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The rise of the cheap rebated Heat pump
June 2023
Hey, gather around, fellow energy enthusiasts, because there's a new player in town: T he cheap imported rebated heat pump.
So, what's all the fuss about? Well, let's break it down.
Heat pump hot water systems have been around for a while, as early as the late 1970s, but whilst the technology did well in other countries they never really took off in Australia. We were the lucky country with plenty of gas & coal to fire our power stations. Fast forward to the 2000s and we have seen a change in living standards and what society now expects. We now care for the environment much more and understand in most part, the benefits of using this type of technology, but the game-changer here is the affordability factor. Cost of living has hit hard and it doesn't matter what you do for a living or how much you earn, we all face the inevitable ongoing power costs floating toward us on the horizon. Over the years advancements in technology and increased demand for sustainable water heating solutions, manufacturers, particularly in China have been able to produce these heat pumps at a fraction of the cost compared to a few years ago. This in turn has developed a class system among heat pumps manufacturers, being the old good, better best scenario, however many of the so called "good" units manufactured at the cheaper end of the market are not so "good".
Heat pumps are more than just budget-friendly gadgets. They're eco-warriors, battling climate change one degree at a time. Unlike traditional heating systems that rely on burning fossil fuels, heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another, making them a much greener alternative. However it's not just about saving the planet; let's not forget about the long-term savings. Sure, the upfront cost was always a bit higher than a traditional hot water system, but the energy savings over time more than make up for it. With rising energy costs and uncertain climates, investing in a heat pump hot water system now is like giving yourself a cozy, budget-friendly hug for years to come.
But wait, there's more! Cue the rebates. Some of the Australian State Governments have joined the Federal Government and are jumping on the green bandwagon, offering incentives and rebates to homeowners who opt for energy-efficient heating solutions like heat pumps. Here lies the problem, remember the insulation debacle or the water tank incentive scheme nightmare? these government schemes, whilst many believe are warranted, are traditionally not well managed and bring out the worst rebate chasers in the world. They set up overnight use the worst sales tactics to bully customers sell & install the cheapest products & then when the rebates are finished disappear as fast as they set up. Leaving the the unknowing customer with all the problems not too far down the track. Not all operators are like this and not all the products participating in the schemes are cheap and nasty but how do you know which is which?
Heat pumps are here to stay, and in general this is a great thing, they are a cleaner hot water heating source and they cost less to run saving customers plenty of money in the long run, but with so many new heat pump hot water systems on the market how do you know which ones are in it for the right reasons and which ones are chasing the rebates on offer like so many of the other government schemes that have come and gone leaving a bad taste in the mouths of so many. Which suppliers will stand up and continue after the scheme has finished and which ones will crawl away like the insects that tend to come out during the rebate schemes.
Firstly, let me say any heat pump that works correctly is an improvement on standard electric and gas hot water. However a heat pump is made up of working parts it will need to be maintained, it will probably need parts and very well may break down (especially the cheap unknown ones), you need to make sure that company that is selling them to you will be here in a few years time if something goes wrong, you also need to know what you are buying is going to perform when needed.
The following details will hopefully help you to make a decision on which heat pumps to choose;
Check the company background if the company has only been registered in Australia or the company only started selling heat pumps in the last 18 months - 2 years, they may be riding the rebate wave.
Do your homework on the warranty provided for the price you are paying.
Check the quality of the product you are buying, look at the older reviews not just the last 12 mths.
Look for products in your price range, not necessarily buy the cheapest one because of the rebates and see what you get for your money. Look at their online reviews.
Ask for contacts that have installed the units you're interested in and contact them to ask them what they think.
Check the product COP, recommended no of people and dB ratings to make sure it fits your home.
Do your homework on the installers the company uses, are they budget for a price (Red flag) or are they doing the job right.
Finally trust your gut when dealing with sales people.
Provided you do you homework and don't rush into making the decision based on a salesman trying to get you a rebate, you'll make the right decision. Remember you don't have to buy the biggest and best, keep to what you can afford. Whilst a Lamborghini or Ferrari will get you where you want to go fast and in style, a Toyota or Mitsubishi will get you there also albeit a little slower. Just avoid the Jalopy with the wound back clock, and dodgy engine. Good luck and if you need some help feel free to contact us at www.ozheatpumps.com.au.