Tired of high energy bills? Discover why thousands of Australian homeowners in Adelaide and Melbourne are switching to Heat Pump Hot Water Systems — the smarter, more sustainable choice when paired with solar power.
Heat pump hot water systems are quickly becoming the go-to solution for efficient, eco-friendly hot water – especially when paired with solar energy. In the last year alone, installations of heat pump hot water systems in Australia jumped by 70%, thanks to improved performance and generous rebates.
Homeowners and facility managers (from suburban Adelaide to metropolitan Melbourne) are eyeing these systems as a replacement for ageing electric or gas heaters. This guide breaks down everything you need to know – how heat pumps work, why they're ideal with solar, what incentives are available, and how Jousto's smart Energy Hub can amplify your savings.
Modern heat pump water heaters use up to 70% less electricity than traditional electric resistance systems. Instead of generating heat from scratch, they harvest ambient heat from the air to warm your water.
This high efficiency means lower energy bills – often reducing water heating costs by 50–70% compared to old electric or gas units. In real terms, many households see hundreds of dollars in annual savings.
Thanks to energy savings and rebates, a quality heat pump can pay for itself in as little as 3–5 years. Melbourne's climate, for instance, allows year-round efficient operation, and rebates can cut upfront costs by $1,000–$2,000.
Homeowners typically recoup their investment within a few winters of lower bills. In South Australia, bill reductions of ~18–30% are common when replacing old systems.
Every heat pump installed helps cut greenhouse emissions. By using renewable heat from the air, heat pumps slash carbon output versus gas burners or coal-powered electric tanks.
For environmentally conscious consumers – including community housing projects and NDIS facilities aiming for sustainability – this is a big win. Heat pumps also avoid gas combustion entirely, eliminating risks of gas leaks or toxic emissions.
The technology is proven – over 150,000 units are installed across Australia, from homes to aged care centres, with that number growing fast. Premium brands offer long warranties (often 10–15 years on tanks).
Well-maintained units can last over a decade. Users on forums often ask if heat pumps last; the answer is yes – a lifespan of 10–15 years is typical, rivalling traditional heaters.
As Australia moves towards full home electrification, heat pumps are a crucial component. They allow homeowners to eliminate gas connections entirely, creating an all-electric home that can be powered by renewable energy.
This transition is supported by government policies and rebates, making it financially attractive to switch from gas to electric heat pump systems as part of a broader sustainability strategy.
Modern heat pumps can be integrated with home energy management systems like Jousto's Energy Hub. This allows for intelligent operation based on solar production, electricity prices, and household usage patterns.
The ability to time operation during periods of excess solar production or low grid prices maximises savings and minimises environmental impact, making heat pumps a smart choice for the connected home.
A heat pump hot water system works like "a reverse refrigerator." Instead of cooling air, it extracts heat from the air and pumps that heat into water:
This Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3–5 means free heat from the environment provides the majority of the energy.
The outcome? Lots of hot water for a fraction of the energy. For example, 1 kW of input can yield ~5 kW of heating – a 500% output – in top models. This efficiency holds especially well in mild climates like Adelaide and Melbourne, making heat pumps an excellent fit for both regions.
One of the biggest advantages of heat pump systems is how seamlessly they integrate with solar PV panels. If you have solar (or plan to add it), a heat pump maximises your solar investment:
"I already have solar hot water, do I need a heat pump?"
Traditional solar thermal hot water systems use roof collectors and often have electric/gas boosters. They save energy, but heat pumps can actually be more efficient and flexible.
A heat pump doesn't require clear roof space or plumbing to the roof, and it works day or night (storing energy when it's cheapest). Many homeowners are now replacing old solar thermal systems with heat pumps for greater year-round savings, simplicity, and better integration with home energy management.
Both Adelaide and Melbourne see strong interest in heat pump hot water, but there are local nuances:
Adelaide's Mediterranean climate (warm summers, mild winters) is ideal for heat pumps. Even in cooler months, daytime highs are usually sufficient for efficient operation. Quality heat pumps in SA operate effectively down to -10°C – and Adelaide rarely gets that cold.
South Australians also enjoy robust incentives: under the REPS (Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme) (formerly REES) and federal programs, you can get big discounts. The City of Adelaide, for example, offers rebates up to $1,000 for solar hot water heat pumps.
Combined with federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), total incentives can reach $2,000+ for eligible installations. The result? Many Adelaide homeowners replace old electric tanks for little out-of-pocket cost.
Melbourne's temperate climate includes colder winters, but modern heat pumps handle this well. It's true that cheap models struggle below ~5°C, kicking in an electric booster and losing efficiency. However, high-COP units (and CO₂ refrigerant models) thrive even in chilly conditions.
For Melbourne residents, the economic case is boosted by generous rebates: You can combine three different incentives – federal STCs (worth ~$600–$800), Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEEC, $420–$780), and Solar Victoria's heat pump rebate ($1,000) – for a total of up to $2,600 off.
This "double-dip" rebate opportunity in VIC is a major reason heat pumps are booming. With the rebates, many Victorians find a quality 250L–315L heat pump costs under $1,500 out-of-pocket.
In summary, both SA and VIC offer strong support:
Both regions also allow interest-free loans or financing on solar/energy upgrades in certain cases, which can further ease the upfront cost. Always check the latest local programs, as these incentives can update year to year.
Without any rebates, heat pump hot water systems typically range from about $2,000 to $5,000 for the unit itself (smaller 170L–200L units on the lower end, premium 300L ones on the higher end). Installation costs can add $600 to $1,400, depending on complexity.
After federal STC rebates (which nearly everyone gets instantly as a discount), the average price for a heat pump upgrade in Australia is around $4,150 including basic installation. In SA and VIC, applying state rebates brings typical out-of-pocket costs to ~$1,500–$2,500 for many homeowners.
Here's where heat pumps shine. A family of four with a traditional electric water heater might spend $800+ a year on water heating. A heat pump could slash that by around 2/3.
In fact, data from Sustainability Victoria comparing water heater types showed heat pumps as the cheapest to run annually. By consuming ~70% less energy, many users save $300–$500 per year on energy bills just from hot water.
If you have solar and run the heat pump mostly on solar power, your effective hot water energy cost could drop to nearly zero on sunny days.
Example: One Reddit user in Melbourne noted their heat pump cut their peak electricity use dramatically, and with rebates the system cost was nominal. Similarly, a Whirlpool forum member in Perth calculated that even with conservative settings, a heat pump paid for itself in about 4 years via bill savings – making it absolutely "worth it."
Heat pumps are low-maintenance. They have a fan and compressor (like an AC unit) which should be kept clear of debris. Many have sacrificial anodes in the tank to check every few years (like any storage tank).
In general, they don't require frequent servicing. Warranties often cover 5+ years on the compressor and 10+ on the tank, indicating manufacturer confidence.
Over 10–15 years, you might replace a fan or sensor, but those costs are minor compared to the savings reaped.
We supply and install premium heat pump hot water systems from leading manufacturers:
Compare models, check rebates, and find the perfect system for your home in just minutes.
🛒 Browse the full rangeAll heat pump systems will save you money – but Jousto takes it further. Our Energy Hub technology acts as the intelligent brain of your home's energy. Here's how it amplifies the value of a heat pump hot water system:
Jousto is not just selling a product; we deliver a service. Our team includes licensed plumbers and electricians (we do installations across SA, VIC, and beyond).
We ensure your old system is safely removed, the new heat pump is set up to code, and the smart controls are configured perfectly. Post-installation, we remain on call for support, and the Energy Hub can even enable remote troubleshooting or performance tweaks.
Why does this matter to you? It means when you choose Jousto, you're not only getting hot water – you're getting peace of mind that your hot water system is always running in the most cost-effective way possible. No other provider offers this bundle of top-tier hardware plus intelligent optimisation.
Imagine waking up knowing your hot water was heated with solar you'd otherwise waste, or with 3¢/kWh overnight wind power. That's Jousto's promise: hot water, smartly delivered.
We supply and install Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Adelaide and Melbourne, with fast delivery and expert support across:
Wherever you are — we'll help you reduce bills, shrink your carbon footprint, and upgrade your hot water.
Here are ten frequently asked questions we often hear from Adelaide and Melbourne customers regarding heat pump hot water systems – along with concise answers:
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:
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:
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.
Join thousands of satisfied customers in Adelaide and Melbourne who are saving money and reducing their carbon footprint.
By covering all these aspects – from technical know-how to financial incentives and smart integration – this guide equips you with the knowledge to make an informed decision on heat pump hot water in Adelaide or Melbourne.
Heat pump hot water systems are the future of efficient home energy, and with Jousto's help, you can make that future a reality today. Here's to endless hot showers, dramatically lower bills, and a more sustainable home!
For South Australian homeowners considering solar, the difference between a solar system designed by a sales-driven company and one crafted by an independent solar designer can mean tens of thousands of dollars over the system's lifetime. Independent designers focus on tailored optimisation, ensuring that the system fits your specific energy usage and site characteristics.
Unlike sales companies, which often push preferred products and standardised packages, independent designers offer objective advice, recommend cost-effective components, and prioritise long-term returns. This approach not only improves energy yield but also avoids common design mistakes and ensures your solar investment pays off for years to come.
South Australia leads the nation in rooftop solar uptake, thanks to abundant sunshine and favourable policy support. With energy prices on the rise, many homeowners see solar as a practical solution for cutting costs and reducing carbon emissions.
However, the way a solar system is designed and sized can make or break its economic viability. This blog explores the two main design pathways available to SA homeowners:
Systems offered by solar sales companies
Solutions provided by independent solar designers
We’ll break down the financial, technical, and long-term implications of each approach—and show why going independent delivers the strongest economic outcome.
Solar sales companies often prioritise sales volume. As a result, they may present you with package-based solutions, designed for simplicity and speed rather than performance.
Limited brand range (aligned with their commercial partnerships)
Standardised system sizes
Minimal site-specific analysis
Sales-driven priorities over user outcomes
While these systems might appear competitively priced, they’re often suboptimally sized, overlook shading issues, and may use lower-quality components that reduce performance and lifespan.
Independent designers operate with no sales quotas or brand affiliations. Their only agenda is to design the best possible system for your property and usage patterns.
Fully customised system designs
Wide selection of brands and technologies
Thorough site-specific shading, tilt, and orientation analysis
Designs that factor in future needs like batteries or EVs
They work as solar consultants, not product pushers—giving you peace of mind and helping you avoid overspending on inappropriate or mismatched technology.
Independent solar design begins with your energy bills, not a sales script. The designer reviews:
Past consumption patterns
Roof shape and orientation
Household energy usage peaks
Future considerations (e.g. EVs, pool pumps, battery storage)
This ensures the system is neither over- nor under-sized, providing maximum return on investment while avoiding unnecessary costs.
In South Australia, north-facing panels at a tilt angle around 30–35° generally provide the best year-round performance. However, independent designers may:
Recommend east-west split arrays to match usage patterns
Design systems that reduce export losses by shifting production to when you’re home
Use shading simulation software to optimise panel placement
All of these increase self-consumption, which is far more valuable than exporting to the grid at low feed-in rates.
Choosing the right inverter is essential. Oversized or undersized inverters lead to clipping or inefficiency, which impacts energy yield and payback periods.
An independent designer:
Matches inverter size to panel capacity accurately
Plans for future expandability or battery integration
Recommends the right inverter type (string, hybrid, or microinverter)
By avoiding mismatches and future retrofit costs, homeowners save more across the system's lifespan.
Common pitfalls in solar design include:
Ignoring roof shading from trees or chimneys
Installing panels at inefficient orientations
Undersizing or oversizing the inverter
Choosing low-quality components to cut upfront costs
Failing to comply with local regulations or network limits
Independent designers bring experience and software modelling tools to the table, helping you avoid costly mistakes and ensuring compliance with South Australian grid requirements.
They also steer you away from systems that might work "on paper" but fail under real-world conditions.
Solar sales companies usually offer a narrow product range due to dealership arrangements or stock contracts. That limits your choices.
Independent designers provide:
Access to dozens of panel and inverter brands
Honest comparisons of cost, efficiency, warranty, and reliability
Insights into the latest technologies, including battery-ready and EV-integrated systems
This means your system is designed around value for money and performance, not just availability or margin.
Independent designers calculate ROI using real data:
Grid electricity costs
Self-consumption rates
Feed-in tariffs
Maintenance and warranty periods
Future energy price forecasts
They also consider available rebates like the federal STC program and any local South Australian incentives.
A properly designed system:
Has a shorter payback period
Generates more usable power
Requires less retrofitting or costly upgrades later
Jousto, a South Australian energy automation service, adds an extra layer of savings by automating when and how energy is used.
Automating appliances to run during solar surplus
Battery charging from the grid when prices are low
Preventing exports during negative feed-in pricing
Integrating with Home Assistant for full energy control
Once your home has a high-performing, custom-designed solar system, Jousto helps you:
Maximise self-consumption
Avoid costly grid imports
Automate time-sensitive energy tasks
Together, they provide a structural + behavioural energy solution, making your home truly energy-optimised.
If you’re considering solar, here are the right questions to ask:
How do you determine the ideal system size?
What tools do you use for shading and consumption analysis?
Are your design recommendations brand-agnostic?
How will this system perform over 10, 15, or 20 years?
Can this system support future battery or EV integration?
Get multiple quotes—include at least one independent designer
Check Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation
Consider a Residential Efficiency Scorecard to evaluate your home’s energy baseline
Use Jousto or a similar automation tool to optimise use after installation
Although it might seem like a bigger upfront effort, choosing an independent solar designer can save you thousands in avoided inefficiencies, not to mention improve system reliability and comfort.
For South Australian homeowners ready to go solar, independent design is the smartest economic choice. It offers:
Tailored solutions that match your energy use
Higher self-consumption and energy yield
Objective, brand-neutral advice
Avoidance of costly design mistakes
Better planning for batteries and future energy needs
When paired with smart automation from platforms like Jousto, the benefits only multiply. You’ll reduce grid reliance, protect against electricity price rises, and maximise the return on your solar investment.
Don’t just buy solar—design it wisely.
Already have a high-performing solar system—or planning one through an independent designer? It’s time to make it smarter.
Jousto empowers South Australian homeowners to get even more value from their solar investment by automating how and when energy is used. Whether it’s running your appliances during solar peaks, charging your battery when energy is cheapest, or avoiding exports during low or negative feed-in tariffs—Jousto handles it all for you.
✅ Maximise self-consumption
✅ Minimise grid costs
✅ Integrate with Home Assistant
✅ Automate appliances and storage systems
👉 See how Jousto can supercharge your solar setup
Smarter energy. Greater savings. Effortlessly.