Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Heat Pump Hot Water System

Why Use the Heat Pump Hot Water System?

Total Solar Solutions heat pumps are built to help the environment while they help your savings. Designed to conserve energy while combating the wildly erratic Australian weather, heat pumps are widely used for both heating and cooling spaces, as well as in heating water for residential and commercial settings. They serve various purposes including air conditioning, cooling drinking water, space heating, and providing hot water for bathing and sanitation.

Heat pumps are made to move heat from an area of lower temperature to one of higher temperature, effectively transferring heat from one location to another, hence the name “heat pump”. They differ from air conditioners and refrigerators, which are primarily designed to remove heat from a cold area and expel it into a warmer environment.

Why Do We Use a CO2 Heat Pump to Heat water?

With Victorian electricity prices on the continual rise, you may wish to consider a CO2 Heat Pump Hot Water System, which is both an economically wise and environmentally sustainable choice for any household. A CO2 heat pump utilises carbon dioxide as a refrigerant to efficiently transfer heat, offering an environmentally friendly solution for heating and cooling by leveraging renewable and waste heat sources. These sources can include industrial process wastewater, water from traditional cooling towers, or ground water/geothermal heat, effectively recycling energy that would otherwise be wasted.

Tips For Selecting a Heat Pump For Your Hot Water System

A hot water system is an investment, so you want to make sure you’re investing wisely in the system that will best serve you and your household. Before buying a heat pump hot water system, there are a few key factors to consider…

Assess Your Hot Water Needs

A good place to start is with assessing the number of occupants in your home, your typical water usage patterns, and your peak demand times. This evaluation will help you determine the capacity of the heat pump hot water system that best suits your needs, ensuring that you have a sufficient supply of hot water without oversizing your system.

Prioritise Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a crucial factor when choosing a heat pump hot water system. Look for systems with high Energy Star ratings and/or positive customer reviews. More efficient systems may sometimes have a higher upfront cost, but will lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time, making them a more cost-effective investment in the long run.

Brand Selection and Reliability

When it comes to reliability and value for money, you can’t really go past a Reclaim Heat Pump. As Australian electricity costs continue to spike, electric hot water systems play a major role in increasing a household’s energy expenses; thankfully, the Reclaim Energy Heat Pump Hot Water System uses significantly less electricity for water heating than traditional hot water systems. Switching to a more efficient system like the Reclaim Energy Heat Pump (REHP) can result in savings of up to 80% compared to standard electric systems.

Ease of Installation

Always consider the size and tank requirements of the heat pump system in relation to the available space you have. Some systems may require more space or specific installation conditions, so it’s essential to choose a system that can be accommodated within your property without major modifications. Don’t be afraid to consult an expert; you can get a free quote on the Total Solar website. You can also get in touch with us via our contact us page, or by calling us on (03) 9729 0894, or emailing us at [email protected].

Evaluate Long-Term Costs

While the initial purchase price is an important consideration, it’s also vital to assess the long-term operating costs of the system. This includes not only energy consumption but also potential maintenance and repair expenses. Investing in a more reliable and durable system can reduce the overall cost of ownership.

Noise Levels

Heat pump hot water systems can vary in the noise they generate during operation. If the system will be located near living areas, consider models known for quiet operation. Additionally, systems equipped with smart controllers can offer enhanced convenience and efficiency, allowing you to adjust settings and monitor performance remotely.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

It’s extremely important to factor in the ease of installation and ongoing maintenance requirements. Some systems may require professional installation and regular maintenance to operate efficiently. Understanding these requirements upfront can help you prepare for any additional costs and ensure the system remains in optimal condition. Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] to get started.

Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Selecting a Heat Pump Hot Water System

Hiring the Wrong Installer

Like any electrical or plumbing installation, professional expertise is utterly essential. Heat pump installation also necessitates a solid understanding of your property as well as the weather conditions. This knowledge ensures the selection of an appropriate system and its installation in the ideal location for peak efficiency. Lacking this specialised insight, it’s very likely that you’ll wind up with a system that breaks down and costs you money.

Getting the Size Wrong

Although it might initially appear that a larger tank equates to a greater supply of on-demand hot water, this isn’t necessarily true for heat pump systems. Instead of focusing solely on tank size, a crucial aspect to consider is the unit’s recovery rate. This rate indicates how quickly the system can heat a new batch of water in the tank, making it a key factor in ensuring a consistent hot water supply.

Failing to Consider Your Climate


Heat pump systems harness the ambient air to minimise electricity use, meaning that in colder climates, specific modifications or enhancements might be necessary to maximise your system’s efficiency. A skilled and knowledgeable installer can guide you through these adjustments, ensuring you select the most suitable system for achieving peak performance in your specific environment.

Ignoring Installation Requirements

Ignoring the installation requirements of a system can lead to severe consequences, including compromised safety, reduced efficiency, and the potential for system failure. Such oversight may not only result in increased energy costs but also pose risks to the well-being of occupants by failing to adhere to essential safety standards. Ensuring proper installation according to manufacturer specifications is critical for optimal operation and longevity of the system.

Opting for a Cheap System

You might have seen promotions for “cheap” or even “free” heat pump hot water systems, with certain organisations exploiting government rebates by installing low-cost systems and claiming the rebate for themselves. Signing up for such deals may seem tempting at the time, but they can lead to several significant issues, such as poor quality systems and additional hidden expenses not covered in the initial estimate. Remember, you don’t want to waste your one-time rebate on a system that fails to meet expectations.

Is a Hot Water Heat Pump Worth It?

Short answer: yes. Integrating an energy heat pump with your solar PV system can drastically improve your savings. These systems are designed to use surplus solar energy during peak sunlight hours, converting the power into hot water instead of feeding it back into the grid. And it’s adaptable to all Australian weather conditions and climate variations!

You can check out the Reclaim Heat Pump here, and browse other Total Solar Solution options on the Total Solar website, where you can also get a free quote. Got a question? Don’t be afraid to hit us directly! You can call us on (03) 9729 0894, or email us at [email protected].