A heat pump heats your water with warmth taken from the outside air, so it uses much less power than a standard electric tank. We supply, install and service heat pumps all over the Sunshine Coast, including a Stiebel Eltron we put in at Birtinya.
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For a lot of houses, yes, but not for every house. A heat pump costs more to buy and fit than an electric tank, and it earns that back through smaller power bills. How long that takes depends on how you use hot water now.
It pays back sooner when:
one or two people live there and don't use much hot water
the old tank ran on cheap off-peak power
the old system still works and you'd be replacing it early
Tell us what you pay for power and who lives at home, and we'll talk you through whether a heat pump is likely to pay off for you.
It works like a fridge in reverse. A fan pulls outside air across a coil filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant soaks up warmth from that air, a compressor squeezes it so it gets hotter again, and the heat passes into the water in the tank. Because it moves heat instead of making it, it needs far less electricity to heat the same tank.
Heat pumps work best in warm air. Winters on the Sunshine Coast are mild, so a heat pump here rarely has to struggle for heat.
A heat pump has a fan and a compressor, so it makes a steady hum while it's running, a bit like the outside half of a split-system air conditioner. Some models are quieter than others. The noise level is printed on each model's spec sheet, which makes it easy to compare before you buy.
Where it sits matters as much as which one you pick. It's best placed away from bedroom windows, yours and the neighbours', on a solid, level base so the hum doesn't carry through the wall. Most models have a timer, so you can have it run during the day while everyone is up.
Most heat pumps are one unit, with the heat pump sitting on top of the tank. Some are split, with a separate outdoor unit piped to the tank. Either way, it needs open air around it to breathe, a drain for the water that drips off the coil as it runs, and a power supply.
If it replaces a gas unit, the old gas connection has to be capped and made safe as well. Going in where an electric tank used to be is usually simpler, since water and power are already run to that spot.
Most heat pump faults are simple ones: a fan that has stopped, an error code on the controller, water that isn't getting hot enough, or a relief valve that keeps dripping. A blocked condensate drain can also leave a puddle under the unit.
Some faults inside the sealed refrigerant side are warranty work for the manufacturer's own service agent, and the warranty papers usually say who to ring.
A yearly check and a service about every 3 years keep it running well. The service usually means clearing leaves and dust off the air coil, flushing the condensate drain, and testing the relief and tempering valves.
What's there now, the number of people at home, and whether you have solar panels. Photos of the old system and where it sits help.
Room for airflow, distance from bedroom windows and fences, a drain for the condensation, and the power supply.
We explain the difference in price and noise between the options, and book the install in.
The old system comes out, the heat pump goes in on a level base, and it's connected, filled and run until the water heats.
We show you the timer and modes, how to keep the coil clear, and what the manufacturer's warranty covers before we leave.
A heat pump costs more to put in than an electric tank or most gas units. What moves the price for your house:
Running costs. A heat pump uses much less power than a standard electric tank on the same tariff. Setting it to run in the day, when your solar panels are producing, cuts the cost again.
Chris and his apprentice did a great job of installing our new hot water system. They were time efficient, did a clean and tidy job, took away the old tank, and were very happy with the hot water system they installed for us. Highly recommended
Our hot water tank burst (21 years old) and needed replaced promptly. Chris did an excellent job with installing the new hot water tank. Communication great from start to finish. Quick turnaround on the quote and installed within a couple of days. Highly recommend. Thanks again Chris.
David C.
We had the gas for our kitchen moved so that it can use the larger bottles further away we use for the hot water. Job was completed on time and on budget exactly as promised. Work is very neat, no shortcuts, everything is joined at corners with specific corner pieces rather than just bending by hand. Really solid job including the connection to the larger pipe, will be recommending.
Ross D.
Chris completed our new hot water install. Top bloke and did a great job. Will definitely get him back for any future jobs and will happily recommend to anyone.
Brent W.
These are the suburbs we cover for heat pump installs and servicing. If yours isn't here, ring us and ask.
Send the quote form with the number of people in the house and what heats your water now. Or call 0413 291 781 any weekday from 7:30am.
