A heat pump hot water system moves heat from the air into the water, using far less electricity than a plain electric element. Swapping one in for a gas unit is a popular step off gas, but a gas heater location usually has no suitable power at all.
Ring 0421 772 661 for the electrical side. Tell us the heat pump model and send a photo of where the old unit sits and your switchboard.
Gas storage and instantaneous water heaters normally need either no power or a single power point for the controls. A heat pump needs a hard-wired supply on its own circuit, with an isolating switch near the unit. In many Inner West houses the old gas heater sits down a narrow side path or at the back of the house, a long way from the switchboard, so the cable route is the main part of our work.
The circuit size depends on the heat pump. Some units have a backup element that raises their maximum draw, others don't. We size the circuit from the rating plate and the manufacturer's installation manual, not from a rule of thumb.
A licensed gasfitter disconnects and caps the gas supply to the old heater. A licensed plumber installs the heat pump, connects the water and fits the valves and drains. We run the circuit from the switchboard, fit the outdoor isolator, connect the unit and test it. Hot water heat pumps used in homes are generally self-contained units, so there is no on-site refrigerant work for a typical install.
We coordinate timing with your plumber so the power is ready when the tank goes in, which keeps the time without hot water short.
From the switchboard to the outdoor unit, protected and sized for its run.
A weatherproof isolating switch near the heat pump for safe servicing.
A new circuit breaker or RCBO. See RCD vs RCBO.
Some heat pumps can run on a controlled-load or timed circuit. Check the manual and your retailer.
Heat pumps have a fan and compressor, so they make some noise and need airflow around them. On small terrace blocks it's worth thinking about bedroom windows, the neighbour's side and access for servicing before choosing a spot. Moving the unit away from the old gas position changes both the plumbing and the electrical route, so we look at it together with your plumber.
If the switchboard is already full or has ceramic fuses, a switchboard upgrade may come first.
NSW and federal programs have offered incentives for replacing gas or electric hot water with a heat pump. Details change and depend on the provider, so check current eligibility on the official government sites. Our heat pump incentives page explains how the electrical side fits in, and our heat pump vs gas hot water comparison may help you decide.
Yes, in almost all cases it is hard-wired on a dedicated circuit with an isolator near the unit. The manual states the circuit it needs.
No, that's a licensed gasfitter's job. We do the electrical work and can time our visit with your gasfitter and plumber.
Often, but noise, airflow and access matter. We'll look at the cable route for whichever spot you and your plumber choose.
On its own it's a moderate load, but we check it alongside cooking, heating and any EV charger before quoting.
We install and wire it. The unit, its warranty and plumbing are handled by the supplier and your plumber.
NSW Electrical Contractor Licence 332956C · Fully insured · Since 2016 · Based in Hurlstone Park
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