Prices are based on what we found on retailer or manufacturer websites in February 2024. Manufacturers often sell direct to installers, so for some models the price isn't publicly available.

Integrated models are all-in-one units with the heat pump compressor at the top of the tank. Split systems have separate compressor and tank components (much like a split system air conditioner), which can allow the tank to be installed indoors.

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are a Federal financial incentive to encourage the installation of solar and heat pump water heaters. Australia is divided into climate zones, and this number refers to the base number of STCs you can get for this model in Zone 5. The actual number will depend on the year of installation; it reduces each year until the scheme ends in 2030.

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are a Federal financial incentive to encourage the installation of solar and heat pump water heaters. Australia is divided into climate zones, and this number refers to the base number of STCs you can get for this model in Zone 3. The actual number will depend on the year of installation; it reduces each year until the scheme ends in 2030.

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are a Federal financial incentive to encourage the installation of solar and heat pump water heaters. Australia is divided into climate zones, and this number refers to the base number of STCs you can get for this model in Zone 2. The actual number will depend on the year of installation; it reduces each year until the scheme ends in 2030.

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are a Federal financial incentive to encourage the installation of solar and heat pump water heaters. Australia is divided into climate zones, and this number refers to the base number of STCs you can get for this model in Zone 4. The actual number will depend on the year of installation; it reduces each year until the scheme ends in 2030.

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are a Federal financial incentive to encourage the installation of solar and heat pump water heaters. Australia is divided into climate zones, and this number refers to the base number of STCs you can get for this model in Zone 1. The actual number will depend on the year of installation; it reduces each year until the scheme ends in 2030.

Where it is declared, this is the air flow rate of the heat pump's compressor in cubic metres per hour.

The energy used by the booster element, in kilowatts.

The capacity of the tank, in litres.

The company associated with the heat pump hot water system. Sometimes this is the same as the brand but not always.

This is generally what the interior of the tank is made from.

The depth of the compressor unit of a split system, in millimetres. Not applicable for integrated models.

The height of the compressor unit of a split system, in millimetres. Not applicable for integrated models.

The width of the compressor unit of a split system, in millimetres. Not applicable for integrated models.

How heavy the heat pump part of the split type is, measured in kilograms.

IP ratings refer to the protection rating, usually with the letters IP and two digits. The first digit is the protection against solid particules getting into the product and the second digit is protection against water getting into the product. Where there is an X for the first digit, it means a rating isn't necessary. The higher the number on either digit, the better the protection.

The maximum amount of hot water the system can deliver in one hour, in litres, unless otherwise described.

In a split system, how far horizontally can the heat pump be from the tank? Listed in metres.

In a split system, how far vertically can the heat pump be from the tank? Listed in metres.

The maximum operating pressure and temperature relief valve of the heat pump hot water system, in kilopascals. The valve is a safety device that prevents a build-up of pressure due to water expansion as the water heats up.

The minimum clearance for the intake, or inlet, of the heat pump hot water system, in millimetres.

The minimum clearance needed at the outlet, or exhaust of the heat pump hot water system, in millimetres. The exhaust will pump out cold air.

The noise level of the heat pump hot water system compressor. Compressors can sometimes be noisy and shouldn't be installed too close to neighbouring properties or bedroom windows. 40dBA is a equivalent to a whispered conversation, whereas 60dBA would be an average conversation level.

The temperature of the hot water delivered from the heat pump hot water system (note that the tank is usually kept at at least 60°C to prevent bacterial growth, but tempered to 50°C from your hot water taps).

The rated voltage of the heat pump hot water system.

How wide the system tank is, in millimetres.

How deep the system tank is, in millimetres.

How high the system tank is, in millimetres.

How heavy the tank is when empty, in kilograms.

How heavy the system tank is when full, in kilograms.

The claimed maximum ambient temperature in which the heat pump hot water system will operate.

The claimed minimum ambient temperature in which the heat pump hot water system will operate.

The main manufacturer or distributor site for this model.

Whether this model is covered under the Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates scheme.

A registration number here indicates this model is covered under the NSW Energy Savings Scheme (at the time of publication).

The power consumption for the heat pump only (i.e. just the compressor, not any booster element), in kilowatts.

The maximum power consumption of the heat pump hot water system (including any booster element), in kilowatts.

The amount of refrigerant required by the heat pump, in kilograms.

The refrigerant type used by the heat pump compressor. R290 is propane and R744 is refrigerant grade CO2, both considered reasonably environmentally safe (low global warming potential). R134a is tetrafluoroethane, a hydrofluorocarbon, which has higher global warming potential.

Coefficient of performance (COP) is a measure of the unit's efficiency. The higher the number, the better. It shows how much heating energy output this model delivers per unit of electricity used. Note that the COP is dependent on the ambient temperature of the air, and different manufacturers rate their models at different ambient temperatures, so it's hard to compare COPs between brands and models.

This is a mandatory national scheme administered by the Australian Building Codes Board for drainage and plumbing products – the certificate number shows that the heat pump hot water system is fit for purpose.

Warranty can be complex with heat pump hot water systems, as they specify at least the storage tank, compressor (heat pump), parts and labour – and sometimes valves. There is little consistency between manufacturers.

Country of manufacture, where stated by the manufacturer or retailer. 

Whether the heat pump hot water system has a booster element for additional heating (such as when the hot water has been used up, or on very cold days).

Defrost cycles are essential in cold areas, where icing can occur on the compressor unit.

Whether the heat pump hot water system is claimed to be suitable for cold temperatures (subzero conditions).

The household size for which this system is suitable. Generally assume 50L of hot water per person per day, plus 50% for occasional heavy usage days.