The coming summer could be Brisbane’s hottest yet with warmer than average temperatures reported across many locations in Queensland’s southeast in winter, and predictions for a steamy spring ahead. Which means it’s peak season for heat pump hot water in Brisbane.  Where your air-conditioner will be working hard to take heat from your home and fill it with cooled air, a heat pump takes heat from the air and turns it up to 11 – for hot water supply at a fraction of the cost of traditional water heaters.  Heat pumps are relatively new to the Australian market, but already making their mark in energy efficiency. 

71% Reduction in Water Heating Bills

According to a recent study by Sustainability Victoria, Heat Pump Hot Water systems deliver steady and unchanging efficiency, resulting in a blanket reduction in water heating costs of 71% regardless of variables that impact other efficient systems.  While Solar Hot Water provides a slightly higher reduction in overall cost for smaller households, during daylight hours, when the sky is clear, heat pumps deliver a constant level of efficiency regardless of climactic conditions.  Summers in Australia make for the perfect operating conditions for heat pump systems.  (Learn more about hot water heat pumps and how they work)

The end of electricity and the decline of gas

Electric hot water systems, using grid power will soon go the way of lead based petrol.  Advances in technology, as well as cost effective manufacturing will see the end of electric hot water in the coming years.  Gas prices are projected to soar over the coming ten years meaning that gas hot water systems will become cost prohibitive.

SSTC Credit System Rebate Reduction Drops in December

The federal government SSTC (small scale technology certificate – known as the $3700 Homeowner Rebate) financial incentive for households to purchase heat pump hot water systems currently provides up to 30 credits for heat pump purchases.  This rebate rate declines each year and the next drop will be in December, meaning a rush on heat pump systems, in a market where supply is already struggling to meet demand. 

“We’ve already seen a huge uptake in heat pump hot water installation since the rebate system rolled out.  Come November, we expect to struggle to meet demand, which means that applicants will miss out on the SSTC rebate, under the rules” said John Salmon, Plumber Brisbane

Heat Pump Design

The flagship Rheem Heat Pump, Ambipower, has fast become the gold standard in heat pump hot water for domestic use.  Like other “rebated technologies” including ceiling insulation and water tanks, the rush for heat pumps raises questions about the quality and safety of new models on the market.  The “Fly By Night” approach to selling shoddy goods into the Australian market continues to be an issue where government subsidies are involved.

“I’m a Rheem Dealer because I believe in the quality of their systems, but I’ve also audited and tested dozens of other heat pump hot water options.  There are good ones on the market, and some bloody shockers.  I personally prefer Rheem, Sanden, Reclaim and Apricus as heat pump suppliers.  Don’t opt for the cheapest on the market, it will cost you a great deal of money in the long run,” said Mr. Salmon.