Heat pumps are a sustainable alternative to hot water heaters.

HOT WATER HEAT PUMPS

When you turn the hot tap on, you want hot water—fast. Conventional hot water heaters are slow, lumbering things, taking a lot of energy to heat up and keep your water hot. By comparison, heat pumps are energy-efficient units that extract heat from the air around them while using minimal electricity to keep your water hotter for longer.

Why we love heat pumps, and why you will too.

Installing a solar system at your home or business is the first step towards your energy independence. A heat pump system helps you to take the next, by reducing your energy consumption even further.

How heat pumps work.

Heat pumps perform rather differently to a traditional water heater. How they work is much the same as a reverse-cycle air conditioner:

1 -

A fan draws warm outside air into the unit, where it runs across an evaporator.

2 -

Piping inside the evaporator contains a refrigerant liquid that the warm air turns into a gas.

3 -

This gas then gets pumped through a valve by a compressor, an action that produces heat.

4 -

The internal heat exchanger moves this heat from the gas pipes through to the water storage tank, warming the water that’s inside it.

5 -

Then, after heating the water, the refrigerant cools back down into a liquid, and the process starts again.

6 -

This cycle continues until the water reaches its set temperature, but this happens very quickly and uses only a small amount of electricity.

WHY HEAT Pumps?

A cleaner, greener water heating alternative.

Switching from a traditional hot water heater to a heat pump system can set your home or business up for a more efficient and more sustainable future.

Reduce your energy use

Heat pumps only use electricity to drive the internal compressor and fan, which means they use between 60% and 75% less energy than a traditional hot water heater.

Lower your electricity bills

With their lowered electricity draw, over time you’ll see your energy use go down—and the savings stack up.

Reduce your carbon emissions

With their lower electricity drain and more efficient operation, heat pumps are more environmentally friendly. And if you connect one to your solar system, you can create hot water heated directly from your solar panels.

Warm water, even when it’s cold outside

Heat pumps are highly efficient, and designed to work in a wide range of conditions—even in cold and dark weather. This means you can take advantage of off-peak electricity to enjoy faster hot water when the sun has gone down.

Save with government rebates

The South Australian government has introduced a scheme where you can earn small-scale technology certificates on new energy-saving heat pumps, based on the volume of electricity you offset.

BUILT TOUGH

The heat pump brand we recommend.

When choosing a new heat pump system it’s important you select one that’s going to do the job for your home or business. One that’s rugged, robust, and efficient, and can withstand anything the South Australian weather can throw at it.

iStore heat pumps

The iStore 270L heat pump is designed with Australian households in mind. One of the most efficient heat pump systems on the market, it delivers 4.82 kW of heating output for every kW of electricity consumed. The spacious 270L tank provides water for a 3-5 person household, with four intelligent operation modes that adapt to your energy use. It’s whisper quiet, and works seamlessly with your solar system.

Theres also an 180L version for smaller homes.

FAQ

How do heat pumps work?

Heat pumps work like a reverse air conditioner. They draw in warm air from outside the unit, where the warmth from the air heats a refrigerant liquid, turning it into a gas. This gas then goes through a compressor, creating heat that warms the water inside the internal tank. This process happens again and again and again until the water in the tank reaches the desired temperature.

Are heat pumps energy-efficient?

Yes, heat pumps are very energy-efficient. The method they use to heat water uses up to 70% less energy than traditional electric or gas hot water heaters. This makes them a fantastic option for lowering your energy bill.

How much maintenance do heat pumps require?

Much like a traditional hot water heater, heat pumps require minimal maintenance. You can do basic maintenance yourself, like checking that the air intake stays clear. But for a more comprehensive review, we recommend getting a professional to check your heat pump’s performance every one or two years, to make sure it continues to work efficiently.

Can heat pumps be used with solar power?

Absolutely. Heat pumps run off your home electrical system, so if you have solar panels, your heat pump will use this electricity as its power supply. Better yet, they can be programmed to run during the best solar generation times, meaning you use free energy from the sun to heat your water, further reducing your energy costs.

Do heat pumps work in cold weather?

The beauty of modern heat pumps is that they’re designed to work in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. They may have to work harder in colder temperatures, meaning they may not be as efficient during this time—while still being much more efficient and energy-smart than a typical hot water heater.

View ALL FAQ

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