Choosing the right heat pump hot water system can feel overwhelming with so many brands and models on the Australian market. Each has different strengths — some excel in cold climates, others prioritise low noise, and some offer the best value for money. We've compared the top five heat pump brands available in Australia to help you find the right fit for your home, climate, and budget.
Top Heat Pump Hot Water Systems Compared
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the most popular heat pump hot water systems in Australia in 2026:
| Feature | Reclaim Energy | Sanden Eco Plus | Enviroheat | iStore | Rheem Ambiheat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Split (CO₂) | Split (CO₂) | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated |
| Tank Sizes | 270L, 315L | 160L, 250L, 315L | 200L, 250L | 270L | 270L, 325L |
| Refrigerant | CO₂ (R744) | CO₂ (R744) | R134a | R134a | R134a |
| Noise Level | 37dB | 38dB | 48dB | 45dB | 50dB |
| Operating Temp | −10°C to 43°C | −10°C to 43°C | −5°C to 40°C | −7°C to 40°C | −5°C to 42°C |
| COP (avg) | 3.5–4.5 | 3.5–5.0 | 3.0–3.5 | 3.0–3.5 | 2.8–3.5 |
| Unit Price | $3,500–$4,500 | $3,800–$4,800 | $2,300–$2,900 | $2,400–$3,000 | $2,200–$2,800 |
| Warranty (tank/compressor) | 10 yr / 5 yr | 15 yr / 6 yr | 5 yr / 5 yr | 5 yr / 5 yr | 5 yr / 5 yr |
Reclaim Energy CO₂ Heat Pump
Reclaim Energy is an Australian company that has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best heat pump manufacturers in the country. Their systems use CO₂ (R744) as a natural refrigerant, which delivers excellent performance even in cold temperatures and has zero ozone depletion potential.
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet at just 37dB — one of the quietest on the market (see our full heat pump hot water noise level comparison)
- CO₂ refrigerant is environmentally friendly and performs well in cold climates
- High COP of 3.5–4.5 delivers very low running costs
- Australian designed and supported — excellent after-sales service
- Split system design allows flexible tank placement
Cons
- Premium price point — one of the more expensive options
- Split system requires both indoor and outdoor components
- Limited tank size options compared to some competitors
Best for: Households prioritising low noise, those in cooler climates (Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra), and buyers wanting a premium Australian product.
Sanden Eco Plus
The Sanden Eco Plus is a Japanese-made split system that has long been considered the gold standard for heat pump performance. Its CO₂ refrigerant and advanced engineering deliver class-leading efficiency, particularly in cold weather.
Pros
- Industry-leading COP of up to 5.0 in moderate conditions
- Excellent cold-weather performance down to −10°C
- Very quiet operation at 38dB
- Stainless steel tank with industry-best 15-year warranty
- Multiple tank sizes including compact 160L option
Cons
- Highest price point on this list
- Split system installation is more complex and costly
- Replacement parts can take longer to source
Best for: Cold climate homes, quality-focused buyers who want the longest warranty, and those who prioritise maximum efficiency — our guide to heat pump hot water in cold climates explains why CO₂ systems dominate in Tasmania and the alpine regions.
Enviroheat
Enviroheat offers a solid, no-frills heat pump at a competitive price point. It's a popular choice for households looking for reliable performance without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Excellent value for money — one of the most affordable options
- Simple integrated design means lower installation costs
- Good warranty coverage for the price
- Widely available through plumbing and electrical wholesalers
Cons
- Higher noise level at 48dB compared to premium models
- Limited cold-weather performance below −5°C
- Lower COP than CO₂ refrigerant models
- Smaller maximum tank size (250L) may not suit large families
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers in warm to temperate climates, smaller households, and straightforward replacement installations.
iStore
The iStore has become one of Australia's most popular heat pump hot water systems thanks to its competitive pricing, solid performance, and strong marketing presence. It's a good all-rounder that suits most Australian households.
Pros
- Competitive pricing with good mid-range performance
- Smart controls with Wi-Fi connectivity and app monitoring
- Solar PV integration for optimised daytime heating
- Reasonably quiet at 45dB
- Wide installer network across Australia
Cons
- Only available in 270L — no smaller or larger options
- Standard R134a refrigerant rather than CO₂
- Performance drops noticeably in very cold conditions
Best for: Tech-savvy households wanting smart controls, solar PV owners looking for easy integration, and those seeking solid mid-range value.
Rheem Ambiheat
Rheem is one of the most recognised names in Australian hot water, and the Ambiheat is their heat pump offering. It benefits from Rheem's extensive service network and wide availability, though it sits at the more basic end of the heat pump spectrum.
Pros
- Most widely available heat pump in Australia — easy to find an installer
- Rheem's extensive national service network for warranty and repairs
- Affordable entry-level pricing
- Available in two tank sizes (270L and 325L)
Cons
- Noisier than competitors at 50dB
- Lower average COP compared to premium brands
- Basic controls without smart features
- Some reports of reliability issues with earlier models
Best for: Households wanting a familiar brand with easy access to service, budget-focused buyers, and those in warmer climates where peak COP is less critical.
Our Recommendation
Whichever brand you choose, any heat pump hot water system is a massive upgrade over traditional electric or gas storage. The key is to match the system to your climate, household size, and budget — and to ensure it's installed by an experienced, accredited professional.