I have been using our gas hot water system for 15+ years for a household of four. I am now thinking of taking advantage of the Victorian government rebate by replacing it with a heat pump hot water system. There is a lot of information out there but it's hard to decide which system to go for and and which installer to call. If you have gone through the process, please share. Thank you!
Please Recommend a Heat Pump Hot Water System and a Reputatable Installer
BendBridge on 13/12/2023 - 13:35
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If you're not planning on moving anytime soon and want the absolute best, consider a Sanden. We've had 6 of these units installed over the last 3 years. If you are keen shoot me a PM and I'll hook you up.
My concern is the number of complaints where companies claim that systems aren’t covered by warranties because of power surges. With that sort of expense companies should install some sort of surge protector to save the system.
You can install a whole house surge protector at the meter/switchbox
They should be already, where are you hearing this?
My parents block of villas got hit by lightning. Can't really protect against that, as far as I understand it. It killed a few brand new heat pumps, and because they had already used the government subsidies, they had to pay full price for the new one
Thanks for your input. I read this was an issue on a couple of review sites. When I talked to one of the heat pump hot water system guys at a show he seemed to fudge the question.
We got the Hydrotherm X8 (basically same as Aquatech X6 @jugsy got but larger tank size). There is a good Hydrotherm thread on Whirlpool. The best thing is that they are Tuya compatible so you can control everything from the app and set smart timers to maximise solar use etc.
We got ours through Melbourne Heat Pumps and very happy with their communication and installation. They can also quote you for a Sanden for comparison. Sanden/Reclaim are generally considered the gold standard for longevity and fastest heat-up time with the CO2 refrigerant - but at less than half the price I think Hydrotherm/Aquatech are the value pick.
Also as @jugsy says check out My Efficient Electric Home group.
Thanks. Roughly what did your setup cost you?
$2500 which is after STC and VEECs rebates applied (installer claims it for you)
Can be even cheaper if you qualify for Solar Victoria rebateThanks. We should qualify for the rebate.
Putting in a +1 for a Hydrotherm X8 installed by the team at Melbourne Heat Pumps. Had 1 installed a few weeks back in SE Melbourne. Total cost was $1900 with STC rebate, VEEC rebate and solar Vic solar homes rebate.
I did a lot of research into what to buy including sanden and reclaim. The thing that swayed me was they were nearly double the price, but didn't appear to be twice as good or have twice the expected life.
Overall the process was easy and install was completed by lunch time.
Getting quotes now, did this include the cost of a power outlet?
Oh and how long was the wait time
Yes. The unit only pulls 1000W so they were able to tap into a nearby power circuit. They added a 2 outlet outdoor power point next to the unit.
Wait time was a while but that was because I was waiting for the unit to be added to the new rebate scheme (I think it was the STC one).
If you need a new unit urgently they can do an emergency replacement which I think jumps you to the front of the line
Worth the wait though@TimmyTims: Thanks! I got a quote hopefully can install on Wednesday but the cost came to $2020 with all the rebates. The installation is what ive been told was straight forward.
Reclaim or sanden are the top two.
I had an iStore done this year and have had 0 issues with it.
I couldnt justify the premium charged by brands like Sanden and Reclaim
Other brands like Hydrotherm were also on my short list. iStore more easily available in my area
Reclaim heat pump and tank from Earth worker energy for me. The best heat pump and supporting an Aussie Coop and Aussie jobs for the tank…
https://earthworkerenergy.coop/wp-content/uploads/Earthworke…
I got a Reclaim 315L quote from a different installer, it's $5,398.00. Seems quite expensive.
I got a Reclaim 315L quote from a different installer, it's $5,398.00. Seems quite expensive.
Let me guess, this quote is for a glass lined 315L tank (in VIC).
If you went with the stainless steel option (the Earthworker Energy tank), the best price I got quoted was around $8K (STCs included + VEECs for gas to HP but no Solar VIC rebate).
With Solar VIC rebate included, the price comes to around $7K supply and installed.
Now that is bloody expensive for a HWS.However, it is almost maintenance free. No anode inspections or replacements required.
Only the PTR valve needs to be checked every year, which you can do yourself.
+1 for iStore
I little more expensive than other HWS but you honestly get what you pay for.I got a quote for iStore 270L for $3,234.00 after rebate. Is this a reasonable quote?
Unfortunately, its around there. Rebates will depends on state but its not like the $99 deal. Your quote is a little high, I would consider another quote from another supplier.
My quote was like this:
ISTORE 270L HEAT PUMP INSTALLATION - Model PASHW015-270LD-FL02 $4394
-$1000 STC Discount for heat pump hotwater systems -$1000
-$1000 ESC Discount for heat pump hot water systems replacing ElectricHot Water System -$1000Total $2,394
Im sure they have pocketed some the the rebate also as all the quotes i got had different rebate amounts.
If you are in VIC, then there is another (up to) $1000 rebate from Solar Victoria if you didn't claim the solar battery rebate (which ended in 30 June 2023).
hey mate…do you mind sharing from whom did you get the quote from for iStore 270L.
@signups: Silverwater Plumbing and Electrical. But Hydrolink plumbing services were cheaper once i added extra works involved such as a HWS relocation.
hey mate…do you mind sharing from whom did you get the quote from for iStore 270L.
And which product did you end up choosing :)
Another +1 for Gavin at Melbourneheatpumps. I had the hydrotherm x8 installed almost 2 years ago. Gavin is one of the few plumbers who uses foil insulated lagging pipes for thermal efficiency and his workmanship is highly rated on the MEEH group. Hydrotherm is also one of the few companies that provides 6 years parts and LABOUR warranty (very few actually provide 6 years labour warranty). From a $ per performance and warranty perspective, hydrotherm wins.
Sanden is the best but costs 3 times more.
It should be basically free with the rebates in Victoria. I'm not familiar with installers over there, but find the group "My Efficient Electric Home" on facebook and search their posts, its THE community for this stuff.
We ended up going with an Aquatech x6 fully installed for $2500 in SA, should be much cheaper for you or you could stretch to the fancier Sanden or Reclaim units.