Enjoy Long Showers Without the Regret
Stop paying premium prices on your energy bills
Heating water can account for 20–30% of household energy use in Tasmania. With rising electricity and gas costs, many homeowners are switching to solar hot water or heat pump systems, two of the most efficient, low-emission options available.
Whether you're replacing an ageing electric system, building a new home, or looking to reduce your power bill, we offer solar hot water and heat pump solutions specifically designed for Tasmania’s cold climate.
We supply, install, and optimise the right system for your home, with STC rebates applied upfront, making the process hassle-free.
what is a heat pump hot water system?
A heat pump water heater uses the same technology as a reverse-cycle air conditioner. It draws in ambient air, extracts heat using a refrigerant, and transfers that heat into a water storage tank.
Unlike electric or gas systems, which create heat directly, heat pumps move heat, making them far more efficient. For every 1 kW of electricity used, you can get 3–5 kW of heat output.
The result? Lower running costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Why are heat pumps popular in Tasmania?
- Cold-climate rated models operate down to –10°C
- High efficiency = major savings on power bills
- Consistent hot water year-round, rain or shine
- Ideal for homes without solar roof space
- Quiet operation (as low as 37–45 dB)
- Works extremely well when paired with solar PV
Solar Hot Water Systems
Harness Tasmania’s sunlight for year-round efficient hot water
Solar hot water systems use the sun’s energy to heat your water, dramatically reducing electricity usage. Modern systems perform reliably even on cold or cloudy days, thanks to high-efficiency collectors and optional electric or gas boosting.
What are the benefits of solar hot water systems?
- Government rebates (STCs) reduce upfront costs
- Low running costs all year round
- Great for homes with solar PV
- Long system lifespan with minimal maintenance
- Reduced greenhouse emissions
Solar is the cheapest long-term hot water solution when you have reliable sunlight or north-facing roof space.
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Types of solar hot water systems we offer
Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water
The most efficient option for Tasmanian winters.
This system delivers excellent cold-weather performance, continues to operate effectively even in low sunlight, features self-regulating heat capture, and is ideal for homes with limited winter sun.
Flat Plate Solar Hot Water
A cost-effective choice with proven reliability.
This option is durable and long-lasting, performs best in direct sunlight, offers a lower upfront cost, and is ideal for homes with north-facing roofs.
SOLAR VS HEAT PUMP: wich is better?
| Feature | Solar Hot Water | Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Winter performance | Good (with evacuated tubes) | Excellent |
| Running cost | Lowest | Very low |
| Upfront cost | Medium-High | Medium |
| Roof space needed | Yes | No |
| Best for | Sunny roofs, low running cost | Shaded/complex roofs, cold regions |
| Suitable for Solar PV? | Yes | Yes |
| Maintenance | Low | Low-medium |
Our recommendation:
- Choose solar hot water if you have north-facing roof space and good sun access.
- Choose a heat pump if you want a lower upfront cost and better winter reliability.
- Both options become extremely affordable with STC rebates.
Premium Solar & Heat Pump brands we supply
Solar Hot Water Brands
- Thermann
- WiseLiving (Evacuated Tube)
- Rinnai Solar
- Rheem Solar
Heat Pump Brands
- Reclaim Energy (CO₂)
- Stiebel Eltron
- Therman
- Apricus
Maximise Your rebates (STCs Applied Upfront)
Heat pumps and solar hot water systems qualify for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) providing:
- $500–$1,000 off upfront
- Applied directly to your invoice
- We handle all paperwork. Zero hassle
Professional installation Across Launceston & Northern Tasmania
Our licensed installers handle everything:
- Property & roof assessment
- System sizing
- Solar collector placement
- Off-peak tariff optimisation
- Smart timer configuration
- Solar PV integration (where applicable)
- Full compliance with Tasmanian cold-climate standards
We serve Launceston, Tamar Valley, Northern Midlands, Georgetown, Longford, Scottsdale, and surrounding regions.
Choosing the right system for your household
| Household size | Recommended tank size | Solar options | Heat pump options | Popular Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 150–200 L | Flat Plate / Small evacuated tube | Quantum 150L, Rinnai 170L |
Apricus All in One 260L, Reclaim ECO R290 200L, Reclaim CO2 Heat Pump 160L, Rinnai 170L |
| 3–4 people | 250–300 L | Evacuated tube | Stievel 302L, EvoHeat 270L |
Reclaim ECO R290 300L Reclaim CO2 Heat Pump 250L Stiebel WWK 302 Sanden 250L EverHot Heat Pump 280L |
| 5+ people | 315–400 L | Large evacuated tube + Booster | Reclaim 400L, Sanden 315L |
Reclaim CO2 Heat Pump 315L or 400L Sanden 315L Thermann X Split Heat Pump 315L |
ready to save on your energy bill?
Frequently Asked Questions about heat pumps
What's the difference between a heat pump and a traditional water heater?
Heat pumps move heat from the air into the water using a refrigeration cycle, while traditional electric systems generate heat directly, and gas heaters burn fuel. That means heat pumps are far more efficient, using 3–4 times less energy than conventional systems. They also emit far less CO₂ and often use eco-friendly refrigerants like CO₂ (R744) or propane (R290). Though heat pumps may cost more upfront, they usually pay for themselves in energy savings over time.
How does a heat pump hot water system work?
A heat pump system pulls in ambient air with a fan, extracts heat through a refrigerant coil, and transfers that heat into the water tank. The cycle repeats, similar to how a reverse-cycle air conditioner works. Most systems deliver 3–5 times more heat than the electricity they use (COP 3–5). Some models include a backup electric element for extra heating in colder weather.
What size heat pump do I need for my home?
- 1–2 people: 150–200 L
- 3–4 people: 200–300 L
- 5+ people: 300 L and above
If you have multiple bathrooms or use a lot of hot water at once, go for a larger tank or a high-recovery unit. In cold climates like Tasmania, sizing up slightly or choosing a system with a backup element is often a smart choice.
How long do heat pump water systems last?
Most heat pumps last around 10–15 years with regular maintenance. Flushing the tank, replacing the sacrificial anode, and checking refrigerant and fans can help extend lifespan. Many models come with 8–10 year warranties on the unit and 10+ years on the tank.
Are heat pump hot water systems noisy?
No. Most systems run at 40–55 dB—about as loud as a fridge or quiet dishwasher. Some premium models are even quieter at 37 dB. If noise is a concern, choose a split-system and place the compressor away from bedrooms.
What's the best heat pump system for cold climates?
Go for a CO₂ (R744) system like Reclain Energy or Sanden Eco Plus. These units work efficiently in freezing temperatures down to –10 °C, and often don’t need electric backup. Always check the system’s minimum operating temperature and COP rating at 0 °C.
What's the best heat pump for a family of five?
Look for a tank size of 300–400 L with strong recovery rates. Reclaim CO₂ 315 L, Sanden 315 L, or Quantum Titan 340 L are great picks. Some large households use two 250 L systems in tandem.
Households with 6+ people need tanks of 300–400 L or more. High-output models like Quantum Titan 340 L or dual-unit setups (e.g., two 250 L systems) are ideal. Look for high recovery rates and strong warranties.
How does a heat pump compare to gas tankless systems in cost?
Heat pumps cost more upfront ($4,000–$7,000) than gas tankless units ($1,000–$3,000), but they’re cheaper to run. Over 10 years, heat pump systems typically cost less overall—especially with government rebates and rising gas prices.
Are heat pump systems eco-friendly?
Yes. They use far less electricity and produce much lower emissions than electric or gas heaters. CO₂ and R290 refrigerants have very low global warming potential. If paired with solar PV, your hot water becomes nearly carbon-free.
Are there compact heat pump systems for small homes?
Yes. Models in the 150–180 L range are perfect for small homes or apartments. Quantum’s 150 L unit is one example. Split systems also allow for flexible installation in tight spaces.
What are the best commercial heat pump water heaters?
Look for 3-phase units from brands like Rinnai and Rheem. These systems offer 20–40 kW heating capacity and can handle hundreds of litres per hour. They’re ideal for apartments, hotels, and large facilities.
What makes a heat pump system 'high efficiency'?
A high-efficiency system has a COP of 4 or more. It includes inverter compressors, well-insulated tanks, and optimised controls. ENERGY STAR-qualified units meet strict efficiency criteria and deliver 300–500% efficiency.
Are there systems with smart timers or app control?
Yes. Many systems now include Wi-Fi control and programmable timers. Reclaim and EvoHeat offer smart scheduling to align with solar power or off-peak electricity times.
Which is better: solar hot water or a heat pump?
Solar water systems are cheapest to run when sunlight is abundant, but they need roof space and often require backup. Heat pumps are easier to install, perform better in winter, and can run on solar PV. In Tasmania, heat pumps usually offer more consistent performance year-round.
