Save money on your bills with an energy efficient water heater

energy efficient water heater

Recent energy-efficient water heater installations for our Sydney customers.

Choosing an energy efficient hot water system is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for your home. Not only can it significantly reduce your energy bills, but it also lowers your environmental impact and improves long-term reliability.

We recently completed several installations across Sydney, helping customers upgrade to more efficient, modern systems. Below are three real examples that highlight the benefits of heat pumps and solar hot water technology, and why they are becoming the preferred choice for Australian households.

 

energy efficient water heater heat pump
The customer’s old gas hot water heater replaced with a new energy efficient Rinnai Enviroflo heat pump (pictured).

New heat pump installation in Campbelltown

This customer in Campbelltown wanted to move away from an old gas storage system that was becoming inefficient and costly to run. We removed the existing unit and installed a Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump 280 litre.

The customer was also eligible for a government hot water rebate, helping to significantly reduce the upfront cost of the upgrade. As part of our service, we handled all of the required paperwork on their behalf and applied the rebate directly, reducing the initial purchase price so the customer didn’t have to wait for reimbursement.

Why switching from gas to a heat pump saves energy

Traditional gas storage systems continuously heat and reheat water to maintain the set temperature in the tank, even when no hot water is being used. This ongoing reheating process, often referred to as “standby heat loss”, means the system is constantly consuming energy throughout the day and night. Over time, this can lead to higher running costs, especially as gas prices continue to rise.

By comparison, heat pump systems operate far more efficiently. Instead of generating heat directly, they extract warmth from the surrounding air and transfer it into the water, using significantly less energy to achieve the same result. This process can be up to three to four times more efficient than traditional electric or gas storage systems.

For homeowners, this translates into real savings. In many cases, switching from a gas storage system to a modern heat pump can reduce hot water energy costs by around 60% to 70%, depending on usage, system size, and household demand. Given that hot water typically accounts for a large portion of a household’s energy bill, this can result in noticeable savings month after month.

In addition to lower running costs, heat pumps also benefit from off-peak or controlled load electricity tariffs (where available), further reducing energy expenses. When combined with available government rebates, the overall cost of upgrading becomes even more attractive.

The result is a system that not only lowers your energy bills but also reduces your environmental impact, making it a smart long-term investment for both your home and the future.

There are many great advantages to solar hot water, both environmentally and economically. Switching to an energy-efficient solar hot water system or heat pump can reduce your hot water heating costs by as much as 65%? By switching to solar hot water you’re reducing your carbon footprint and doing your part to minimise your impact on climate change. It’s a win-win for your hip pocket and the environment.

Some people think that if the sun isn’t shining that they won’t have hot water. This is not the case because a backup system is installed alongside a solar hot water system to pick up any shortage that they may be.

Features of the Rinnai Enviroflo heat pump:

  • Uses ambient air to heat water, requiring far less energy input
  • Produces significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions
  • Maintains high efficiency even with regular household demand
  • With a large 280 litre capacity, this system is ideal for families while still delivering excellent energy savings.

energy efficient water heater solar
Aged Solahart rooftop solar hot water system replaced with a new Rheem Hiline system (pictured).

Solar hot water system replacement in Maroubra

For this Maroubra (Eastern Suburbs) customer, we replaced their ageing Solahart rooftop solar hot water system that had reached the end of its lifespan. The customer wanted to continue using solar energy but with improved performance and reliability.

One of the key advantages of this property was its ideal solar conditions. The roof faces north, receiving consistent sunlight throughout the day, and there are no overhanging trees to create shade. This makes it a perfect setup for a rooftop solar hot water system, allowing it to operate at maximum efficiency.

With this in mind, we installed a new Rheem Hiline Solar Hot Water System 52L300/2L.

Why solar hot water is energy efficient

Solar hot water systems harness energy from the sun, which is completely free and renewable. This dramatically reduces reliance on electricity or gas.

The Rheem Hiline system is especially efficient because:

  • The collectors absorb solar radiation and convert it into usable heat
  • The rooftop tank design allows natural thermosiphon circulation, reducing the need for pumps
  • It includes a booster system that only activates when sunlight is insufficient

In a sunny suburb like Maroubra, and with ideal roof positioning like this property, the system can supply the majority of a household’s hot water needs using solar energy alone.

This upgrade allows the customer to take full advantage of Sydney’s climate while significantly reducing ongoing energy costs.


energy efficient water heaters heat pump
The customer’s old Chromagen heat pump (pictured) was replaced with a reliable Rheem AmbiHeat heat pump.

Heat pump replacement in Hornsby

A customer in Hornsby contacted us after they noticed their existing heat pump had begun leaking. Their old Chromagen water heater had been installed during the peak of the government rebate scheme, a time when many low-quality systems were rushed into homes by inexperienced installers.

Unfortunately, when the system failed, the original installer could not be contacted, leaving the customer without support.

We replaced the faulty unit with a new Rheem AmbiHeat HDc-270 Heat Pump, giving the customer a far more reliable and energy-efficient water heater solution backed by one of Australia’s most trusted brands.

Rheem is well known for its strong product warranties and nationwide support network, providing customers with peace of mind that their investment is protected long term. The AmbiHeat range is designed for durability and performance, and with Rheem’s comprehensive warranty coverage, the customer can feel confident knowing both parts and system integrity are supported well into the future.

Just as importantly, the installation was carried out by our licensed hot water specialists.  Our company has 30+ years of experience in the industry. Unlike the original install during the rebate boom, where many systems were rushed in by inexperienced operators, this replacement was completed by our licensed professionals who have decades of hands-on expertise. That experience ensures correct installation, compliance, and long-term reliability, which are critical factors in getting the best performance and lifespan out of any hot water system.

When you use Cheapa Hot Water, the result is not just a water heater replacement, but a significant upgrade in quality, efficiency, and peace of mind.

Why heat pumps are so energy efficient

Heat pump technology is one of the most energy efficient ways to heat water. Instead of generating heat directly like an electric element, it extracts warmth from the surrounding air and transfers it into the water.

This process uses significantly less electricity, often reducing energy consumption by up to 70% compared to traditional electric storage systems.

The Rheem AmbiHeat HDc-270 is particularly energy efficient because:

  • It uses advanced compressor technology to maximise heat transfer
  • It operates effectively even in cooler climates
  • It includes smart controls to optimise performance and reduce unnecessary energy use

This upgrade not only solved the leak but also provided the customer with a reliable, long-term solution backed by a reputable manufacturer.


Questions? We’re here to help.

If your hot water system is not working properly or you want to upgrade to an energy efficient water heater, call now and speak with one of our licensed hot water system repairers.

Over the phone, we can discuss possible solutions and provide a cost estimate to fix the problem.

Contact us for fast help and advice you can trust.

We offer a fast, same day hot water service to all Sydney suburbs including: Northern Beaches, Upper and Lower North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, Hills District, Inner West, Western Suburbs + Blacktown, St George + Bexley, Campbelltown, Sutherland Shire, Penrith, Liverpool, Hornsby, and Ryde.