Glen Iris resident Antony replaced his gas hot-water system with a heat-pump hot-water service this year as part of his move towards an all-electric home.
With a subsidy from our BooST program, plus state and federal government incentives, the system became an affordable next step. It also helped him make better use of excess rooftop solar by heating water during the day.
'Combined with the subsidy from Boroondara and existing state and federal incentives, the upgrade became a highly attractive and cost-effective choice,' says Antony.
A heat-pump hot-water system is the most energy-efficient way to provide hot water for your home. It draws heat from the surrounding air, water or ground and can run on renewable electricity, including rooftop solar. Compared with gas or some conventional electric systems this can help cut energy use, bills and emissions by up to 75%.
One of the things Antony values most about his heat-pump hot-water system is that it provides another way to make the most of his rooftop solar.
'By heating water when the solar panels are generating power, the system costs barely anything to run,' he says. 'It also effectively stores excess solar energy for later use.'
Your heat pump questions answered
What is a heat pump, and how does heat-pump hot water work?
A heat pump is an energy-efficient system that moves heat rather than creating it. For hot water, it draws warmth from the surrounding air and uses it to heat water in a storage tank. This makes it an efficient electric alternative to gas or conventional electric hot-water systems.
How can I maximise my savings using heat-pump hot water?
Use a timer to run the system when electricity is cheapest. If you have solar, set it to heat water during the day when your panels are generating power.
If I have heat-pump hot water connected to solar, will it work in the evening?
Yes. A heat-pump hot-water system heats water and stores it in an insulated tank, so you can use hot water later, including in the evening. It's not an instant system, so it's important to choose the right tank size for your household.
Do heat-pump hot-water systems take up much space?
It depends on the system type. Split systems have a separate outdoor compressor linked to a storage tank, while integrated systems combine both in a single outdoor unit that sits on top of the tank. Space requirements vary by model and installation site.
Ready to make the switch?
The BooST program returns in October and can help eligible Boroondara residents save up to $2,000 on energy-efficient home upgrades. Even if you have a heritage home, you could be eligible for a subsidy on solar panels. Visit our BooST program page
