apply
Rinnai
Rinnai has been manufacturing in Australia for over 50 years and has a strong reputation for producing reliable products suited to the Australian climate. Their products include a strong warranty and access to an easy-to-deal-with support team. Their range includes All-in-one and split heat pump units
All-in-one: R290 gas, Wi-Fi enabled, available sizes: 300 & 340
Split System: R290 & R32 gas, Wi-Fi enabled, sizes available: 250, 315 & 400
EvoHeat heat pump hot water systems come in either a 150L or 270L storage tank. The EvoHeat 150L unit is suitable for three people, and the 270L unit is powerful enough to supply hot water for up to six people in a household. For further peace of mind EvoHeat offers a 6-year warranty on the tank, and 5-years warranty on the compressor and parts.
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty condition, warranty conditions apply
Sanden
Sanden have been operating in Australia for over 45 years and pride themselves on their quality. Their products come with long warranties and stainless steel tank options. Their range includes split heat pump units
Split System: Co2 gas, optional Wi-Fi, available sizes: 160, 2500, 300 & 315 in either stainless steel or vitreous enamel
Sanden heat pump hot water systems come with your choice of either a 160, 250, 300 or 315 litre storage tank. The Sanden unit features a whisper quiet operation (37dB) and are backed with a long term warranty of up to 15 years.
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty conditions, warranty conditions apply.
Reclaim Heat Pump
The Reclaim Heat Pump System has been custom designed for Australian conditions and has built-in frost control. It is whisper quiet and is available with either glass lined enamel or stainless steel tank. It also caters to any size household with storage tanks ranging from 160L to 400L. Trust a company that makes the tank and controller in Australia and is Australian owned. Warranty is up to 15 years for the stainless steel tank.
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty condition, warranty conditions apply
Rinnai Heat Pumps
Requiring no solar panels and conveniently housed in one unit, the Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump is highly efficient and is perfect for replacing an electric storage tank. Rinnai Heat Pumps are Australian made and are available in 215L, 280L, 300L and 340L models. For peace of mind the Rinnai Heat Pumps come with up to 7 year cylinder warranty, and 5 year refrigerant warranty.
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty condition, warranty conditions apply
Heatwave270 Heat Pump
Heatwave270 heat pump hot water system comes with a 270 litre storage tank. Designed for families of up to six people, this advanced hot water heat pump system provides consistent, cost-effective hot water while reducing your energy consumption
and environmental footprint. Warranty includes 6 years for the tank, 5 years for the compressor, 5 years on parts, and 1 year for labour.
*Please look at the system model you require for exact warranty condition, warranty conditions apply
Tempering Valves
A tempering valve mixes your hot and cold water to deliver hot tap water at a constant temperature. Tempering valves have a temperature sensitive element which adjusts the mix depending on the temperature of the incoming water flowing through the valve. The valve is designed to maintain a constant outlet temperature, reducing the risk of accidental scalding. The regulation in NSW is 50ºC for all bathrooms and 45ºC for childcare and elderly care facilities. Your tank temperature setting at the thermostat must be a minimum of 60c. This prevents bacteria and diseases growing. The average temperature of domestic hot water is 70 ºC. A much safer temperature for domestic hot water is 50 ºC. This is because water at a lower temperature takes longer to cause injury. For example:
- At 60 ºC, it takes one second for hot water to cause third-degree burns
- At 55 ºC, it takes 10 seconds for hot water to cause third-degree burns
- At 50 ºC, it takes five minutes for hot water to cause third-degree burns
For more information on the Tempering valve requirements please click here to see Fair Trading NSW fact sheet.
What is the STC Rebate?
The Australian Government lists solar water heaters and heat pumps that are eligible for STCs and are therefore eligible to receive a rebate based on the number of STCs awarded that can be traded for cash, or a discount, on the purchase price of a hot water system. An STC is a calculation of how much energy is expected to be saved over ten years when using a solar water heater or heat pump compared to the electricity consumption of an equivalent electric water heater. 1 x STC is 1 x MWh of electricity saved over 10 years = 100 kWh saved in a year. Performance calculations take into account geographic location, solar radiation, the angle of the sun, the efficiency of the solar collector, tank heat loss, cold water temperatures, the quantity of hot water used and hot water usage patterns. The more STCs awarded to a system equate to a higher rebate available on the purchase of that system. As of the 1st of January 2022, the start of the phasing out of the STC rebate meaning the 1st of January each the quantity of eligible certificates will decline by 10% ending in 2030.
What is the NSW Energy Saving Scheme?
The NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) provides a list of solar water heaters and heat pumps that are eligible for Energy Saving Certificates (ESC’s). Generally, householders and businesses who fund energy savings activities transfer the right to create Energy Saving Certificates (ESC’s) to an Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) in return for a discount on the purchase of the hot water system. The program aims to reduce energy consumption within NSW, reduce energy costs for consumers and reduce the need for investment in new energy infrastructure. Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) represent the energy saved from completing a compliant energy savings activity in NSW such as installing an energy saving solar water heater or heat pump. The more ESCs awarded to a system equate to a higher rebate available on the purchase of that system.
Who is eligible for the STC Rebate or NSW Energy Saving Scheme?
If you are installing an approved solar hot water system or heat pump, whether it be on a new build, replacing an old system. Terms and Conditions Apply. For more information contact our team on 1800 689 919 or simply book online for your free onsite assessment.