The Best Heat Pump Installations for Canberra

To be the best heat pump hot water heater available in Australia, the heat pump needs to have a proven reputation over many decades, be installed in large quantities, have good after-sales service, likely use CO2 as its refrigerant gas, and work in very cold climates. Unfortunately, there are no heat pumps that meet all these criteria in every part of Australia. At present, we would recommend Quantum, EvoHeat and Reclaim hot water heat pumps in Canberra. We will install other brands such as Stiebel Eltron, Rinnai and Rheem if requested.

Some heat pump brands are better than others. In general, heat pump hot water systems are a good way to reduce your energy costs and impact on the environment. The main factor that influences a heat pump’s performance is the location of the installation. Always aim to install a heat pump hot water heater with the compressor unit outside, in the warmest location possible.

Heat pumps cannot provide high volumes of hot water in short periods of time. Therefore, there are many existing commercial and apartment buildings where heat pumps will not work in Canberra. Heat pumps also cannot provide hot water at the temperatures required by food standards Australia for commercial food preparation.

For standalone homes, the answer is, ‘Yes, heat pumps work in Canberra, but not always.’ For a compact heat pump hot water heater to work efficiently all year round in Canberra and Queanbeyan, it must be installed outside, on a north or west-facing wall, in a location with ample airflow. A split system heat pump hot water system like the Sandon, Reclaim or Quantum Titan can have the storage tank installed remotely from the compressor unit. The compressor unit must be installed in the warmest location with the best airflow. In winter, it may take 9 hours and approx. 12 kilowatts of power to heat a full tank of hot water to 65°C. Whereas in summer, it may only take 3 hours and approx. 4.5 kilowatts of power to heat a full tank to 65°C.

There are many brands, models, and sizes of heat pump hot water services on the market. The true cost of a heat pump is based on its efficiency and reliability. The supply and installation of a heat pump hot water system will generally cost twice the price of the supply and installation of a standard electric hot water system. The difference in upfront costs can usually be recovered in as little as two to four years of operation.

Most heat pumps will work in cold climates. However, they will not produce as much hot water at the same temperature and in the same time frame as they would if they were installed in warmer climates. Winter weather will reduce the quantity and the temperature of hot water produced when compared to warmer seasons. Heat pumps in Canberra do work. However, you should speak to an experienced and ethical installer before rushing into buying a heat pump.