When you’re on the job, every choice matters. The right tools, the right materials, and—most importantly—the right products for your customers.
Heat pump heaters aren’t just another product; they’re key to delivering reliable, energy-efficient hot water to every home and business you work on. Choosing the best heat pump heater means happier customers and a reputation for excellent work.
At iStore, we provide top-quality heat pump heaters at competitive prices to keep your projects profitable.
What Is a Heat Pump System?
Unlike traditional electric heaters, which use electricity to generate heat, or gas heaters, which burn fuel, heat pump water heater systems draw thermal energy from the air to heat water.
Since air is a limitless resource, using it to heat water is a smart, sustainable choice that reduces energy use and costs.
How Does a Heat Pump Heater Work?
- A fan pulls in air across the heat pump’s evaporator.
- Refrigerant in the evaporator absorbs thermal energy from the air. This energy causes the refrigerant to heat up and change from a liquid to a gas.
- The compressor then pressurises this gas, making it hot.
- The hot gas travels through a condenser coil, which heats the water inside a coil-wrapped tank.
- Once the gas cools down, it turns into a liquid and returns to the evaporator to start the process again.
- The cycle continues until the set target temperature is achieved.
- As customers use hot water in their homes, the cycle restarts once the tank temperature drops below a certain temperature.
Exploring iStore’s Product Range
The iStore 180L heat pump is ideal for smaller households with up to three people, efficiently handling daily showers, regular dishwashing, and small laundry loads.
The 270L heat pump is better suited for larger households of four or more people, managing multiple back-to-back showers, filling large bathtubs, and frequent dishwashing and laundry loads.
Both models incorporate innovative technology for optimal performance your customers will love.
- Intelligent Operating Modes: Eco, Standard, Hybrid, and Vacation modes let users select the most suitable setting based on their hot water usage patterns.
- User-Friendly Controls: Accessible digital interfaces enable users to monitor and adjust settings easily, which can reduce the need for service calls for simple adjustments.
- Energy Efficiency: With a high COP (Coefficient of Performance), our heat pumps produce more heat than conventional systems for the same amount of electricity.
- Scheduling Capabilities: Users can program heating cycles to align with off-peak electricity rates, maximising energy usage and cost savings.
- Diagnostics and Alerts: Built-in diagnostic tools can detect issues and display error codes, facilitating faster and more accurate troubleshooting.
And for you, iStore heat pump water heaters are easy to install! We’ll explore this later.
Choosing the Right Heat Pump
Household Size and Hot Water Usage
Here are key factors to consider when recommending a heat pump heater to your customers.
- Smaller Households (1–3 people): For homes where daily use includes a couple of showers, washing dishes, and light laundry, a 180L heat pump is a great choice. It meets typical demands without overspending on capacity.
- Larger Households (4+ people): If your customer’s family takes back-to-back showers, fills larger bathtubs, or runs frequent loads of laundry and dishes, go for a 270L model. It can keep up with heavier hot water needs, so no one has to face the dreaded cold last shower of the day.
- Future-Proofing: Is your customer’s household small now but could potentially grow later? A bigger system can save them from needing a future upgrade.
Climate Compatibility
It’s important to take into consideration where your customer lives because although heat pump water heaters are suitable for various climates, their efficiency can change depending on the temperature.
Standard heat pumps work well year-round in mild to warm climates with temperatures consistently above 5°C. They pull enough heat from the air to meet daily hot water demands without extra assistance.
In areas where temperatures regularly drop below 5°C, you’ll want a heat pump with these features.
- Defrost Function: Prevents ice build-up on the evaporator, ensuring the system runs smoothly even in freezing conditions.
- Boost Mode or Backup Element: A supplementary heating element helps maintain water temperature when the air is too cold for the heat pump to operate effectively.
- Insulated Tank: Better insulation keeps the water hot for longer, reducing the system’s workload.
Installation Made Easy
Simple Setup Process
iStore heat pump heaters are designed for straightforward installation.
- Integrated Design: The heat pump (evaporator, fan, and compressor) and storage tank are combined into a single unit, eliminating the need for complex refrigerant piping and reducing installation time.
- Standard Connections: Equipped with standard ¾ inch inlet and outlet fittings for quick and secure connections.
- Pre-Wired Electricals: Pre-configured electrical components only require connection to an appropriate power supply by a licensed electrician, streamlining the electrical setup.
- Compact Footprint: Fits in typical installation spaces, needing minimal clearance. Suitable for various residential settings without extensive modifications.
- User-Friendly Commissioning: The intuitive control panel facilitates easy programming of operating modes and temperature settings.
Minimal Downtime
The iStore heat pump heater’s quick and easy installation means your customers won’t have to endure long periods without hot water, keeping their daily routines intact.
The fast installation also reflects your service well, keeping your customers happy and making them more likely to trust you with future jobs.
Comprehensive Guides and Support
We provide comprehensive resources to support you throughout the installation process of our heat pump water heater systems.
Detailed installation manuals for the 180L and 270L models are accessible on our website. These manuals cover every aspect of the installation process, including site selection, plumbing connections, electrical requirements, and system commissioning.
Got an installation question or after some technical advice? Our support team is ready to help. Call us on 1300 515 640, email info@istore.net.au, or fill out this online form.
Additionally, our website has a FAQ section that addresses common installation questions.
Plumbing Considerations
Sacrificial Anode
After installing an iStore heat pump, it’s a good idea to explain the system’s sacrificial anode to your customer. You can tell them how this metal component in the system’s water tank attracts corrosive elements in the water, preventing them from attacking and corroding the tank.
Each iStore heat pump heater has two sacrificial anodes: the whole life anode, which stays in place for the system’s entire lifespan, and the service anode, which must be replaced.
If the customer’s home uses capital city water, you should replace the service anode every five years. More frequent checks and replacements are necessary for harsher regional water usage.
Scaling Protection
Your customers must understand that minerals found in hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, can build up inside their systems, forming scale deposits on heating elements and internal components.
Scaling can make it harder for the heat pump to transfer heat to the water, increasing energy use and running costs. Excessive scale can lead to clogged pipes, damaged components, and even system failure, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.
Educating your customers on scaling protection measures, like installing a water softener in hard water areas or scheduling regular maintenance, will save them money on energy and repairs and extend the life of their heat pump water heater.
FAQs
What Should Plumbing Professionals Look for in a Heat Pump Heater?
Look for a heat pump heater that
- Can accommodate the number of occupants in the home and their hot water demands.
- Has a high COP (Coefficient of Performance) for efficiency.
- Features defrost modes or backup heating for colder climates.
- Is durable, with a sacrificial anode for corrosion protection.
- Offers clear installation manuals, accessible support, and easy maintenance.
What Are the Installation Requirements for Heat Pump Heaters?
Heat pump heaters must be installed in well-ventilated areas with access to ambient air, like outdoors or in a ventilated space. They require standard plumbing connections, a suitable electrical supply, and enough clearance for airflow and maintenance.
How Can Heat Pump Heaters Benefit My Clients?
Heat pump heaters provide more energy-efficient hot water than traditional systems, reducing electricity costs. Because they use less energy, they cut carbon emissions and are environmentally friendly. All while providing your customers with reliable hot water!
What Maintenance Is Needed for Optimal Performance?
- Every Six Months: Inspect the heat pump water heater system for leaks and clean debris from the air intake vents, filters, and the unit’s surrounding area.
- Annually: Wash or replace air filters.
- Every 2–3 Years: System servicing by a licensed plumber.
- Every Five Years: Replace the sacrificial service anode.
Elevate Your Services with iStore’s Heat Pump Heaters
Your customers will love the reliable, eco-friendly iStore heat pump heater, which never disappoints in delivering hot water and slashing electricity bills.
And you’ll love using iStore’s products because they’re easy to install and maintain and come with extensive installation support.
Explore our heat pump heaters online, then contact us today to find an iStore supplier near you. Call 1300 515 640 or fill out this online form, and we’ll be in touch soon.
