Project Description
As more people recognise the environmental benefits and long-term cost savings of electrifying their homes, heat pumps are gaining in popularity. We know they’re better for the environment and can save you money in the longer term. What’s not to love? The crucial decision is what kind of heat pump to choose in the growing market.
With the cost-of-living crisis causing significant strain for Australian households and businesses, it’s understandable that cheap heat pumps have their appeal. Feeling unsure about which one to buy? We have broken down some things to consider when deciding what kind of heat pump you want to invest in:
Is it as environmentally friendly as it sounds?
Most people are keen to get a heat pump to minimise their carbon footprint, so it’s important to understand whether your heat pump system is an environmentally friendly product or not. This can be difficult to decipher. Be sure to check out the heat pump’s Global Warming Potential (GWP) rating before making your purchase, as cheaper heat pumps often have a very high rating. Reclaim’s Co2 heat pumps have a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of only 1. This natural refrigerant is abundant in the atmosphere and poses no risk of ozone depletion. It’s ranked alongside solar energy in terms of its environmental friendliness (and as such is eligible for heat pump rebates and Government incentives.)
How efficient is the heat pump?
Cheap heat pumps are often made from lower grade materials and not designed to operate efficiently, particularly within a fluctuating Australian climate. They require more energy to achieve the same outcome as premium heat pumps – ultimately leading to higher energy consumption and higher energy bills. Alternatively, premium heat pumps are made from high quality materials, including innovative and cutting-edge technologies that reduce energy consumption and longer-term costs along with excelling in variable climate conditions. At Reclaim, we are passionate about how next generation technology can inspire continuous improvement and product development that leads to better hot water systems for consumers.
Will it last?
Once you have taken the plunge and invested in a heat pump, you want to count on it to stand the test of time. Be sure to think about the quality of materials made to use the heat pump – will they stand up to wear and tear? Will it be equipped to handle challenging environmental conditions? Does it have technology that contributes to energy efficiency and reliability? Chances are, the price attached to bargain heat pumps are too good to be true.
What is the warranty/post-sales support?
Be sure to check out the warranty and customer support attached to your heat pump. Often cheaper heat pumps offer shorter warranties which might mean that you need to replace them sooner. Similarly, they might lack after-sales support – causing you time and headaches to chase up support when you most need it! No one wants to be without hot water!
Reclaim heat pumps have industry leading warranties for our products – 8 years parts and labour on our Reclaim Wi-Fi heat pump (from 2024), market leading 8 years for our controllers, 10 years for a glass-lined tank and 15 years for our stainless-steel tank. We have also been intentional about building a strong team to ensure that our after-sales care is of the highest standard anytime! We are focused on growing relationships with our valued customers to ensure we are responsive and helpful whenever you need support.
There’s a plethora of choice when it comes to heat pump systems. Firstly, resist the allure of inexpensive heat pumps and do some pre-purchase research! This will be key to avoiding potential disappointments and ensuring that the heat pumps not only meet your initial motivation for the purchase but also delivers economic and environmental benefits.
