Energy Efficient & Reliable

Heat Pump Hot Water Heaters

The warm climate of Southeast Queensland makes it an ideal location to take advantage of heat pump technology for hot water systems. Bribie Island Hot Water specialises in the installation and maintenance of heat pump systems, providing reliable and energy-efficient solutions for both homes and businesses. With years of experience and a strong commitment to sustainability, we deliver high-quality hot water systems that you can depend on. Servicing Brisbane, Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas, Bribie Island Hot Water is your trusted choice for effective and affordable hot water solutions.

Heat Pump hot water systems

Heat pump hot water systems have advanced significantly in recent years, overcoming the challenges that once gave them a poor reputation in Australia. It is unfortunate that many people were left hesitant to try them again, as modern systems now offer outstanding performance and cost savings of up to 75 percent compared to electric or LPG gas hot water systems. As with most things, quality matters. Choosing a cheap, no-name heat pump often results in poor reliability and short lifespan because inferior parts and materials are used. Bribie Island Hot Water recommends investing in trusted, reputable brands to ensure long-term efficiency and value.

From the mid-2000s through to around 2015, many major hot water brands released heat pump products that proved to be highly unreliable. During this period, government rebates encouraged homeowners to switch from traditional electric systems to solar or heat pump options, and new regulations required that new homes could only install solar, gas or heat pump hot water systems. The sudden demand led to rushed designs and poor choices by manufacturers, resulting in systems that often failed to meet expectations. Bribie Island Hot Water has seen firsthand how these early mistakes damaged the reputation of heat pump technology, but with today’s improved designs and advanced engineering, modern systems are far more reliable and efficient.

Roof mounted, Thermosyphon solar water heaters.

Unfortunately, even today there are still low-quality heat pump systems being sold to unsuspecting customers by companies focused only on quick sales. Many of these cheap, no-name imports, including some poorly made Chinese models, are simply not built to withstand the Australian climate. At Bribie Island Hot Water we have seen the problems these systems cause, which is why we only recommend and supply reliable, proven brands designed for long-term performance in local conditions.

Choosing wisely means recognising that cheaper products are usually built with lower quality components. In reality, the price difference between no-name heat pump hot water systems and those from reputable brands is not significant, especially when you consider the long-term value. The electricity savings alone make it well worth switching from a gas or electric water heater to a heat pump when the time comes to upgrade. Bribie Island Hot Water helps customers make this transition smoothly, ensuring they get a reliable system that delivers real efficiency and cost savings.

Call us on 1300 728 122 for 100% totally unbiased honest advise on what’s good and what’s not so good

Bribie Island Hot Water explains heat pump technology in a simple way. Think about how a refrigerator works. It cools the inside while releasing warm air outside. A heat pump works in the opposite way by producing hot water and releasing cooler air. Just like when you feel the hot air blowing from an air conditioner, a heat pump water heater pushes out cold air while transferring the captured heat into the water through plates and pipes built into the storage tank. The efficiency is remarkable, using only 1kW of power to deliver the same result that an electric hot water system would need 4kW to achieve. That means around 75 percent less energy is required, making heat pumps one of the most efficient hot water solutions available.

Heat pump hot water systems from Bribie Island Hot Water work by drawing warmth from the surrounding air and transferring it to heat the water. This process is why they are sometimes called air-sourced solar hot water systems. While they run on electricity, they are around three times more efficient than conventional electric element heaters. In the right conditions, they reduce energy use, cut costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. When combined with solar PV panels, they are an excellent match, as they typically use only about 1kW of power compared to the 3.6kW required by a standard electric hot water system.

How does a Heat Pump work?

Bribie Island Hot Water explains that heat pumps work in a similar way to refrigerators and air conditioners. Instead of removing heat to keep an area cool, a heat pump transfers heat into the water. This is done through pipes that are either wrapped around or submerged in the storage tank. Some systems circulate the water from the tank through a heating plate before returning it, ensuring consistent heating. Electricity powers the pump that moves refrigerant through the system, and this refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and transfers it directly to the water in the tank.

Bribie Island Hot Water explains that heat pumps operate using a refrigerant designed to evaporate at low temperatures, allowing them to capture heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water efficiently.

Bribie Island Hot Water explains that heat pumps work through a series of steps that make them highly efficient at heating water.

First, a liquid refrigerant passes through an evaporator where it absorbs heat from the surrounding air and turns into a gas.
The gas is then compressed in an electric compressor, which raises its temperature so that it becomes hotter than the water in the tank.
This hot gas flows into a condenser, transferring its heat to the water before turning back into a liquid.
The liquid then moves through an expansion valve where the pressure is reduced, cooling it down so it can return to the evaporator and repeat the process.

Electricity is used to power the compressor and the fan, but unlike a traditional electric hot water system that directly heats the water, a heat pump transfers heat from the air to the water. This allows it to move much more heat energy while using far less electricity. The efficiency depends on the outside air temperature. When the air is warmer than the refrigerant gas, heat is absorbed and transferred easily. In cooler climates, the process is less effective, although some modern systems are designed to operate in sub-zero conditions. In some cases, they can even be installed indoors in large spaces such as garages with proper ventilation.

For the evaporator to continuously absorb heat, there must be a steady flow of fresh air. A built-in fan circulates the air, removing the cooled air back into the atmosphere.

Heat pump water heaters are available in two main designs.

Integrated or compact systems combine the compressor and storage tank into one complete unit.
Split systems separate the tank and compressor, similar to a split air conditioner, and connect them with refrigerant pipes.

The Best Prices On Top Brands

Bribie Island Hot Water stock 5 main brands in our Brisbane and Sunshine Coast warehouses.

Bribie Island Hot Water only supplies and installs trusted heat pump brands that are proven to perform reliably in Australian conditions and are backed by strong warranties and after-sales support. Choosing cheap, no-name imports might save a little upfront, but it often leads to problems when parts fail or are no longer available, leaving you with the cost of an early replacement.

OMNI X – Envirosun HP Plus – Rheem Ambipower – iStore – Reclaim

Bribie Island Hot Water highlights the many benefits of choosing a heat pump hot water system, both for the environment and for long-term cost savings.

Bribie Island Hot Water believes that choosing the right heat pump from the start is essential for performance, reliability and value.

Want more information about these types of hot water heaters?

Call Bribie Island Hot Water today on 1300 728 122 or after hours on 0413 861 166. We are a family-owned and operated business with more than 20 years of specialist experience in hot water. Our team provides expert advice backed by hands-on technical knowledge, and we are trusted by many leading hot water manufacturers across Australia to carry out service and warranty work. Unlike general plumbers or electricians who often give poor or inaccurate advice, our focus is solely on hot water, ensuring you always receive the right guidance and solutions.

At Bribie Island Hot Water we do not handle blocked drains or guttering, HOT WATER IS WHAT WE KNOW