As energy efficiency and sustainability become increasingly important to Australian households, choosing the right hot water system is more crucial than ever. Heat pump hot water systems are emerging as a top choice for their eco-friendly operation and cost-effective performance. Unlike traditional electric or gas water heaters, heat pumps use advanced technology to extract heat from the air and transfer it to the water, significantly reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
In this article, we will explore the best hot water heat pumps available in Australia for 2024, examining their features, benefits, and how they can help you achieve greater energy efficiency in your home. Whether you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint or cut down on utility bills, our comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect hot water heat pump to meet your needs. When you have chosen which is best for your household, we can also assist you in installing your heat pump as early as tomorrow!
Top Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in 2024
Heat Pump | User Ratings | COP | Warranty | Noise | Price | Our Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Reclaim | 4.8 / 5 | 5.0 | 6 yrs | 37dB | $5,500 | 9.9 |
 Sanden | 3.8 / 5 | 5.0 | 6 yrs | 37dB | $5,000 | 9.7 |
 Rinnai | 3.0 / 5 | 7.22 | 5 yrs | 48dB | $3,500 | 9.6 |
 Aquatech | 4.7 / 5 | 4.25 | 5 yrs | 42dB | $2,600 | 9.5 |
 Emerald | 4.6 / 5 | 4.94 | 5 yrs | 51dB | $2,800 | 9.4 |
Best Heat Pumps in Australia - Reviews
#1. Reclaim Energy Heat Pump
Reclaim Energy is an Australian-owned company specialising in heat pump systems tailored for Australian climates. Their heat pumps are manufactured in Japan, and are renowned for their quality parts, cutting-edge technology and reliability.
Their heat pumps come with a Smart Controller allowing you to customise how and when your hot water system works. Manage when you want the water to be heated, manage your off-peak times, and even access a one-shot boost which provides all the hot water needed on demand. If you opt for the Wi-Fi Controller upgrade, it comes with 8 pre-set options including a holiday mode which will help to lower your energy usage.
Reclaim Energy’s heat pumps are extremely energy efficient, with a high Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 5. This saves you about 80% on your hot water energy costs compared to standard electric hot water systems. They are also extremely quiet, operating at only 37 decibels, which is quieter than a computer.
Reclaim Energy's heat pumps are highly rated on ProductReview (4.8 stars), with customers praising the reliability, top quality customer support and 6-year warranty.
The high price point of Reclaim Energy’s heat pumps (around $5,000 - $5,500) may be a barrier for some, but if you can afford the upfront investment, it can offer significant long-term savings thanks to the superior performance and modern technology. You can also check if you are eligible for government rebates, which can substantially lower the cost, making it more affordable for your family.
#2. Sanden Heat Pump
Sanden is a well-known company that has been around for 45 years. They are well-known for their leading technology, exceptional energy efficiency, and ability to perform even in colder climates, providing consistent hot water supply regardless of external temperatures.
Sanden's Eco Plus systems utilise a split system where the heat pump unit and stainless steel tank are installed separately, enabling flexibility of storage tank location. You can choose to place the tank up to 15m away from the pump horizontally, or 5m vertically, to suit your household needs. The Wi-Fi Controller gives you access to the heat pump using your phone or tablet, and includes several smart functions that will assist in cutting down your energy bill.
Sanden's Eco Plus heat pumps have a COP of 5, the same as Reclaim Energy. Similarly, they are whisper quiet, at 37dB so you don't need to worry about being distracted by its operation. The system is made in Japan from high quality components, with weather-resistant construction to suit the Australian outdoors, so you can trust that it is reliable. For additional peace of mind, the heat pump is covered by a 6 year warranty for parts and labour, and the stainless steel tank is covered by a 15 year warranty.
On ProductReview, there are mixed reviews, with 67% positive, 29% negative and 4% neutral, giving an average rating of 3.8 stars. However, it is important to remember that most people who have a good experience with a heat pump are not likely to take the time to write a review, so there is a heavy bias towards negative reviews. We suggest you do your own research before making a decision.
The cost for a Sanden Eco Plus heat pump will vary slightly depending on the tank size (which ranges from 160L up to 315L), but you will be looking at upwards of $5,000 which is at the higher end of the industry. If you are able to claim a hot water rebate from the government, you could save yourself a significant amount, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
#3. Rinnai Heat Pump
Rinnai is one of the most recognised companies when it comes to hot water systems, as they have been providing innovative, efficient and reliable heat pumps to Australians for over 50 years.
Rinnai's Enviroflo heat pumps use the latest in advanced heat pump technology, and are built to last, using high-quality components and materials that offer consistently reliable performance. They offer features such as the 'single element boost' which allows the system to operate in cold ambient conditions and for high demand applications so you can always be sure that hot water is ready whenever you need it.
Rinnai blows away the competition when it comes to efficiency, with a COP of 7.22, but they are slightly noisier than Reclaim Energy and Sanden. They operate at 48 decibels, which is about the same volume as light traffic, but this should be unnoticeable in most households, particularly as the system is located outside.
Rinnai offers 7 years warranty on their cylinder parts, but only 3 years for cylinder labour, 3 years for refrigeration components parts and labour, and only 1 year for other components parts and labour. This is considerably shorter than the top 2 heat pumps on this list, but as Rinnai is very reliable, this may not be an issue for many Australians.
There are only 7 users reviews on ProductReview, with 4 positive and 3 negative, and an overall rating of 3.0 stars. While that does not paint a good picture of Rinnai, we have not heard any major issues from our customers who have installed the Enviroflo in their homes.
Rinnai's heat pumps are set at a more affordable price point compared to Reclaim Energy and Sanden. There are various tank sizes and options for Rinnai Enviroflo, and they range from around $3,000 - $4,000. If you are not willing to spend over $5,000 for a heat pump, then Rinnai is a good choice as it provides an excellent system at a lower cost.
#4. Aquatech Heat Pump
Aquatech Solar Technologies was established in Australia in 2009, and while they are fairly new compared to Rinnai and Sanden, they have quickly made a name for themselves by producing high-quality, reliable heat pumps and focusing on customer satisfaction. On ProductReview they have an impressive 4.7 star rating from 582 reviews, with only 2 negative reviews. This really demonstrates how hard they have worked to build their reputation.
Aquatech enables Wi-Fi integration so you can monitor your system from your phone or table. You can also customise your heating output to suit your personal lifestyle, ensuring you have hot water when needed, and saving energy when you don't. If you have solar panels on your house, you can also connect it to your Aquatech heat pump, and the built-in timers ensure that it uses solar energy when it is available, to save you more money.
Aquatech has a COP of 4.25, which is slightly lower than Reclaim Energy and Sanden, but still a respectable figure, saving you energy from your existing electrical hot water system. The system operates quietly, at 42dB which is just above the volume of a computer.
The warranty on their systems are 5 years, which includes the tank, electronics and refrigeration. If any components fail within the five year warranty period, they will supply a whole new system at no cost. This is a huge drawcard for Australians who are worried about unreliable heat pump hot water systems.
There are two models available by Aquatech, the Rapid X6 and Dynamic X8, and these are priced at $2,300 and $2,900 respectively. If you claim your government rebates, you may only have to spend about $800 for a brand new heat pump hot water system, which will give you great savings into the future.
#5. Emerald Energy Heat Pump
Emerald Energy is an Australian-owned manufacturer of heat pumps and they have been around since 2006. They use premium quality components that deliver outstanding performance and reliability, and offer two different styles of heat pumps: the All-In-One and the Split System. The All-In-One is the more popular choice, as it is compact, has a stylish rectangular design, and includes Wi-Fi capability to allow easy access via a mobile app. You can quickly check your tank capacity, temperature and energy consumption, as well as turn your heat pump on/off, boost your tank to heat water quickly, or operate in silent mode.
The All-In-One system has a COP of 4.94 for the 220L and 2.82 for the 270L systems, when operating in standard mode. If operating in silent mode, this drops to 4.6 for both size systems, and down to 4.5 when operating in booster mode. The heat pump is operates at 51 decibels, which is the noisiest on our list but you can choose to use silent mode, which increases the energy usage and drops the volume to 45dB. However, this is still not as quiet as the most silent heat pumps on this list, at 37dB.
Emerald Energy offers 5 years warranty on the tank and pump unit, with 2 years labour warranty. Their customers are generally satisfied with their heat pump, with user reviews on ProductReview giving an average of 4.6 stars. Price is another attractive feature of these heat pumps, ranging from around $2,500 - $3,000 making it one of the cheapest options in this list. If you are searching for a high-quality heat pump at a great price, this could be the option for you.
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How to Choose a Good Heat Pump?
Choosing a good heat pump involves several key considerations to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and longevity. First, evaluate the heat pump's energy efficiency by checking its Coefficient of Performance (COP) and energy star ratings; higher ratings typically indicate better efficiency and lower operating costs.
Assess the size and capacity of the heat pump to ensure it meets your household's hot water demands. If you plan to have children in the near future you may need to plan for a slightly larger tank than what will currently suffice. Additionally, look for models with advanced features such as smart controls, Wi-Fi apps, and eco-friendly refrigerants. It's also crucial to consider the manufacturer's reputation, warranty options, and customer support services.
Reading user reviews and seeking recommendations can provide valuable insights into the reliability and performance of different heat pump models. By taking these factors into account, you can select a heat pump that delivers efficient, reliable, and cost-effective hot water for your home.
Conclusion
Selecting the best hot water heat pump for your home can significantly impact your energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmental footprint. From the advanced technology of Reclaim Energy and Sanden to the reliability of Rinnai and AquaTech, there are excellent options available to suit various needs and preferences. Each of these heat pumps offers unique benefits, whether it's superior efficiency, robust performance in different climates, or user-friendly features.
If you're ready to upgrade to a more efficient and sustainable hot water system, consider installing one of these top-rated heat pumps. For expert advice, installation, and support, contact EE Hot Water. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect solution tailored to your home’s requirements and budget, and we will help you find the relevant government rebates to save you the most money.