Investing in a Heat Pump for Australian Households
As the world is grappling with the challenges of climate change, it has become more important than ever for Australian households to adopt sustainable and renewable energy solutions. One such solution that holds immense promise is the installation of heat pumps. Heat pumps use a small amount of energy to extract heat from the air or ground, making them an excellent alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems.
For an average Australian household, the heating of hot water can account for up to 35% of their power bill. This varies from household to household, but if you’re anything like us, and have teenagers in your house, they just seem to spend hours in the shower, singing, dancing and doing whatever else (occasionally my boys will wash their hair), then the cost of heating this water, which they think is free, can be considerably more.
When it comes time to replace your current hot water system, or if you’re building a new property, then it makes total sense to upgrade to a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution. Some of the cost of a heat pump can be covered by claiming Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Heat pumps are also great as they work day or night, all year round, in sunshine and rain, as there is always heat in the atmosphere.
1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Heat pumps are renowned for their high energy efficiency, making them an ideal choice for environmentally-conscious households. By utilising the latent heat present in the air or ground, heat pumps can provide an efficient source of heating in winter and cooling in summer. Compared to traditional heating systems, such as electric resistance heaters or gas boilers, heat pumps can deliver up to four times more energy than they consume. This means significant cost savings on energy bills in the long run, making them a financially savvy investment.
2. Environmental Friendliness and Reduced Emissions
As Australia seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, transitioning to sustainable heating and cooling options becomes imperative. Heat pumps utilise renewable energy sources in the form of heat from the environment, minimizing the need for fossil fuel consumption. By choosing a heat pump, households can drastically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, decrease reliance on non-renewable resources, and contribute to a cleaner, greener future for Australia.
3. Versatility and Convenience
Heat pumps come in various types and sizes, making them suitable for a wide range of residential settings. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large family home, there is a heat pump solution that can meet your specific needs. Furthermore, heat pumps provide both heating and cooling capabilities in one unit, eliminating the need for separate systems. This dual functionality ensures year-round comfort while minimizing clutter and maximizing convenience.
The main types of heat pumps.
- Air Source – they function well in moderate climates, using the outside air as a medium for heat exchanges, and are rather cost-effective to install.
- Water Source – these dissipate heat by way of water instead of air. they require a good source of water and are not very common.
- Ground Source – sometimes called geothermal heat pumps, they take advantage of thermal energy stored underground. due to the constant temperature of the ground, they offer a much more efficient operation, however, they are MUCH more expensive to install due to having to excavate land and lay piping.
The air source heat pump is the main heat pump used within the renewable world in Australia, and this is what we shall focus on.
How does an air source heat pump work?
- A fan draws air in, containing heat energy, across the evaporator.
- The evaporator turns the liquid refrigerant into a gas.
- The compressor pressurises the refrigerant into a hot gas.
- The hot gas inside the condenser coil heats the water inside the coil-wrapped tank.
- The refrigerant reverts back to a liquid after heating the water and continues to the evaporator for the process to start again.
- The cycle continues until the set target temperature is achieved.
- As water is used in the home, the cycle will restart once the temperature of the tank has dropped below 45 C.
Due to being able to program heat pumps to operate during daylight hours, it works extremely well with solar as you can use the excess power you produce during the day, the heat your water!
This allows you to maximise your savings and reduce your power bills. When using the programs effectively, you can save up to two thirds compared to traditional electric or gas hot water storage systems.
Workings of an air source heat pump. Image source: iStore marketing material.
Heat Pump Brands and Models
Apricus Australia
Apricus Australia are leader in innovative, versatile and efficient hot water solutions. Operating since 2005, they are designed in Australia for Australian conditions. The products are designed with an emphasis on innovation, quality, design and ease of installation.
Apricus Australia only produces one heat pump, and it comes with a 260-litre tank, 6-year warranty (best in the market), it uses R290 natural refrigerant with zero global warming potential compared to synthetic, has built-in timers to control heating cycles and maximises and integrate with your renewable energy system, and comes with an app (hot water hub) which features operational data monitoring, tank temperatures, operational mode setting, timers, all in the palm of your hand, and if that’s not enough, then there’s a smart touch controller on the unit itself.
Obviously, with this much attention to detail and length of warranty, it is more expensive than some others in the marketplace, but still not the most expensive though.
Further information on the Apricus heat pump can be found by clicking on the image, or here.
Enviroheat
They have been around since 2013, and produce a good solid product with a very reasonable price point.
The tanks can store up to 18 kW of heat energy within a single tank, and come in 200 litre and 250 litre options.
You can use the built in programs to set it to heat the water during optimal renewable energy production times, and also use the quick boost timer early in the morning, just to ensure you have piping hot water ready for when your household awakes.
The tank cylinder and compressor come with a 5 year warranty, all Electronics, parts and labour just 1 year.
Further information on the Environheat range can be found by clicking on the image, or here.
EvoHeat
They have been around since 2008, and produce a good solid product with a reasonable price point. Their units have won countless awards.
They have advanced energy efficiency technologies and built in smart features to ensure you’re provided with clean, safe, and economical hot water all year round.
The Evo270 series has been awarded the Hot Water Product Review Award for the last consecutive five years, after being recognised by Australian consumers for its advanced energy efficiencies and smart features.
Further information on the EvoHeat range can be found by clicking on the image, or on the following.
iStore
They have over 30 years of hot water experience, and about 10 years ago launched the first istore 270l unit, quickly followed by the 180 l version. For our experience they produce a good solid product with a very reasonable price point.
Maximise the potential of the iStore by syncing it with your renewable energy system. the easy-to-use, built-in smart timer will offset any excess power to the iStore. There are 4 intelligent operating modes adapting to all situations, including one for if you have additional guests or are on holiday.
Thermal energy is captured from the surrounding air and is also used to heat the tank, for every 1 kW of power in, it stores 4 kW of heat energy. The iStore comes with a comprehensive 5 year warranty.
Further information on the iStore range can be found by clicking on the image, or on the below links.
Reclaim Energy
An Australian owned company, with over 15 years experience at the forefront of innovative, and environmentally friendly hot water systems. Their products are designed in Australia for Australian climates.
The product features glass lined enamel and stainless steel tank options, whisper quiet operation, CO2 refrigerant which is naturally environmentally friendly, built in frost and freeze protection. Highest coefficient of performance in the industry, comes with a smart controller with 6 settings, allowing you to take control of your energy costs and consumption, and designed to use your excess renewable energy power.
It comes with some good warranties, 10 years for the glass lined tank, 15 years for the stainless steel tank, 1 year for the valves, 5 for the controller, and every other part comes with 6 years warranty. For full warranty terms and conditions click here.
You can purchase these systems in 4 different tank sizes, 160 L, 250 L, 315 L, and 400 L, so they have got a tank size to suit all situations. As with all good quality products, this solution does not come cheap.
Further information on the Reclaim Energy heat pump can be found by clicking on the image, or here. The consumer brochure can be found here.
Rheem
Rheem Manufacturing Co was first incorporated in Melbourne in 1936, as the first overseas venture of Rheem manufacturing, an American drum manufacturer. They have been owned by BHP in their time, and Southcorp Ltd, but since 2001 they are owned by Paloma.
Rheem produces good quality products, which are manufactured right here in Australia, which are energy efficient, use advanced wrap around microchannel heating, high recovery rate, enamel coating (reducing risk of corrosion) and have a back up element.
This Heat pump comes with a 270 Litre tank and the warranty periods are 7 years supply on cylinder, 3 years labour on cylinder, 3 years supply on sealed system including labour, 1 year supply and labour on all other parts.
Further information on the Rheem range can be found by clicking on the image, or here. Rheem also makes a 325 Litre version too.
Stiebel Eltron
Stiebel Eltron Australia started its operations in Melbourne in 1995 as a licensee and became a subsidiary of Stiebel Eltron Germany in 2012.
Their heat pumps are German-engineered, designed for Australian conditions, suitable for hard and soft water areas with a maintenance-free current impressed anode, 17% lower heat loss due to improved tank insulation compared to their last model, has 3 modes, non boosted, smart boosted or button activated boosted.
As you can imagine, German engineered products do not come cheap and these would be some of the more expensive options in the marketplace today, but as our mothers always said, you get what you pay for.
The heat pumps come with a 220 litre or 300 litre tank, 5 year cylinder and condenser warranty, 2 year warranty for Sealed refrigeration system, including compressor, evaporator, valves and associated pipe work. All other electrical componentry and 1 year warranty for T&P relief valve.
Further information on the Stiebel Eltron range can be found by clicking on the image, or here.