FAQs

1.Will removing my gas instant unit cut off the supply to my gas cooktop?

No, removing the gas instant unit will not cut off the supply to your gas cooktop. The gas instant unit is specifically designed to heat up your hot water, while the cooktop is connected to the gas lines separately. Decommissioning the instant gas box on the wall will not interrupt your ability to use the cooktop.

2.Can I install the compressor inside the house?

It is not recommended to install the compressor inside the house. Heat pumps require adequate airflow for proper operation, and installing a heat pump in a space with insufficient airflow can potentially lead to a faulty compressor and void the warranty.

3.Can I claim rebates myself?

No, you must engage an accredited provider to get rebates or discounts on a hot water system upgrade.

4.Do I have to arrange my own installer?

No, we will provide a licensed plumber and electrician for the installation. The cost of installation, decommissioning, and removal of old hot water unit will be included in the quotation.

5.Why is there a travel fee for my installation?

Ecovantage is one of the largest certificate providers for government schemes, covering most postcodes in SA, NSW, and VIC. However, there are instances where the cost of transporting the tank from one location to a regional site can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Due to this, some installations may incur a travel fee. We make sure to explain this to the customer upfront, ensuring transparency.

6.How much does an expedited installation cost if my hot water system fails?

We do offer emergency installation services, and the cost associated with this service is $350 (subject to change). However, this service is available only in areas where we have local plumbers and electricians working for us under the scheme.

7.Why should I need to pay a deposit before installation?

Under the schemes, customers are required to pay a small amount as a minimum contribution. This payment is necessary for the customer to be eligible to claim the rebate.

8.What is a split system?

Heat pumps can be categorised into mainly two types: split and integrated. Integrated units come with the compressor on top of the tank, whereas in split systems, the compressor is separated from the tank.

9.What is a twin system?

A twin system is when two heat pumps are connected to function as a single unit. This setup is commonly used in properties with high water usage. This is not available for rebates under the Victorian VEU scheme.

10.How loud is the heat pump?

The sound level is around 45 – 50 dB which is about a light background voice. If the unit is being installed against a brick wall you should be fine, if you have a bedroom next to the heat pump you may be able to hear it.

11.Do you connect on J tariff or Normal tariff?

All heat pumps are connected and recommended to be connected on Normal Tariff.

12.How loud is the heat pump?

The sound level is around 45 – 50 dB which is about a light background voice. If the unit is being installed against a brick wall you should be fine, if you have a bedroom next to the heat pump you may be able to hear it.

13.What are the rebates?

Federal and state government facilitated schemes incentivise the transition to particular energy saving products and technologies. Thanks to these incentives, we are able to offer the product and installation at little to no cost, depending which state you are in.

14.I have a 350L electric storage tank, will a 215L heat pump be OK?

It depends on the nature of your hot water usage. Electric storage work at night whereas heat pumps work all throughout the day. Once water reaches a certain level in the tank, the sensor will trigger and automatically start refilling the tank and heating the water at the same time. The tank will take 2-3 hours to refill and heat the water. In this example if you allow enough time in between showers then it should be fine because the sensor being triggered will refill the tank while in use.

15.How do I proceed?
  1. Following your initial enquiry we’ll ask you to complete a more comprehensive form that tells us about your usage and allows us to better understand the scheme you qualify for.
  2. You’ll book a time to chat with one of our Energy Efficiency Consultants to answer any questions you have and finalise the upgrade estimate.
  3. If you choose to proceed we’ll take the deposit payment (only for those with costs associated) and send you a link to a form to upload photos of your existing hot water system and the areas around it.
  4. Once there’s an opening in your area the installer will call or text you. This generally takes around 4-6 weeks from the time you make payment and provide the photos.
16.Will the heat pump operate in hot and cold temperatures?

The heat pumps are designed to work in a wide range of temperatures to suit the Australian climate, with options to suit an ambient operating range from -5°C to +50°C.

17.What type of refrigerant is used?

The heat pump uses a CFC free (no ozone depletion) refrigerant.

18.Why do I need to send you photos?

We ask you to send photos of your switchboard and existing hot water service prior to proceeding to ensure eligibility, and to ensure you have sufficient space to install the replacement unit. The installer is also required to take photos of the installation onsite, and geotagged photos of the decommissioned old unit and installation of the new unit for compliance and verification reasons.

19.How long does it take for the hot water to refill?

Refilling a 215L unit from empty to full, and reheating the water to full capacity would take about three to four hours. Refilling after a shower and heating that water to capacity generally takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on the ambient temperature outside.

20.What is a pressure limiting valve, and do I need one?

Some properties have naturally higher water pressure, this can result in additional plumbing work being required to ensure the water pressure is suitable for the heat pump to function without issue. In some cases, the installation of Pressure Limiting Valves is required and this usually costs around $150 per PLV. If required you’ll purchase this from the installer directly.

21.How much can I expect to save by switching to heat pump hot water?

According to the VEU activity guide, in order to comply with the guidelines the heat pump product to be installed must have a minimum annual savings of 60% determined in accordance with Australian/New Zealand standards when modelled in climate zone 4 or 5. The heat pumps we supply have up to 70% saving over electric storage hot water.

22.Why do I have milky or dirty water?

To find out why your hot water looks milky, let it run briefly then fill a glass. If the cloudiness dissipates from the bottom upwards within a few minutes, it’s simply due to pressurized air being released. However, if the water clears at the top first and particles settle to the bottom, the water heater needs to be checked.

23.Do you supply wall mounting brackets?

No, we do not mount the compressors on the wall due to varying structural quality in different installation environments. Instead, the compressors are typically installed on a slab and placed next to the tank on the ground.

24.Does the heat pump require a slab?

Yes, the unit requires a solid base. If there is an existing slab then we will use that – if there is grass, gravel, dirt, etc. then we will need to install one and the cost of this will be charged directly to you by the plumber according to the specification of the tank and its footprint.

25.Does it matter if my property is connected to gas in S.A.?

If the property is not connected to gas then we can claim the full incentive and offer the upgrade to you at the lowest cost. If the property is connected to gas then under the scheme there is less financial incentive. A property is considered not connected to a reticulated gas supply if it does not have a piped connection to a gas distribution system, or it has a piped connection to a gas distribution system, but this connection is not capable of supplying gas to gas equipment and/or appliances (for example, if the supply has been physically disconnected at the meter by the gas network operator).

26.Does heat pump work with hydronic heating?

The heat pumps will not work with or interfere with a hydronic heating system for the home – they can only be used as a hot water system

27.Is there a relocation fee if I want to move my hot water system?

Yes, the standard relocation fee is $750 for SA, Vic & NSW

28.Can I replace an old heat pump with a new heat pump?

For SA customers only – yes, as long as it was installed before January 1, 2021, then yes, we can replace it.

29.What is the tank made of?

The tanks are made of steel with a Colourbond exterior and ceramic lining on the inside.

30.What is the lifespan of the heat pump?

The expected lifespan is 5-10 years, depending on the water supply quality.

31.How many hot water systems can I replace?

In South Australia there is a limit of 3 hot water systems per residential property, and 2 per property in Victoria and New South Wales. In both South Australia and Victoria there is no limit on the number of hot water systems that can be upgraded in commercial properties.

32.What does it mean to decommission my old tank?

As per the government scheme requirements, we render your old unit permanently inoperable by drilling a hole in it.

33.Do you remove my old hot water systems?

If it is safe to do so, your old hot water system will be removed and recycled. If your tank is in or on the roof, it will be decommissioned and left in place.

34.Do you upgrade gas hot water systems?

Yes. Currently under the state and federal schemes there aren’t financial incentives available for gas upgrades, however, based on the efficiency of heat pump systems we recommend making the upgrade for up to 50% savings on running costs. Speak with one of our Energy Solutions Specialists for a quote to upgrade your gas system and start saving!

35.What’s the catch?

There really is no catch – the state and federal governments of Australia offer incentives to households for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and heat pump hot water is one of those appliances. Ecovantage claims the incentives (facilitated by way of energy savings certificates) to subsidise all or most of the upfront cost for the supply of the system and the labour to install it.

36.How can it be so cheap?

State and federal governments of Australia offer incentives to households for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and heat pump hot water is one of those appliances. Ecovantage claims the incentives (facilitated by way of energy savings certificates) to subsidise all or most of the upfront cost for the supply of the system and the labour to install it.

37.How much am I going to save?

If you could upgrade from electric storage you could save up to 70% in running costs of your hot water. Plus, with government incentives, you’ll save on the supply and installation of the heat pump – around $2,500.

38.What size do I need?

A 215L heat pump is suitable for 1-4 people and a 260L will cater for 5+ people. We can also offer twin tank systems to suit larger families.

39.How much will it cost me?

Pricing is calculated based on the rebates made available by state governments, and the work involved with relocating your hot water system outside (if applicable). If you are having a like-for-like upgrade of an outdoor unit, it likely won’t cost you any more. Our team will discuss any costs you may incur before booking your upgrade so there are no nasty surprises on the day.

40.If it runs all the time won’t it be expensive?

Old, electric storage systems have an element in it that is extremely inefficient and expensive to run which results in greater costs. The heat pump system runs its water heating cycle once a day to fill up the storage tank with hot water. The compressor fan starts heating water when the water temperature falls below 45 degrees celcius, or it needs to be refilled after using hot water.

41.How quickly will the upgrade happen?

Bookings are being made in groupings so our installers will be in contact with you as soon as we have enough work in your area. Estimated install time frames are around 4 – 6 weeks, however we do offer emergency upgrades which can be done quicker.

42.How much will it cost me?

Pricing is calculated based on the rebates made available by the South Australian, Victorian, and New South Wales governments, and the work involved with relocating your hot water system outside (if applicable).

43.What if I need a bigger tank than a 215L heat pump?

While electric tanks get drained and refilled at night, heat pumps work all throughout the day. Once water reaches a certain level in the tank, the sensor will trigger and automatically start refilling the tank and heating the water at the same time. The tank will take 1-3 hours to refill and heat the water if it is completely drained. If people in your household currently take showers back-to-back, your tank will be required to refill and heat between showers. This is not how most people use their hot water system though. If you are concerned about the capacity, please talk to our team about the possibility of a dual-tank setup.

44.When will the upgrade get done?

Bookings are being made in groupings so our installers will be in contact with you as soon as we have enough work in your area.

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