FAQs – Installing

Can I install the Solar hot water or Heat Pump system myself?

The installation of any solar or heat pump hot water system must be signed off by a qualified trained plumber. They issue a Plumbers ‘Notice of Completion’ to you and the Plumbing License Board for each hot water install. It is also part of the Warranty conditions stipulated by the manufacturers that your new system was installed by a qualified plumber. 

Furthermore by agreeing to accept Government Incentives you could potentially be audited to ensure your system has been professionally installed to run the life of the system. 

FAQs – Heat Pumps

Will my roof need strengthening to take the weight of the panels?

No, there are no roof panels! Unlike conventional solar that require solar aspect and only heat during the day, heat pumps only require airflow.

Where does the tank go?

In most situations it will sit outside at ground level on a solid footing. In some circumstances (i.e. apartment living) the tank may reside inside. In both situations there must be a suitable drainage point.

What’s Solar about your heat pumps?

With out the sun replenishing the thermal energy into the air every day this system would not work. It terms of running costs, the extraction mechanism requires a compressor that uses a small amount of energy, a quarter of that of an electrical element. If a traditional solar hot water system obtains 75% solar gain then the 25% power input during winter is proportional to the heat pumps power use over the course of a year.

What effect do your heat pumps have on the environment?

Heat pumps considerably reduce carbon emissions required to heat hot water. This is because only minimal electricity is used to drive a small compressor, fan, pump and digital display. Compare this to an electrical element storage tank that requires a high rated circuit to match their intensive draw rate. This major reduction in electrical use and carbon emissions is why our heat pump attracts Small-scale Technology Certificates that everybody can claim after their installation.

Gas is cheap, are the gas instantaneous units better?

Gas in cities per unit is cheaper than electricity, however gas burns extremely rapidly and inefficiently for the same output. Traditional heating methods (electricity or gas) can never be greater than 100% efficient (more likely 50% to 98%). Our heat pumps are found to be 6 to 8 times more efficient than a gas hot water system.

A heat pump can also give you the added pleasure of consistent water pressure, independent of how many taps are on while reducing your households’ carbon footprint.

Can I run a heat pump on off-peak power only?

Sure, our heat pumps will extract heat from the air day or night. Ask one of our hot water experts how maximise performance against your tariff.

Will your heat pumps operate during bad weather?

All our heat pumps are designed to be operational 24/7 all year round without a booster element.

Does the refrigerant need ‘re-gassing’?

No, the refrigerant is a fully sealed welded system like a fridge.

Do heat pumps over-heat in summer?

No, they are thermostatically controlled to only heat to a set temperature.

We use hot water mostly in the evening, will there be enough hot water by the morning?

Yes. Even on the coldest winter night our heat pumps can recover for early morning use.

Can I use the heat pump with a timer?

Yes. This needs to be professionally installed to ensure the timer can withstand a ‘motor-start’.

I’ve heard some heat pumps only heat the top part of that tank, does yours?

With our heat pumps you will find there is very little difference between the temperature at the top of the tank and the bottom. Tests have shown that in a 300L tank the difference is only 4°C. This is plenty of stored hot water for all the family!