Frequently Asked Questions - Heat Pump Hot Water Sysytems

Environmentally Friendly Hot Water

Solar Hot Water Systems

and Solar Heat Pump Systems FAQ's

When will electric Hot Water Systems be phased out?

The Federal Government is rolling out the phase out of electric hot water systems in NSW in order to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Home owners are no longer able to install electric hot water systems in new houses, and by 2012 home owners will no longer be able to install electric hot water systems in existing houses. For those who choose to switch over to environmentally friendly hot water early, the Government is offering generous cash back REBATES. This is why it's best to get in now while the rebates are available. Every house will be changed over to Environmentally Friendly hot water eventually - the earlier you make the switch - the more money you will save. For more information on the electric hot water phase out visit http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/programs-and-rebates/solar-hot-water.aspx

How do Solar Heat Pump Hot Water Systems work?

Simply put, a Solar heat Pump Hot Water System works like a air conditioner on the heating cycle – instead of heating air it heats water. One kilowatt used to compress the refrigerant inside the system produces three to three and a half kilowatts of heat in your water heater. It is so much more efficient than an electric system because electricity is only used to operate the pump to move the heat; it is not used to create the heat. In the case of heat pumps, "heat" is a relative term, as they will still work in very cold conditions, so it will still be generating hot water for you in all seasons and weather conditions - particularly during those cold winter nights when you need your hot water the most.

Just how efficient is are Solar Hot Water and Solar Heat Pump systems?

By replacing your electric hot water system with a Solar Hot Water System or Solar Heat Pump System you will:

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Reduce your running costs by 45% to 70% (depending on the type of existing Off Peak hot water tariff you have) and

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Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions from water heating by two thirds

A Solar Heat pump Hot Water system will cost around the same to run as a traditional 2 panel Solar Hot Water system but is a much less expensive choice due to ease of installation.

The Solar Heat Pump Hot Water System is cheaper to operate than any gas hot water system (including 5 Star instantaneous models) or any electric hot water system.

When will the Rebates expire?

Federal Government Rebate

Some of the money put aside for this rebate has been re-assigned to victims of the Queensland Floods so this rebate will most likely end or be reduced before the original 30 June 2012 deadline.

Currently $600 for Heat Pumps will be reduced to $0 by 30 June 2012, SUBJECT TO FUNDING*

Rebates are gradually reducing all the time - the earlier you get in, the more you will get back in rebates.

*In other words, if the Government run out of funds because the offer is so popular, they will cut the rebates earlier than the dates given above. The rebates have already been scaled back a number of times since 2009.

How do I claim the Government Rebates and Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) (Formerly known as RECs)?

We assist you in receiving your rebate money from start to finish.Our servicemen bring all the necessary application forms for your rebates on installation day. They will assist you in completing the paperwork then we lodge the forms. The State and Federal Government sends your money into your nominated bank account in around 6 - 8 weeks. Furthermore, to help with the cost of the conversation we supply a point of sale discount on the value of the STCs - this helps bring the up front purchase price down.

How does traditional Solar Panel Hot Water compare to Solar Heat Pump Systems?

Solar Panel Hot Water Systems use the suns rays therefore are only efficient on sunny days. If there is no sun, they will use a back up element and operate like an electric hot water system.

Solar Heat Pumps save energy year round because they do not rely on direct sunlight. In winter, the suns usable energy is approximately halved – meanwhile householders are using on average 33% more hot water. Heat Pumps absorb heat from the air by compressing the cold refrigerant vapour inside the heat pump (compressing a cold refrigerant makes it turn hot without adding energy). The technology used has been around for generations.

1. Price

Solar Heat pumps systems tend to have a lower up front and out of pocket cost than solar panels – this is because installing a Solar Heat pump is usually a more straight forward job with less time, equipment and labour involved. Heat pumps can take as little as 2 hours to install, meaning you will

be back in hot water in the shortest time possible.

2. Installation

When purchasing a Siddons Solarstream Heat Pump hot water system, your installation costs are way cheaper than solar panel systems so your money is paying for the superior technology - not an overpriced installation. Solar panel systems are time consuming and dangerous to install so for many householders more than half of their outlay for the system goes to the installer's labour costs rather than to a premium hot water system.

3. Efficiency – Reduced running cost and reduced carbon emissions

Siddons Solarstream Heat Pump Systems cut energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by uo to 75% all year round. Free, renewable heat energy is absorbed and processed through a refrigeration system, resulting in hot water using less than a third of the energy of an electric water heater in temperatures as low as minus 5 degrees. Solar Panel Systems work fine in summer yet turn into energy guzzling electric systems on rainy days or at night and for long periods during winter when you use hot water most.

4. Year round savings on heat pumps regardless of the weather

How loud is the Solar heat pump?

During operation, a heat pump system makes a similar noise to the outdoor unit of a modern split system air conditioner as it has a similar refrigerant pump and fan mechanism. When operating, most Heat Pump systems operate at a noise level of around 50 decibels.

What is the best hot water tariff to have my Solar Heat Pump system on?

Most manufacturers recommend that heat pump hot water systems be run on Off Peak 2 (extended hours) or continuous. Due to the Siddons Solarstream's superior technology they are suitable to be operated on Off Peak 1 (night time rate) which is the cheapest electricity available and means that any electricity that is used is charged at the lowest rate increasing your savings.

Why choose Hogan's for your Solar Changeover?

We are Licensed Insured Hot Water Specialists. We DO NOT use contractors – we use only our trusted experienced installers. We have been in the Hot Water game for over 15 years, if you live in the Hunter, chances are you have seen our newpaper ads, had us round to your house or have one of our stickers on your hot water system. As Hot Water specialists, Hot Water repairs and installations is all we do – all we have ever done.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

CONTACT OUR FRIENDLY STAFF

ON (02) 4962 2111