10+ Most FAQs About Air-Sourced Heat Pump Water Heaters

After the upgrade, how much energy savings can I expect?

There are several factors (like local climate, amount of daily water usage and energy tariff) that influence the amount of energy savings. Heat pump powered water heaters are 200–350% more energy-efficient (and consume 60–75% less electricity) than heating element based resistance water heaters. A typical 190 litres heat pump water heater consumes about 2.5 kWh/day. If we extrapolate this data, you’d get $182.5 (@20 cents/kWh) energy bill for water heating in a year. A conventional 190 litres electric resistance water heater consumes about 10KWh/day and, 3650 kWh a year — which equals to $730 (@20 cents/kWh) in a year. So, the heat pump in this case would save you about $547 in a year.

How is the upfront cost of heat pump water heaters compared to conventional water heaters?

Heat pump based water heaters have a higher upfront cost than conventional gas fired and electric water heaters. As the running cost of a heat pump water running is ~75 percent less than conventional ones, after about 2 and half years (the break-even time is ~2.5 years), the upfront cost gets balanced, and your heat pump starts paying back in the form of energy savings.

How long will you take to remove the existing system and install a heat pump water heater?

It depends on factors such as the complexity of installation, whether electrical upgrades are required, and how experienced are the plumbers and electricians. Typically, a standard electric to heat pump water heater replacement takes about 3–6 hours. This includes removing the existing electric water heater, cleaning the workspace, mounting and installing the new heat pump water heater, connecting the electrical and water connections, filling the tank and testing the system to ensure it’s working properly.

What maintenance task (and schedule) would you recommend for a heat pump water heater?

As with the other water heaters (be it electric or gas fired), heat pump water heaters also need regular maintenance.

• Regularly inspect the water heater tank and pipes and look for any damage or leaks in the system. Also ensure that the pipelines are properly insulated to achieve maximum efficiency.
• Drain the heat pump tank once a year to flush out any limescale build up as the tank base.
• Remove and clean the air filter (located at the top of the pump) once in 3–4 months. The system also has an inbuilt sensor that alerts the user and raises an alarm if the air filter needs to be replaced or replaced.
• Check temperature and pressure valve once a year. Open the valve and release the handle to check it returns to its closed position.
• Clean the condensate lines (and empty the drain pan) once a year.

What is the average lifespan of heat pump water heaters?

The average lifespan of heat pump powered water heaters varies between 10 and 15 years. The heat pump lifespan is a factor of:

• Heat pump installation (is it installed as per the manufacturer’s guidelines?)
• The product (and its parts’) quality
• Maintenance
• The location of the installation (is there any object that is obstructing the airflow?)

Will the heat pump water heater work in the cold climes of Australia?

Tasmania is the coldest state of Australia, where temperatures drop below -10 °C in winter. Heat pump heats water efficiently even when the minimum temperature drops below -20 °C. In the Victoria state, eastern and central regions (the high altitude regions of the Great Dividing Range hills), the minimum falls below zero degree level in winter. The heat pump units we install under the government program should work seamlessly in that region, too.

Can I use my existing plumbing with a heat pump water heater?

Some modifications may be required to your existing water pipelines. Our team will inspect the site and let you know if we can use the existing plumbing.

Are there any rebates or incentives available for switching to a heat pump water heater?

Yes! The Victorian state government is offering rebates under the VEU program. The rebates / discounts are being offered to the businesses located in Victoria state and Victorian households who are willing to replace their gas fired or electric water heaters with heat pump powered water heating units.

What is the installation (and claim rebate) process for gas/electric heat pump water heater upgrade?

Here is a quick walkthrough of the process of installation and claiming of the rebate:

1. Contact an accredited provider through our contact form/email or phone.
2. Share the details of your existing water heating system and the documents required to claim the government rebates. We’ll also discuss the installation timeline.
3. While we verify the details, our team will inspect the site.
4. Accredited provider's team of plumbers and electricians will install the unit in accordance with VEU guidelines and AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules.
5. Post installation check
6. The accredited provider will apply for the rebates on your behest.

Can I install an electric heat pump water heater myself, or do I need to hire a professional?

Though, it is possible to DIY the installation if you have experience of plumbing and wiring a water heating unit, but we don’t recommend it. Moreover, to claim the government rebate, you must engage an accredited provider.

What electrical requirements should be met for an electric heat pump water heater installation?

The heat pump water heaters we installed under the VEU program work on a single phase 220–240 mains voltage supply having a 50 Hz frequency and a minimum 15A current. These heat pumps are compatible with the supply sockets and standard voltage and current ratings in Victoria, Australia.

How much space is needed for an electric heat pump water heater installation?

The space requirements are dependent on the dimensions and size of the heat pump. Before the installation, our team will inspect the site for space and clearance requirements.

Can an electric heat pump water heater be installed outdoors?

Yes. The heat pumps water heating units can both be installed outdoors and indoors. In hotter climates, heat pumps are recommended to be placed inside the home or a commercial building. In Victoria, cities like Mildura, Melbourne, Geelong, and Ballarat have relatively hotter weather conditions. Indoor installations are recommended is such places.

Are heat pump water heater noisy?

The heat pump we install under the VEU program is designed to operate on a low noise level that is barely noticeable. A spike in the operating noise level is usually caused if the installation is not done correctly, the place of installation is not suitable to the heat pump or one of its part is not working as it supposed to be. The noise levels also vary depending on what brand and model of the heat pump you are installing. Regularly do the maintenance jobs to keep the noise levels in bearable range.

How efficient are heat pump water heaters?

Heat pump powered water heaters are 6 to 7 times more efficient than gas fired water heaters and 3 to 3.5 times more efficient the conventional electric water heaters.