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Thinking about swapping to a heat pump hot water system? Smart move. A heat pump is like a reverse fridge for your tank: it moves ambient heat into your water, so you get more hot water for far less energy.
You’ll feel the benefits quickly: big reductions in running costs (often 60–70% less energy than old electric or gas), quieter operation, and steady performance year-round. Pair it with rooftop solar and simple timers and your tank becomes a ‘thermal battery’, soaking up daytime sunshine for free hot showers at night. No flames, no gas lines, and far fewer emissions. Just efficient, reliable hot water.
Want a quick, brand-agnostic recommendation for your home and solar setup? Get a tailored quote from Too Hot To Handle and we’ll match the right heat pump hot water system to your usage and roof solar.
What makes a ‘best’ system
Before we dive into brands, it helps to know what matters: year-round efficiency in Aussie conditions, quiet operation, solid warranty and support, smart controls for solar timing, and proven reliability. Installation quality and correct tank sizing also make a huge difference; think of the unit as the engine and the install as the tuning that gets you the best mileage from your heat pump hot water system.
Top pick for most homes: Reclaim
If you want a set-and-save workhorse, Reclaim Energy’s CO₂ heat pump hot water system is our first choice. It uses a natural CO₂ refrigerant that performs brilliantly in cool weather and delivers excellent efficiency, with control options that let you schedule heat-ups to sync with rooftop solar. Reclaim offers split systems with stainless or glass-lined tanks and a controller that helps you squeeze the most out of off-peak or PV power, like turning your tank into a thermal battery. It’s efficient, robust, and backed by strong local support.
Strong all-in-one option: Apricus
Apricus delivers a tidy, all-in-one heat pump hot water system that suits spaces where a split system isn’t ideal. It integrates with solar PV controls, includes app monitoring, and keeps day-to-day use simple. For households that want a single-footprint unit with smart scheduling and minimal install complexity, Apricus is a great option. Current models use high-efficiency refrigerants and come with an Australian track record that’s easy to service and support.
Solar-savvy value: iStore
iStore leans into solar-optimised hot water, helping households slash grid energy by heating when the sun’s out. It’s a practical pick if you have PV and want to turn excess generation into low-cost showers. With popular 180 L and 270 L models, iStore scales well from smaller homes to families, and its materials show substantial reductions in hot water energy use compared to old resistive or gas storage systems.
How these brands compare in the real world
Picture your hot water tank as a savings jar.
Reclaim’s smart controller and CO₂ engine fill the jar quickly and efficiently, even on chilly mornings, great for southern climates.
Apricus brings the neat, all-in-one form factor that’s easy to place, with PV-friendly control so you can ‘charge’ the jar when your panels are humming.
iStore’s focus on PV timing makes it a natural for households that regularly export solar and want to keep more of that value at home.
Choosing the right fit for your home
- If you want top-tier efficiency plus flexible control in cooler climates: go Reclaim. CO₂ refrigerant performance and smart scheduling make it our go-to. Reclaim Energy
- If you need a compact footprint and simple, single-box install: choose Apricus. App monitoring and PV integration keep running costs in check. Apricus Australia
- If maximising rooftop solar is your priority: pick iStore. Model sizes suit most households and are well-matched to daytime PV production. Solar Choice
Installation and sizing still matter
The best brand can underperform if the tank is undersized or controls aren’t set to match your usage. We size the tank to your household’s daily hot water pattern, position the outdoor unit for airflow and low noise, and set timers so you heat water during low-cost or solar windows. It’s a bit like tuning a hybrid car; correct settings unlock the real-world savings from your heat pump hot water system.
The bottom line
All three brands can meaningfully cut bills and emissions. For most homes we see, Reclaim Energy is the sweet spot, with excellent cold-weather performance, solar-friendly controls, and durable components that keep running costs low. Apricus gives you a smart, compact all-in-one with PV integration. iStore shines when you want to soak up solar and keep the install straightforward.
Ready to compare Reclaim vs Apricus vs iStore for your home and check current rebates? Talk to Too Hot To Handle for a no-pressure, tailor-made recommendation on the best heat pump hot water system for your needs.
