Reclaim Energy Heat Pump Reviews (CO2 Heat Pump)

Short answer: the Reclaim Energy CO2 heat pump is a strong performer that suits most Australian homes wanting low running costs and good cold‑weather performance. It sits at the premium end, and like all heat pumps it relies on a careful install and correct settings. If you came here for straight-up reclaim heat pump reviews, our verdict is positive — with a few caveats below.

The short version: our verdict

Reclaim’s CO2 unit is efficient, can make very hot water, and integrates neatly with solar PV or time-of-use tariffs. It’s quieter than many older heat pumps and handles frosty mornings better than standard refrigerants. Downsides: the upfront price is higher than basic heat pumps, the controller takes a little getting used to, and you need an installer who understands placement, condensate drainage and scheduling.

• Pros
  • CO2 refrigerant maintains output in cold climates and can deliver high storage temperatures.
  • Works well with solar PV via daytime scheduling; can slash running costs.
  • Split system layout gives flexibility in tank location and outdoor unit placement.
  • Generally quiet for a heat pump; suitable for most suburban blocks with sensible siting.
• Cons
  • Premium price bracket compared with entry-level heat pumps.
  • Controller and modes need proper setup to avoid cold showers or unnecessary night-time runs.
  • Defrost cycles can create visible steam plumes in cold, damp weather.
  • Performance (like all heat pumps) depends on good airflow and correct commissioning.

How the CO2 unit works — and why it suits Australia

Reclaim uses CO2 (R744) as the refrigerant. Compared with common alternatives, CO2 units typically keep better performance as the air gets colder, and they can heat water to higher setpoints. That matters for two reasons: you’ll still get decent recovery on frosty mornings, and you can store water at 60 °C or higher for bacteria control, then mix it down at the tap with a tempering valve as required by Australian standards.

Split system layout

You’ll have an outdoor heat pump unit and a separate insulated storage tank. The heat pump circulates water through a heat exchanger to the tank. This design gives you flexibility: the tank can sit close to your hot water distribution, while the outdoor unit goes where there’s airflow.

Noise and defrost

Most households find Reclaim’s outdoor unit unobtrusive when sited well. Like any reverse‑cycle system, it runs a fan and compressor and will occasionally defrost in cold, damp conditions, which can create short bursts of vapour and dripping condensate. Put it where that won’t annoy you or your neighbour, and allow drainage to a garden bed or approved waste point.

Sizing and installation: getting it right first time

Great heat pumps can disappoint if they’re undersized or installed poorly. Here’s what to get right.

Choose the right tank size

• 2–3 people: around 200–250 litres works for typical use.
• 4–5 people: 300–315 litres is the common sweet spot.
• 6+ people or high demand: 400 litres or consider two units/zoning.

If you have long showers, a big bath, teenagers, frequent guests, a high-flow rainhead, or recirculation loops, choose the larger end. Better to have a little extra storage and run the compressor in cheap/solar hours than run short and need expensive boost runs at night.

Placement and plumbing details

• Airflow: Give the outdoor unit clear intake and discharge paths. Avoid tight alcoves. Keep it off bedrooms if you’re sensitive to night noise.
• Condensate: Heat pumps make condensate. Plan a drain to a garden or legal waste point; don’t let it pool on paving.
• Frost/defrost: Allow for dripping and steam in winter; don’t mount directly over a footpath.
• Electrical: Typically runs from a standard 240 V circuit. Your electrician will confirm whether a dedicated 10 A or 15 A circuit is appropriate and how it interfaces with your meter/tariff.
• Tempering valve: Required by code to deliver safe tap temperatures. Make sure it’s commissioned correctly and accessible.
• Recirculation: If you have a hot water return line, tell your installer. Heat pumps and recirc loops need smart control to avoid 24/7 losses.

Running costs, tariffs and rebates

Expect running costs well below a traditional electric storage heater because the compressor moves heat instead of making it. In practice, households often see electricity use for hot water drop by a large margin, especially if they run the unit in the middle of the day on solar PV.

Tariffs and control

• Solar PV: Schedule the main heating window between late morning and mid‑afternoon to soak up surplus solar. Many controllers support a "PV mode" or simple timer blocks.
• Time‑of‑use: If you don’t have solar, bias operation to off‑peak or shoulder periods. See our guide to off‑peak hot water.
• Old controlled‑load meters: Some off‑peak tariffs only energise overnight. That works, but you’ll miss the solar benefit. Discuss metering changes with your retailer before installation.

Government incentives

Depending on your state and the product configuration, you may be eligible for incentives that lower upfront cost:

• Federal Small‑scale Technology Certificates (STCs): Usually applied as a point‑of‑sale discount by the installer.
• NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS): Offers incentives for eligible heat pump upgrades. Check the official scheme page for current rules and approved installers.
• VIC Solar Homes hot water rebate: Heat pump hot water is supported for eligible households. Check the official scheme page for current eligibility and amounts.

Installers often bundle these into the quote. Ask for the pre‑rebate and post‑rebate figures so you can compare apples with apples.

Common issues and owner feedback

Most owners report low bills, reliable hot water and quiet operation. The gripes we hear tend to be fixable with setup or siting changes:

• Night‑time runs: If your unit is cycling at 2 am, check the timer windows. Shift the main heat to midday; keep an early‑morning top‑up only if you frequently run the tank dry.
• Water not hot enough at the tap: The storage may be hot, but an over‑tempered mixing valve can reduce outlet temperature. Have the plumber verify setpoints and valve operation (within code).
• Fan or vibration noise: Add anti‑vibration pads, ensure the slab is level, and check clearances. Re‑site if it’s hard up against a reflective wall or bedroom.
• Steam clouds in winter: Normal during defrost. If it’s intrusive, tweak the schedule to run more in the daytime.
• Slow recovery after back‑to‑back showers: Increase the daytime run window, or consider a larger tank if the household has grown.

As with any premium system, after‑sales experience depends heavily on your installer. Choose a licenced plumber/electrician familiar with heat pumps, insist on a commissioning sheet, and keep the controller manual handy.

Should you buy it?

• Great fit if you:
  • Have solar PV and can schedule heating through the middle of the day.
  • Live in a cooler climate and want reliable winter performance.
  • Are replacing an electric storage or gas unit and want lower running costs and emissions.
  • Value a set‑and‑forget system once configured.
• Think twice if you:
  • Can’t provide decent airflow or a suitable outdoor location.
  • Are on a shoestring budget and don’t qualify for incentives.
  • Need ultra‑rapid recovery for very high, concentrated demand (e.g., multiple large spas) — you may need larger storage or a different approach.

Compared with traditional gas or resistive electric, a good CO2 heat pump should be cheaper to run and simpler to live with. Against solar thermal, it’s generally less complex on the roof and pairs better with modern PV‑heavy homes.

Bottom line: Reclaim’s CO2 heat pump is a proven, efficient option for most Australian households. Get the size right, pick a savvy installer, and use the controller to line up with solar or cheap tariffs — that’s where the real savings come from.