Yes – thanks to big energy savings and rebates, heat pump systems are absolutely worth it. They use ~70% less power than old electric heaters, so you save on bills. Both SA and VIC offer incentives (up to $2k–$2.6k) that cut purchase costs.

In Adelaide's mild climate and Melbourne's well-supported market, a quality heat pump often pays for itself within 3–5 years. After that, it's money in your pocket every year.

They work by extracting heat from the air. A fan pulls in outside air, a refrigerant absorbs the air's heat, then a compressor concentrates that heat and transfers it to the water in the tank. It's the reverse of how a fridge cools.

Because they move heat rather than make it, they're super efficient – 1 unit of electricity can generate 3–5 units of heat in your water. Even in cold weather, there's enough ambient heat for the system to work (down to around -10°C for good models).

Yes, absolutely. In fact, pairing with solar is ideal. You can set the heat pump to run during the day to use your solar PV's excess energy. This means your hot water is heated "for free" by the sun.

Jousto's Energy Hub can automate this, turning on the heat pump exactly when your solar output is highest. With solar, many customers find their electric bill for hot water drops to near zero on average. It's a perfect combination for reducing grid usage and maximising solar self-consumption.

There are generous rebates in Australia:

• Federal STC incentive: Worth roughly $600–$800 off upfront (applied as a discount by installers in most cases).
• South Australia: Under REPS, many households qualify for additional discounts (often $500–$1,000 value), and City of Adelaide residents get up to $1,000 rebate.
• Victoria: You can stack three incentives – STC, Victorian Energy Upgrade (VEEC ~$500), and Solar Victoria's $1,000 rebate – totalling up to $2,600 in rebates.

These significantly lower the cost of a heat pump system. Check local eligibility (often if replacing an electric unit, you qualify; replacing gas has slightly different rules). Jousto helps clients navigate and claim all applicable rebates.

After rebates, most people pay around $1,500 to $3,000 out-of-pocket for a good system, including installation. The exact cost depends on the unit size/brand and installation complexity.

For example, a 250L unit might be $2,500 for the system and $800 for install = $3,300, minus say $1,500 in rebates → ~$1,800 net cost. Without any rebates, a high-end system plus install could be around $5,000.

The average national installed cost is ~$4,157 before state rebates. It's higher than a basic electric heater, but remember the running costs are far lower – so the investment pays back over time. Jousto provides upfront quotes showing the full price and then any rebates you're entitled to, so you see the final cost clearly.

Yes, modern heat pumps are designed to work year-round. In winter, they do run longer and a bit less efficiently (because the air is colder), but they will still heat your water.

For instance, many units that have a COP of 4 in summer might drop to COP 2–3 in cold winter nights – meaning they're still 200–300% efficient (2–3 times more efficient than a traditional heater).

In places like Melbourne where winter nights can approach 0°C, it's important to get a unit with good low-temp performance. Some models have a built-in electric booster that kicks in only if needed on the chilliest nights, so you never go without hot water.

As long as your unit is sized right, you won't notice any difference in availability of hot water in winter – just possibly a slight uptick in electricity use compared to summer (still much less than an electric tank would use).

They're pretty quiet. The sound comes from a fan and compressor, similar to a small air conditioner. Typically, noise levels range from 37 dB to 50 dB. 37 dB is very quiet – like a whisper or a refrigerator humming in the next room. 50 dB is a bit louder, like moderate rainfall.

Most units will be closer to the 45 dB mark. In practice, customers rarely complain about noise. If the unit is outside or in a garage, you might not hear it at all indoors. If near a bedroom window, you might hear a faint hum when it's running – but remember, it doesn't run constantly; once the water's heated, it turns off.

If noise is a concern, Jousto can recommend ultra-quiet models and placement that minimises any disturbance.

On average about 10 to 15 years, which is similar to or a bit longer than a conventional electric or gas tank. The tank portion is like any other hot water tank (glass-lined steel) and often comes with a 10-year warranty. The heat pump mechanism (compressor, etc.) might have a 5-year warranty on parts.

With proper maintenance (flushing the tank if needed, replacing anodes every few years in hard water areas), some heat pumps have been known to last 15+ years. It's good to check warranty terms of the brand you choose: e.g., Sanden offers 15 years on the tank and 6 years on the compressor, which indicates the expected longevity for high-end systems.

Jousto only installs reputable brands with solid support, so you're covered long-term.

Yes, definitely. Converting from gas to a heat pump is a common upgrade, especially as homes move towards all-electric setups. The installer will safely cap off the gas line and you might even be able to remove the gas meter eventually (saving on supply charges).

The main difference for install is running an electrical circuit to power the heat pump – Jousto handles the necessary electrical work with licensed electricians. Once installed, you'll enjoy not just lower energy bills but also the elimination of gas appliance maintenance and the improved safety of having no gas combustion in the home.

Plus, many state rebates (like in VIC) apply a bonus when switching from gas to efficient electric, because it helps reduce emissions. So you get help with the cost. In short, gas to heat pump is a wise switch that many are doing in Adelaide and Melbourne.

Jousto combines expert installation with smart technology that others don't offer. When you get a heat pump hot water system from Jousto, we don't just set and forget it – we integrate it with the Jousto Energy Hub, which intelligently controls when the heat pump runs to maximise use of solar or off-peak power.

No other provider in SA or VIC is currently offering this level of automation for hot water. Essentially, with Jousto you get:

• Top-quality heat pump unit (we'll help choose the right brand/model for you).
• Professional installation by our team (plumbing and electrical included, no fuss).
• Smart Energy Hub controller that links your heat pump to your solar system or tariff data, optimising your energy use in real-time.
• Ongoing support and monitoring – we ensure your system runs smoothly and you get the savings promised.

This means a Jousto-installed system could save you more money over its life than a standard install, due to the smart scheduling. We turn your hot water system into an active part of your energy-saving toolkit, not a passive appliance. That's the Jousto difference – we marry efficiency with intelligence for unbeatable results.