Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

An efficient technology, but not necessarily the right choice for every home

A heat pump hot water system works on a clever principle: instead of using electricity to heat water directly, it pulls warmth from the surrounding air and uses that to heat the water in the tank. That can make it a very efficient way of producing hot water, using a lot less electricity than a standard element. But efficiency isn't the only thing worth weighing up. Heat pumps have compressors, fans and other moving parts a standard electric storage system simply doesn't, so there's more that can need servicing or replacing down the track, and they do produce some running noise, so where the unit sits matters. For a lot of Perth Hills homes, particularly ones with solar PV, we'd usually point you toward a good electric storage system with smart controls first, and only steer you toward a heat pump where it actually stacks up for your place.

Know the signs

Signs You Need a New Heat Pump Hot Water System

There are usually a few warning signs before a heat pump hot water system needs attention. Any one of these is worth getting checked before you're left without hot water.

01

No Hot Water, or the Unit Isn't Running

If the unit isn't running, or the water isn't heating properly, it's worth getting it checked before assuming the whole system needs replacing.

02

Hot Water That Doesn't Last

The tank's not holding what it used to, or recovery between showers has slowed right down.

03

Unusually Loud Running Noise

A bit of a hum is normal, but a noticeably louder or different noise is worth having checked.

04

The Unit's Getting On

If the system's getting older and starting to need regular attention, it's worth having Andrew take a look before it fails completely.

Not Quite Ready for a New System?

If your unit's still got some life left, a repair might be all it needs rather than a full replacement. Andrew can tell you straight whether it's worth fixing or worth replacing, no pressure either way.

Why Perth Hills Households Choose Heat Pump

Heat pumps move heat from the surrounding air into your water rather than generating it directly with an electric element, which is what makes them efficient on paper. In practice, there's more going on inside the unit, compressors, fans and controls that a standard electric storage system doesn't have, so there's more that can need attention over the life of the system, and running noise means installation location needs a bit more thought, particularly near bedrooms or living areas.

There is a time and place for a heat pump. If solar PV isn't an option at your place, bottled LPG is costing you, and you want a real efficiency upgrade over standard electric heating, it's worth considering. Government rebates can also help bring the cost down, though eligibility changes over time, so Andrew will point you to what's currently available rather than quoting a figure that might be out of date. For a lot of Perth Hills homes though, especially ones with solar PV already installed, we'll usually recommend a good-quality electric storage system with app-based controls first, since it tends to be the simpler, more practical option. If you specifically want a heat pump, we're happy to supply and install one, Andrew will just give you the full picture first.

Why Call AH Plumbing & Gas

Local Expertise

Perth Hills based, with experience installing and servicing heat pump hot water systems across the area.

Licensed & Insured

Plumbing Licence 8282, with compliant paperwork provided where required.

Upfront Pricing

Priced and explained before any work starts.

Compare the Other Hot Water Systems

Not sure this is the right fit? Here’s how it stacks up against the other systems Andrew installs across the Hills:

Gas Storage hot water: a traditional storage system that keeps a tank of hot water ready to use.
Electric Storage hot water systems: a simple and reliable option that doesn’t require a gas connection. Add an app-based timer and solar PV, and you can make the most of your available solar power.
Instant gas hot water systems: heats water as you use it, providing continuous hot water without relying on a storage tank.
Instant electric hot water systems: provides hot water without gas or a storage tank, and can be a practical option for smaller homes, kitchens, bathrooms or additions.

What Perth Hills Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a heat pump the best option for my home?

Not always. Heat pumps work well in specific situations, but for a lot of Perth Hills homes we’ll usually point you toward a good electric storage system with app-based controls first, especially if you’ve got solar PV. Andrew will walk you through a proper comparison rather than pushing one system over another.

How quickly can Andrew fit a new heat pump hot water system?

Andrew will give you a clear timeframe when he quotes the job.

Are heat pump rebates still available in WA?

Rebate schemes change from time to time, so Andrew can point you to the current details and eligibility when you get in touch, rather than us publishing a figure that might be out of date.

How long does a heat pump hot water system last?

Heat pumps have more components than a standard electric storage system, things like compressors and fans, so how long yours lasts and what it needs along the way depends on water quality, usage and maintenance. Andrew can give you a better sense of where your unit sits when he has a look.

Can you repair my existing system instead of replacing it?

Often, yes. Andrew will tell you plainly whether a repair makes sense or whether you’re better off replacing it, rather than pushing a new unit when a fix would do.

What brands do you install?

Rheem. Andrew can talk you through the options when he quotes the job.

How much does a heat pump hot water system cost?

Cost depends on the system and what’s involved on the day, including how rebates might apply. Heat pumps have more components than a standard system, which is worth factoring into running and repair costs down the track, and Andrew will talk you through all of it before any work starts.

Is a heat pump noisy?

Heat pumps make some noise while they’re running, a bit like an outdoor air conditioning unit, so placement matters. Andrew can factor that into where the system goes when he’s looking at the job.

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems