What to look for when buying a heat pump.
With rising energy costs and growing demand for sustainable solutions, heat pump hot water systems have become an increasingly popular choice for Australian households. They’re energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and eligible for government rebates, making them a smart long-term investment.
But with so many brands and models on the market, it can be hard to know which heat pump is the best fit for your home.
When you upgrade to an energy-efficient heat pump, you may be eligible to claim the generous Government rebates on offer. Contact us to find out if you qualify.
Important: Scroll down to read about the problems arising from cheap heat pumps installed by dodgy businesses under the Government rebate scheme.
Call 0410 693 532 Send an SMS Email Us
Heat pump features comparison.
Below, we’ve outlined what to look for when choosing a heat pump hot water system and how to ensure it’s installed for maximum performance and longevity.
Size and capacity
- Choose a tank size suitable for your household. A family of 3–4 will typically need a 270–315L system, while smaller households may be fine with 160–200L.
- If you regularly run multiple showers or appliances at once, opt for a higher recovery rate.
Energy efficiency
- Look for systems with a high COP (Coefficient of Performance) — this indicates how efficiently the unit converts electricity into heat (the higher, the better).
- Choose units with a 5-star energy rating or better.
- Check eligibility for government rebates, which usually require a certain level of energy efficiency.
Climate suitability
- Not all heat pumps perform well in colder climates. Look for systems with a wide operating range (e.g. -5°C to +43°C) and frost protection.
- Models like the Rheem Ambiheat are specifically designed for Australian conditions.
Noise levels
- Some heat pumps are noisier than others. Look for systems with quiet operation if the unit is located near living areas or bedrooms.
Smart features and controls
- Advanced models include smart controllers, timers, and Wi-Fi compatibility to let you monitor and adjust settings from your phone.
- Useful for households on time-of-use electricity plans to take advantage of off-peak rates.
Warranty and after-sales support
- Always check the warranty — a good system should come with at least 5–10 years on the tank and 1–5 years on parts and labour.
- Confirm the manufacturer has a local presence and offers service support in Australia.
Installation by licensed professionals
- Heat pumps often require both plumbing and electrical work. Make sure the installer is fully licensed and qualified to handle both.
- Ask for a compliance certificate and confirmation that the system has been installed to Australian Standards and manufacturer guidelines.
Brand reputation
- Choose reputable brands with proven performance, like Rheem, Stiebel Eltron, Rinnai, Sanden, and Thermann.
- Avoid unknown brands or offers that seem “too good to be true” — quality matters for performance, safety, and longevity.
Need advice?
If you’re unsure which heat pump is right for your home, we can help. With over 30 years of experience, we’ll recommend a reliable, energy-efficient system that suits your needs and budget. Importantly, we’ll ensure it’s installed properly and is backed by a reliable warranty.
Scroll down to compare heat pump makes and models.
** Beware! **
Dodgy heat pump installations are causing headaches for Sydney homeowners (and taxpayers).
The heat pump government rebate scheme, designed to encourage Australians to switch to energy-efficient hot water systems is under fire. What was meant to reduce emissions and help households lower their energy bills is now being compared to the notorious Pink Batts debacle. At Cheapa Hot Water, we’re seeing firsthand how this scheme is failing Sydney homeowners — and, sadly, how Australian taxpayers are being left to pick up the tab.
Problems with cheap, imported heat pumps.
We’ve started seeing an influx of calls from Sydney-siders who’ve had cheap, imported heat pumps installed under the NSW government’s energy efficiency program.
These heat pumps are often promoted as “free” or “heavily discounted,” but the truth is many are poorly made, installed by unqualified trades, and prone to breakdowns and safety issues.
Many heat pump installers have gone AWOL!
When problems arise with these cheap heat pumps (and they often do), customers attempt to contact the installer only to find no one picks up the phone.
In many cases, these companies are overseas-based or ghost operators (businesses set up with no real local presence), making it nearly impossible for customers to claim warranty support, request repairs, or even get a simple service call.
Customers are frustrated across Sydney.
This growing problem has caught the attention of both Radio 2GB and the Daily Telegraph, who have reported extensively on the issue and been inundated with calls and messages from frustrated homeowners. Many have been left with faulty systems, no way to get repairs, and no response from the companies responsible. It’s a clear failure in oversight and accountability.
Australian taxpayers end up footing the bill.
Worse still, it’s the rest of us who end up paying. These faulty systems were installed using taxpayer-funded rebates, and when they fail, our money has effectively gone offshore, with no benefit to local businesses or long-term energy savings.
LISTEN AND READ
- Radio 2GB – Pink Batts 2.0 – Dodgy hot water heaters linked to green scheme »
- Daily Telegraph – Pink Batts 2.0 – Dodgy water heaters flood market on green scheme (may require subscription) »
For peace of mind, hire trusted, local hot water specialists – like Cheapa Hot Water.
You get what you pay for…
Sayings like “You get what you pay for” and “If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.” apply to these cheap heat pumps installed by unknown or unlicensed operators, often leading to bigger, more expensive problems down the track.
At Cheapa Hot Water, we’ve been proudly serving Sydney homeowners and businesses for over 30 years – and we hope to continue doing so for decades to come. We’ve built our business on trust, quality workmanship, and genuine customer care. Our reputation is what keeps people coming back and recommending us to their family and friends.
We do things properly, the first time.
We believe in doing things properly, the first time! From recommending the right product for suit the needs and budget of each individual customer, to safe and professional installation, and reliable and fast support should something go wrong.
We’re licensed, insured and qualified.
We’re fully licensed to carry out all plumbing and electrical work, and we never cut corners.
When you call Cheapa Hot Water, you speak directly to a specialist, not a call centre, assurance you’ll get the honest, expert advice you need.
Questions?
Whether you’ve been affected by a dodgy installation or just want the peace of mind that comes with dealing with a reputable provider, contact Cheapa Hot Water today. We’re here to help (and stick around).