Hot water heat pumps
Why install a hot water heat pump?
Heating water is one of the biggest energy uses in the home. A hot water heat pump uses electricity to move heat from the air into a tank of water, much like a fridge in reverse. This makes it four to five times more efficient than a conventional electric or gas hot water system. Hot water heat pumps are very cheap to run.
A hot water heat pump is worth considering if you:
- Are replacing an old or failing electric or gas hot water system.
- Want to lower your power bills and household emissions, with or without solar.
- Have, or are planning, rooftop solar and want to use your own power for hot water.
- Are working towards getting off gas.
A few basics
Here is a quick guide to the terms you’ll come across:
- Compressor: The heat pump unit that draws heat from the air.
- Tank: Where the heated water is stored until you need it.
- Split system: A compressor and tank installed as two separate parts. They can be up to 10 metres apart.
- Modular (all-in-one) system: A smaller compressor sitting on top of the tank, as a single unit.
Where will it go?
The installer will consider:
- Where the existing hot water system sits, and whether there is room for the new tank and compressor.
- Whether the compressor can be wall-mounted or floor-mounted, and whether the wall can support it.
- The distance from your switchboard, and any electrical work needed.
- Whether any existing gas connection needs to be isolated.
- Noise, since the compressor is best placed away from bedrooms and neighbours’ windows.
What about solar?
Hot water heat pumps work well with or without solar. If you have rooftop solar, many systems can be set to heat water during the day, using your own solar power instead of buying from the grid. Your hot water tank then works like a simple battery, storing your solar energy as heat.
Our products
We’ve selected three quality options from our installer. All use environmentally friendly refrigerants, can heat water from the grid and/or solar, and are managed by user-controlled smart software. Each has good warranties and attracts significant government rebates.
Split system: Reclaim heat pump with Earthworker tank
Chosen for its reliability and quietness. The heat pump is made in Japan. The stainless steel tank is made in Victoria by the Earthworker Manufacturing Cooperative and has the highest resistance to rust.
250 or 315 litres | 37 dB | Warranty: 6 years (heat pump), 15 years (tank).
Modular system: Omni X GL
A more modest price, and a smaller footprint that suits tighter spots.
210 or 270 litres | 42 dB | Warranty: 5 years.
Modular plug-in system: Aquatech X8
A compact system that plugs directly into an existing power point.
210 or 268 litres | 42 dB | Warranty: 5 years.
What might it cost?
Indicative prices, including supply and installation, after government rebates:
| Product | Replacing electric (including rooftop solar boosted) | Replacing gas |
|---|---|---|
| Split system: Reclaim + Earthworker, 250 / 315 L | $6,045 / $6,145 | $6,745 / $6,845 |
| Modular: Omni X GL, 210 / 270 L | $1,940 / $2,080 | $1,940 / $2,080 |
| Modular plug-in: Aquatech X8, 268 L | $2,525 | $2,525 |
Two rebates apply in NSW: the federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and the NSW Energy Savings Scheme. Together they are worth around $1,000 if you are replacing an electric system and around $850 if you are replacing gas. The exact amount depends on the system size and model, and the rates change from time to time. Your installer deducts the rebates from the price, so you don’t need to claim anything.
Price includes: a concrete slab if required, standard valves, and up to 20 metres of electrical run from your switchboard. If you’re replacing electric, they also include an isolator, outdoor power point and safety switch. If you’re replacing gas, they include isolating the gas at the hot water location. Any existing hot water circulation pumps can’t be used with the new system. Electrical work is inspected before installation, so the electrical cost may be revised for complex jobs.
How do I start?
IWCE supports you through the whole process. Here is how it works:
- Send us a message at hotwater@innerwestcommunityenergy.org.au and we’ll send you a short online form. We’ll also ask for a photo of your existing hot water system and electricity meter.
- We’ll review your details and pass them to our trusted installer, Same Day Hot Water, a family-run plumbing business based in Blacktown with over 30 years of experience.
- They’ll contact you, usually within 24 hours, to discuss your needs and choose a system.
- The final price is confirmed after the installer inspects your site. The prices above are our standard offer, and we don’t expect much variation.
- Your new system is installed and the old one is removed. Same Day Hot Water recycles all the steel, and reports back to IWCE on installed systems so we can track our service over time.
One more thing
A hot water heat pump is a great step towards getting off gas, and it pairs well with rooftop solar, batteries and EV charging. You don’t need to do everything at once. IWCE can help you understand your options and plan your home electrification steps.