Victoria
New South Wales
South Australia
QueenslandEverything That You’ve Been Asking About Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
Upgrading to a heat pump hot water system can be hard to navigate. You can often be left wondering how the installation process works, and what the benefits are if you decide to go through with it.
At Ecovantage we want to make the transition as easy as possible. Below we have answered the most frequently asked questions we receive from customers on their heat pump journey.
What are the Benefits?
What are the advantages of using a heat pump hot water system compared to traditional electric or gas water heaters?
Using a heat pump hot water system offers several advantages over traditional electric or gas water heaters. Firstly, heat pump systems are highly energy-efficient, as they transfer heat from the surrounding air to heat the water, rather than generating heat directly. This results in lower energy consumption, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced utility bills.
How energy-efficient is a heat pump hot water system, and what kind of savings can I expect on my energy bills?
The energy efficiency of a heat pump hot water system depends on factors such as climate, installation quality, and usage patterns. This efficiency translates to significant savings on energy bills, potentially reducing water heating costs by up to 70% compared to electric resistance heaters, and 50% compared to gas. However, actual savings will vary based on individual circumstances. Data from Sustainability Victoria, comparing 5-star gas storage, 7-star gas instantaneous, electric storage, high-efficiency solar electric boosted, 7-star LPG instant, and high-efficiency heat pump, off-peak tariff for 4 people, using 150L per day. Accurate as at 2 August 2023
Are there any environmental benefits associated with using a heat pump hot water system, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions or water conservation?
Using a heat pump hot water system provides several environmental benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and water conservation. Since heat pump systems utilise ambient air to heat water, they produce fewer carbon emissions compared to gas water heaters. Additionally, heat pumps feature a pre-heated tank of water that’s instantly available, eliminating the wait time associated with heating water on demand, as seen with instant gas systems.
Installation
How does the installation cost of a heat pump hot water system compare to traditional water heating systems, such as electric or gas?
Federal and state government facilitated schemes incentivise the transition to particular energy saving products and technologies. Thanks to these incentives, we are able to offer the product and installation of a heat pump hot water system at little to no cost, depending which state you are in.
This is often a far more affordable option than replacing your current system with either an electric hot water system or a gas hot water system.
Depending on factors such as your location and current system, you can expect to pay between $1,300- $3,500 when replacing your existing electric system with another electric system. Replacing your electric system with a new gas system is an even more expensive feat and could range anywhere between $2,000- $5,500 depending on the specific requirements of your installation. Finally, replacing a gas system with another gas system also comes with a hefty price tag at approximately $2,300 for supply and installation.
What reputable brands and installers are available in my area for heat pump hot water systems, and what kind of warranty do they offer for their products and services?
Ecovantage offers a wide range of heat pumps to meet your specific wants and needs. We also boast a wide network of reputable installers across Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales. Get in touch to learn more about what Ecovantage has to offer.
Can a heat pump hot water system be retrofitted to replace an existing electric or gas water heater?
Yes, a heat pump hot water system can typically be retrofitted to replace an existing electric or gas water heater. Get in touch with Ecovantage to assess feasibility and ensure a seamless transition.
How do I determine which size I will need?
Our team will chat with you about your needs and situation. As a general rule, a 215L heat pump is suitable for 1-4 people and a 260L will cater for 5+ people. We can also offer twin tank systems to suit larger families for those located in South Australia or New South Wales.
Post Installation
How quickly can a heat pump hot water system recover and provide hot water after periods of high demand, such as multiple showers or laundry loads?
The recovery time of a heat pump hot water system after periods of high demand, such as multiple showers or laundry loads, can vary depending on factors like the size of the unit, ambient temperature, and the initial water temperature. Refilling a 215L unit from empty to full, and reheating the water to full capacity would take about three to four hours. Refilling after a shower and heating that water to capacity generally takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on the ambient temperature outside.
What is the expected lifespan of a heat pump hot water system, and what maintenance is required to keep it running efficiently?
All heat pump hot water systems offered by Ecovantage have a 7 year warranty, however with proper maintenance and care the lifespan can be 10-15 years. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Tasks may include cleaning or replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, and clearing debris around the outdoor unit. Many manufacturers recommend annual professional maintenance to keep the system running efficiently.
Don’t see your question here? Visit our FAQ page for further information on heat pump hot water systems, or give our team a call on 1300 721 335.
