Heat pumps are a popular and efficient alternative to traditional heating systems. They provide a versatile solution for heating while reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills significantly. Australia is known for the dramatic fluctuation of climate conditions, which makes investing in heat pumps a smart move for those who want both comfort and sustainability. Here, we will help you find the best heat pumps for your home.
Factors to consider when buying a heat pump
- Integrated vs. split: Integrated systems have all the heat pump components with the tank in a single unit, which makes it more compact. Split systems have the heat pump component in a separate unit and delivers more installation flexibility, especially in tight areas or when the system needs to be placed far from hot water faucets.
- Climate: Cooler regions like Victoria and Tasmania may need larger heat pumps or auxiliary heat sources to maintain hot water temperatures during the colder months. This is why it’s important to consider the climate in your area when choosing a heat pump.
- Showering length and patterns: Longer showers per day require a higher capacity heat pump to maintain water supply. Consider the peak showering times in your household to determine the required output of your heat pump.
- Household size: If you have a larger household, you need a heat pump with a greater capacity to meet demand. The number of bathrooms and their usage frequency also affect your heat pump size.
- Insulation: Well-insulated homes and water tanks reduce heat loss, allowing for a smaller heat pump to meet needs.
Energy-Efficient Heat Pumps
Below are some of the most energy-efficient heat pumps on the market
Midea 300L Split Type Heat Pump
Designed for bigger households, the Midea 300L Split Type Heat Pump delivers a high (Coefficient of Performance) COP of 3.5 and significant energy savings. It has some important features, such as auto disinfection, a user-friendly interface, and quiet operation.
For its price point, it is one of the best budget-friendly options on the market today, ideal for customers seeking cost-effective solutions. They have a segmented warranty—a 5-year warranty on the tank, 3 years on the compressor, 3 years on labour, and 1 year on electronics.
EvoHeat Heat Pumps
EvoHeat heat pumps have a COP between 3.9 and 4.2, which is an indicator of solid performance compared to other heat pumps on the market. Currently, they have 3 offerings—the Evo150-1, Evo270-1, and the Evo315-C. The Evo150-1 and Evo270-1 are both for residential but the 270-1 can be used for commercial purposes. However, the Evo315-C is solely for commercial use only.
The EvoHeat heat pumps are equipped with LCD touch screen controller and optional WiFi-control for remote monitoring. When it comes to the warranty, they come with 6 ytears for the tank, 5 years for the compressor and parts, and 1 year of on-site labour. The price points of their heat pumps range from $3,000 to $4,700.
Rinnai Heat Pumps
If you’re looking for heat pumps that have stood the test of time, then Rinnai is one of those brands. The company has been in the industry for over 50 years with a solid foundation in the manufacturing and distribution of various heating solutions. It has become a household name in Australia.
One of the things that make Rinnai a good choice is its affordable price with good efficiency. Its high COP of 7.22 at an ambient temperature of 32.6 C and inlet water temp of 21.1 C. The prices of their heat pumps are mid-range between $3,000 and $3,900. Its warranties include 7 years on tank parts, 3 years on tank labour, and comprehensive coverage on refrigeration components.
Sanden Heat Pumps
The Sanden Eco Plus System has a high COP at 5 and up to 50% faster heat recovery compared to other heat pumps. It also uses a unique ozone-friendly R744 refrigerant.
The heat pump is also loaded with advanced features, such as its WiFi controller that allows for remote access to the heat pump via your smartphone or tablet. It also has a One Touch Boost, Multiple Timer Programming, and Energy Saver Mode.
The heat pump is in the premium category in terms of price points. As for its warranty, it has a comprehensive parts and labour warranty of 6 years, which extends further on a pro-rata basis for its stainless steel tank.
Emerald Heat Pumps
Emerald heat pumps have a COP of 4.6 to 4.9 and are equipped with features, such as WiFi control, optional built-in electric heater, and a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant (R290). Its split systems come with a small tank option of 200 litres and a large tank of 300 litres. For the price point, it ranges between $2,500 and $3,300.
As for the warranty, it has 5 years on tank for parts and 2 years for labour. They also offer a 2 year parts and labour warranty for the heat pump components and electronics.
Calculating heat pump size
Know what your peak demand is like and the time of day. Heat pumps are more efficient at heating water during the day; therefore, it would make more sense to choose a larger storage capacity for your household.
Then, determine your average daily hot water usage by estimating the number of litres of hot water used per day. You should also consider recovery time, which is the time it takes to heat a specific volume of water. Ensure the Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) can meet peak demand without running out of hot water.
Heat pumps offer a sustainable and efficient solution for heating water. By understanding the factors that influence heat pump performance and considering your specific needs, you can select the best model to enhance your comfort, reduce your energy consumption, and lower your utility bills.
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