Question 1

How much does a heat-pump hot water system cost in South East Melbourne after rebates?

Accepted Answer

A 280L heat-pump (Sanden, Reclaim or Stiebel Eltron) costs $4,000–$5,500 installed before rebates. After the $1,000 Solar Victoria rebate plus STCs (small-scale technology certificates, typically $700–$1,100 depending on the model and zone), the net cost lands between $3,000 and $4,500. We claim both on your behalf — you don't lodge anything yourself, you just see the net price on the quote.

Question 2

Am I eligible for the $1,000 Solar Victoria heat-pump rebate?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility (as of 2026): owner-occupier of a Victorian home valued under $3M; combined household income under $210,000; existing working hot water system being replaced (not a new build); the heat-pump model is on the Solar Vic approved list; and the installer is Solar Vic-accredited. We're on the list. The program has been paused and reopened in batches and is being progressively wound back as Victoria electrifies — if you're considering one, the window is shrinking.

Question 3

How much cheaper is heat-pump to run than gas or electric?

Accepted Answer

Heat-pumps use a refrigeration cycle to extract ambient heat from the air, delivering 3–4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity (a COP of 3–4). Compared at current Victorian energy prices: heat-pump runs roughly 30% of the cost of an electric storage unit, and approximately 70% cheaper than gas continuous (taking gas standing charges and rising gas prices into account). Annual running cost for a 4-person Berwick household: heat-pump $250–$400, gas $700–$1,000, electric storage $900–$1,300.

Question 4

Which heat-pump brands do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

Sanden Eco — Japanese, CO2 refrigerant (low GWP), 15-year tank warranty, split-system (compressor outside, tank inside or out), 315L most common. The premium choice. Reclaim Energy — also CO2 refrigerant, Australian-assembled tank, split-system, slightly cheaper than Sanden. Stiebel Eltron WWK — German, integrated (compressor on top of tank), simpler install, R290 refrigerant. iStore (now Rinnai EHPA) — entry level, integrated, R134a refrigerant, decent value if you don't need split-system. We avoid the cheaper imports — they pass the rebate test but the compressors fail within 3–5 years.

Question 5

How noisy is a heat-pump and where do you put it?

Accepted Answer

Modern heat-pumps run around 45–55 dB at 1m — quieter than a fridge, similar to an outdoor air-conditioner condenser. Integrated units (compressor on top of tank) need to live outside or in a garage with good ventilation; they're slightly louder than split-systems because everything is in one unit. Split-systems separate the compressor (outdoor) from the tank (indoor or outdoor) — quieter at the tank, quieter for neighbours. For Berwick, Cranbourne, Narre Warren and Hampton Park homes with tight side setbacks, we usually place the compressor near the existing gas meter or AC condenser, never under bedroom windows.

Question 6

What size heat-pump tank do I need?

Accepted Answer

Heat-pump tanks recover slower than electric or gas storage, so undersizing causes lukewarm-shower problems. Sizing: 1–2 people 170–200L, 3 people 250L, 4 people 280–315L, 5+ people 315L plus or two units. The smaller 170L tanks suit small couples or single-person homes only. For most South East Melbourne 3–4 person families we default to the 280L Reclaim or 315L Sanden — the extra storage means you never run out and gives the heat-pump plenty of off-peak window to recover cheaply.

Question 7

Will a heat-pump work in winter in Berwick?

Accepted Answer

Yes — modern heat-pumps from quality brands (Sanden, Reclaim, Stiebel Eltron) are rated for ambient temperatures down to -10°C. Coldest winter mornings in Berwick rarely drop below -2°C. The COP (efficiency) does drop in cold weather (from 4+ in summer to maybe 2.5 at 5°C ambient) but the system still produces hot water — it just uses a bit more electricity. Cheaper R134a units degrade more in the cold; CO2-refrigerant units (Sanden, Reclaim) hold efficiency better. Bottom line: a properly-sized heat-pump in Berwick comfortably handles winter.

Question 8

Does a heat-pump need a special electrical circuit?

Accepted Answer

Most integrated heat-pumps run on a standard 10A single-phase circuit (same as your existing electric hot water). Some larger split-systems need a 15A or 20A dedicated circuit. We check your switchboard during the quote — if a new circuit or RCBO is needed, that's $200–$400 extra. Heat-pumps can be programmed to run on off-peak electricity tariff (or aligned with solar PV) for maximum savings. We set the timer at install based on your tariff.

Heat-pump hot water with the $1,000 rebate done for you.

Heat-pump brand comparison.

Tank sizing.

The Solar Victoria rebate — what we handle.

Standards & warranties.

Get the heat-pump quote — net price after rebates.