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  • maroondah heating & cooling Blog Should You Upgrade from Gas to Heat Pump Hot Water? Pros & Cons”

Should You Upgrade from Gas to Heat Pump Hot Water? Pros & Cons”

Oct 31st, 2024
Heat pump hot water mechanism

Australia’s dependence on gas is certainly a hot topic at the moment, and the debate continues to receive significant media coverage. Although the federal government’s ‘Future Gas Strategy’ represents a long-term commitment to gas on a national level, Victoria is one of the states that has stood firm on plans to phase it out.

Across the state, more and more Victorians have already taken the opportunity to switch from gas to heat pump hot water systems. Despite this, many property owners are still weighing up this decision.
So, should you upgrade from gas to heat pump hot water? Well, we’re going to cover everything you need to know throughout this article. Hopefully, this info should help you to make a decision that best suits your needs!

Heat Pump Hot Water: What is it and How Does it Work?

Powered by electricity, heat pump hot water units use a refrigeration cycle to extract air from outdoors. From here, the air is transferred through a heat exchanger and internal storage cylinder. Fundamentally, this means that they transport heat from one source to another, rather than generating heat directly.  

There are two main types of heat pump systems–integrated and split

Integrated systems come with heat pumps that are mounted above the storage cylinder. In some cases, the evaporator is either a separate component or wrapped around the cylinder.

A split system heat pump is much like the mounted air conditioners you’re probably very familiar with. This means that they feature a separate outdoor unit with a fan, evaporator and compressor, which is then connected to the storage cylinder through refrigerant piping. 

Integrated systems are generally more compact and less conspicuous, making them ideal for smaller spaces. Split systems, however, can be quieter and more flexible to install–particularly if your property is located on the second floor or higher.

Advantages

There are certainly many advantages and reasons to invest in a heat pump hot water system! Let’s cover some of the most important benefits now:

Excellent Energy Efficiency

As noted by the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, “heat pump water heaters are highly efficient and use 30% of the energy of a conventional electric hot water system.”

The very nature of heat pump technology is what makes it efficient. Heat pump technology is efficient because it transfers heat from lower-temperature environments to higher-temperature spaces using minimal energy, even during periods of high demand. 
In 2023, an ABC article delved into which household appliances use the most energy. According to these figures, hot water systems account for an average of 25% of power used, although the percentage can be even higher for certain households. In a practical sense, this means that investing in a more energy-efficient hot water system is a tangible way to reduce power bills.

An Eco-Friendly Alternative

Heat pump hot water systems are a fantastic option for anyone that wants to reduce their carbon footprint. These systems work by extracting heat from the air, making them significantly more energy-efficient compared to traditional electric or gas water heaters. Gas, on the other hand, both relies on finite resources and also generates higher greenhouse emissions. 

The eco-friendly nature of heat pump hot water systems can be attributed to:

  • Energy Efficiency
  • Renewable Energy Source
  • Lower Emissions

Not only do these systems help in reducing environmental impact, but they also contribute to long-term savings on energy bills. This makes them an appealing option for environmentally conscious homeowners who plan to stay in their property for the foreseeable future.

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Rebates

In case you haven’t heard, there are substantial government rebates and incentives on offer when you choose to go gas-free and electrify your household. With this financial assistance, switching from gas to electric has become more viable than ever.

Whether you’re incorporating solar technology or simply looking to electrify your household, there are various avenues available. Make sure to ask us about the generous rebates you receive by installing an Enviroheat heat pump!

Lower Operating Costs

Lower operating cost of  heat pump hot water

Next up, we’ve got one of the most important benefits offered by heat pump hot water; lower operating costs. Once installed, these units consume significantly less energy to heat water. This efficiency is achieved by transferring heat rather than generating it, resulting in substantial savings on energy bills over time.

Operating costs for heat pump hot water systems are reduced due to:

  • Energy efficiency (using up to 70% less energy than conventional systems)
  • Utilisation of ambient air heat, which is a free and renewable resource
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

When you account for all of these factors, there can be a much lower total cost of ownership. Essentially, heat pump hot water systems are an economically sound choice for anyone looking to save on long-term utility expenses.

Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Current Hot Water Service

Although there are many reasons to upgrade from gas to heat pump water, it’s equally important to recognise when it’s time to move on and get an existing set-up replaced. So, how can you determine if it’s time to take the leap? Here are some signs to look out for.

  • Subpar hot water output: If you’re continually running out of hot water or if the water isn’t as hot as it used to be, it’s highly likely that your current system is struggling to keep up with the demand. 
  • Unusual noises: While some sounds are normal, such as water heat, loud rumbling, popping, or cracking sounds could indicate a serious problem. These noises often result from sediment build-up inside the tank, causing the system to work harder and consequently reducing its lifespan.
  • Older systems. Most hot water systems have a lifespan of about 8-12 years. If yours is nearing or has exceeded this, it may be more cost-effective to replace it than to continually repair it.
  • Frequent repairs: If you find yourself regularly calling a plumber to fix issues with your hot water service, it might be more cost-effective to invest in a new, more efficient system.

Potential Challenges

Although there’s many benefits of a gas to heat pump switch, it’s worth noting that there could be a couple of hurdles. We’ve noted these below. However, in general, the advantages outweigh any disadvantages. 

Heat Loss: Heat pump water heaters, like all storage systems, inevitably lose some heat through the cylinder walls, a phenomenon referred to as “standing losses.” This constant heat escape means that energy is being used even when no hot water is drawn. 
Upfront Installation Costs: Installation costs can certainly be a hurdle for anyone on a tight budget. Of course, this initial investment is offset by the lower costs moving forward. In this sense, it may depend on how long you plan to stick around at the property.

Interested? Get a Quote!

Want to go gas-free and make the switch to a brand-new heat pump hot water service? You’re in great hands with Maroondah Air Services’ licensed and qualified specialists. Speak to our friendly team today for installations, repairs and maintenance of hot water systems

For more than two decades, our technicians have delivered award-winning customer service for clients across Melbourne. We also provide offers and discounts for anyone looking to upgrade their existing hot water service and invest in heat pump technology.

Reach out to us for a quote today!

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