A heat pump heats your water using warmth pulled from the air, so it uses a fraction of the power an old electric tank does. It’s the most common swap when a gas hot water system finally gives out.
A common sign
“Our hot water just died and I don’t want another gas one.”
About heat pump hot water systems
A heat pump works like a fridge in reverse. A small fan and compressor move heat from the outside air into the water in the tank, which takes much less electricity than heating it directly with an element.
Hot water is one of the biggest energy users in most homes, so this one change is often the easiest place to start. If you have solar, the system can be set to heat during the day, while your panels are making power.
Hot water systems that are old or have failed
Big gas or electricity bills for hot water
Getting off gas, one appliance at a time
Ask where the unit will sit. It has a fan that makes a low hum, so it’s best kept away from bedroom windows, yours and the neighbours’.
Not sure where to start?
Don’t waste money on upgrades you don’t need. A professional home energy assessment shows where your house loses heat and power, so your budget goes where it makes the biggest difference.
Find an assessor near meHeat pump hot water installers
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More in gas to electric
Replace the gas appliances one by one, hot water, heating, cooking, and stop paying two connection fees to keep the house running.
Heats the water in your radiators or heated slab with an electric heat pump instead of a gas boiler. The pipes and radiators can often stay, though not always, so ask.
Roof collectors with a boosted tank. A different product from a heat pump, and still the cheaper option on some rooftops.
Warms the pool with an electric heat pump or solar collectors on the roof instead of gas. Pairs well with rooftop solar, and a pool cover keeps the heat in.
Replaces an old single speed pump with a variable speed one that runs slower for longer, so keeping the water clean takes less power.
Faster than gas, and it takes the last flame out of the kitchen. Usually needs its own circuit run from the switchboard.
One unit for one room, or several heads off one outdoor box. The cheapest way to heat and cool the rooms you actually use.
Ducted through the whole house. The vents from a ducted gas furnace can often be reused, though not always, so ask before you count on it.
A filter clean and a gas check keeps a system running at the efficiency it was sold at. Cheap next to replacing it early.
An older board often cannot take an induction cooktop, a heat pump and a charger at once. This is the job that unblocks the rest.
The last step. Once every gas appliance is gone, removing the meter is what actually ends the daily supply charge.
Before you choose an installer
Related goal
Once the hot water is done, heating and cooking are next. See the full plan for getting your home off gas, and the order that saves you money.