
If you are a homeowner in NSW using a traditional water heater, you must be paying huge bills for domestic […]
A heat pump hot water system is an energy-efficient way to heat water for domestic use. It works by extracting heat from the surrounding air and transferring it to the water stored in the tank.
A heat pump system’s key components are an outdoor unit containing the compressor, evaporator, and condenser coils and an insulated storage tank holding the heated water.
Unlike traditional electric or gas hot water systems that generate heat by burning fossil fuels, heat pumps use electricity to power a refrigeration system that absorbs ambient heat.
This makes them much more energy efficient, with some units having over 300% efficiency.
Why Reviews Matter When Choosing a System
Choosing the correct heat pump hot water system can have a huge influence on your home’s energy efficiency, bills, and carbon footprint. Reviews provide first-hand feedback from homeowners and experts who have tried out different models under different circumstances.
They serve to point out reliability, long-term performance, and happiness, and the,s it’s essential when shortlisting your choices.
What This Article Will Cover
This article will:
Here is a concise comparison of the 7 best heat pumps for hot water systems for Australian homes.
Brand | Capacity | COP | Noise Level | Price Range | Warranty | Best For |
Sanden Eco Plus | 160L, 250L, 315L | Up to 5.0 | As low as 38 dB | High (Premium) | 15 years on stainless steel tank | Eco-conscious families (3–6 people), cold climates like Tasmania or Southern Highlands |
EvoHeat Evo270-1 | 270L | 3.9 to 4.2 | As low as 36 dB | Moderate to High | 6 years tank, 5 years compressor/parts, 1 year labor | Tech-savvy users (3–5 people), wanting Wi-Fi control and climate versatility |
Ecogenica 245L | 245L | Approx. 4.0★ | Quiet operation | Budget-friendly | Limited (1 year on some parts) | Budget-conscious homes (3–5 people), needing basic efficient performance |
Emerald All-in-One | 300L | Approx. 4.7★ | Quiet operation | Higher upfront cost | 10-year warranty on all parts | Families (4–6 people), new installs needing sleek all-in-one systems |
Emerald 270L Split | 270L | Approx. 4.7★ | Quiet | Higher (due to install) | 10-year comprehensive warranty | Smaller households (2–4 people), flexible install in cold regions |
iStore 270L | 270L | Approx. 4.5★ | Quiet fan | Moderate | 5 years tank warranty | Smart homes (tech-focused 3–5 people), integration with automation systems |
Now that we’ve looked at what to consider when buying a heat pump hot water system, let’s review some of the best units available in Australia:
The Ecogenica 245L heat pump water heater offers high efficiency and quality construction at an affordable price point. This unit has an appealing modern design and includes a useful digital display and programmable timer functions.
Pros
Cons
The Ecogenica 245L is ideal for households with 3-5 people looking for an attractive and well-performing heat pump water heater. Thanks to its upgraded compressor and fan, it works well even in cool climates.
This integrated unit from Emerald combines a 300L vitreous enamel tank with an efficient heat pump in one seamless cabinet. The neat, all-in-one configuration allows for simple installation.
Pros
Cons
The Emerald All-in-One is ideal for a family of 4-6 people who want a single, integrated heat pump water heating solution. It’s great for a new installation where height is not an issue.
The Rheem 270L split system pairs a high-performance outdoor heat pump unit with a 270-litre indoor storage tank. This configuration offers flexible installation, with the option to mount the tank on the floor or wall.
Pros
Cons
Who is this product right for?
The Rheem 270L Split is ideal for households of 2–4 people seeking an energy-efficient, reliable hot water solution that performs well in cold climates. The split design offers added flexibility for installation in varied home layouts.
The iStore 270L heat pump water heater delivers excellent energy efficiency along with useful smart features. It can integrate with home automation systems for remote monitoring and control.
Pros
Cons
With its smart connectivity options, the iStore 270L suits tech-savvy households who want to integrate their water heater with home automation systems. Convenience features make hot water management easier.
This locally made system from Reclaim Energy offers a large 315L tank coupled with an efficient heat pump capable of operating in freezing conditions. A 10-year warranty across all components backs it.
Pros
Cons
The Reclaim Energy 315L is ideal for a family of 4-6 that needs a high-capacity heat pump water heater that can cope with cold climates. It’s a good long-term investment backed by strong warranty terms.
The Sanden Eco Plus is a high-grade, Japanese-built split-system heat pump that is characterised by its outstanding energy efficiency and eco-friendliness.
Featuring CO₂ (R744) refrigerant, the product has a high Coefficient of Performance (COP) of up to 5.0, reflecting outstanding energy efficiency. The product comes in 160L, 250L, and 315L tank capacities and can serve different family sizes and is very efficient in Australia’s colder climate.
Pros:
Cons:
Who is this product appropriate for?
The Sanden Eco Plus is ideally suited to environmentally friendly families looking for a long-term, energy-efficient hot water option. It is optimally suited for homes in cooler regions of Australia, such as Tasmania or the Southern Highlands, where its performance at low temperatures will be beneficial.
A family size of 3 to 6 people will find its tank sizes ideal for their hot water needs.
The EvoHeat Evo270-1 is a product of Australian engineering that is an integrated all-in-one heat pump solution combining energy efficiency with smart technology.
It has a 270L tank capacity and suits medium to large-sized homes. It is supplied with an easy-to-use LCD touch screen controller and features the option of Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring and control.
Pros:
Cons:
Who is this product perfect for?
The EvoHeat Evo270-1 is perfect for tech-savvy homeowners who value energy efficiency as well as newer technology.
It is particularly helpful for families of 3 to 5 people who reside in various Australian climates because of its adaptive design. Individuals who would like to integrate their hot water system with home automation technology will appreciate the optional Wi-Fi feature.
Heat pump water systems are energy efficient. In contrast to direct electric resistance or gas systems, heat pumps pull heat out of the ambient air—consuming up to 70% less energy.
This equates to:
They may have a higher upfront cost, but the long-term savings and environmental benefits make them a smarter investment.
The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a measure of the efficiency of a system. A 3.0 COP is where the device generates three times more heat energy than the electrical energy it uses. Opt for units with a high COP to save more in the long run.
Heat pump systems use a compressor and fan, which may generate noise. Quiet models operate around 40–50 decibels—roughly the level of a modern fridge. Always check noise ratings if you plan to install the unit near bedrooms or living areas.
A reputable brand ensures reliability, service availability, and support. Look for manufacturers offering:
Installation can range from $500 to over $2,000, depending on location, access, and plumbing needs. Many regions offer rebates for installing energy-efficient systems, which can significantly reduce upfront costs. Always check eligibility before purchasing.
Heat pumps perform best in mild to warm climates. In colder regions, look for models designed with:
This ensures optimal performance even when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing.
Opt for a larger unit if:
Families with high hot water usage benefit most from higher COP systems. Consider:
Yes, though efficiency may decrease in colder weather. Many systems include a backup element to maintain performance.
With proper maintenance, heat pump water heaters can last 10–15 years or more.
Some models produce noise similar to a refrigerator. Quiet brands and proper placement can minimise disturbances.
Occasional servicing, such as cleaning filters and checking the compressor, ensures optimal performance and longevity.
Yes, many households pair heat pump systems with solar PV for maximum efficiency and cost savings.
Best for: Solar Integration & Value for Money
Best for: Smart Control & Customisation
Best for: Affordability & Trusted Brand Support
Heat pump hot water systems provide an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution for domestic hot water heating needs. When choosing a system, key factors to consider are capacity, energy rating, performance in colder conditions, tank type, and warranty terms.
The Ecogenica 245L provides an attractively priced option with generous tank capacity. For larger families, the Emerald All-In-One 300L is a seamlessly integrated solution. The Emerald 270L Split offers maximum installation flexibility.
Those who want smart features should look at the iStore 270L. For cold climates, the Reclaim Energy 315L utilises advanced frost protection.
Consider your hot water requirements, climate, and budget when selecting the heat pump water heater that can best meet your needs. With their exceptional efficiency and green credentials, heat pumps are a smart investment that pays back through energy savings over time.
For a typical family of 4, a 270L system such as the Rheem, Emerald, or iStore 270L is ideal. These models balance efficiency, capacity, and reliability for mid-sized households.
For commercial settings or large households, the Reclaim 315L or Ecogenica 300L models offer higher capacity and excellent performance, especially when a consistent hot water supply is critical.
The Emerald 270L Split and Reclaim Energy heat pumps are designed for superior performance in low ambient temperatures (down to -15°C), making them ideal for cold regions.
The Reclaim and iStore systems are known for their ultra-quiet operation, making them suitable for homes with close neighbours or limited outdoor space.
The iStore 180L or Ecogenica 200L models are compact and efficient, making them great for smaller households or spaces with limited installation area.