Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Air-Sourced Heat Pumps - Solar Hot Water Systems | Heat Pumps | Evacuated Tube Heat Pipe | Small-scale Technology Certificates | Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme | Hydronic Underfloor Heating | Vacuum Tube Solar | Thermosyphon Solar Hot Water

FAQs - Installing

What components are used?

High quality thermally insulated fittings from the Australian Valve Group are used to meet or exceed the Australian Standards for Plumbing on all our systems.

Where your solar hot water system is installed in direct contact to sunlight we recommend UV protected insulation around all pipe work.

We go beyond most to ensure your solar hot water system is installed to an exceptionally high level of standard designed to save you money now and well into the future.

Can I install the solar hot water system myself?

The installation of any solar hot water system must be signed off by a qualified trained plumber. Furthermore by agreeing to accept Government Rebates and Small-scale Technology Certificates you could potentially be audited to ensure your system has been professionally installed to run the life of the system.

What happens if the hardness of my water is high?

In this situation, for the longevity of the tank, we recommend using an Aluminium sacrificial anode that can be specified at purchase.

Sacrificial Anode types:

1. Magnesium alloy (standard) – Water supply with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels up to 750 mg/L (ppm)
2. Aluminium alloy (by request) – Water supply with TDS levels up to 2500 mg/L (ppm), especially targets high lime deposits.

Call us for professional advice: 1300 287 326

Are replacement parts readily available?

Yes, all parts are available in Western Australia.

FAQs - Heat Pumps

Will my roof need strengthening to take the weight of the panels?

No, there are no roof panels! Unlike conventional solar that require solar aspect and only heat during the day, heat pumps only require airflow.

Where does the tank go?

In most situations it will sit outside at ground level on a solid footing. In some circumstances (i.e. apartment living) the tank may reside inside. In both situations there must be a suitable drainage point.

If you are building a house consider having the tank centrally located between all hot water outlets to reduce long water runs, be it in a cupboard or in the roof space.

What's Solar about your heat pumps?

With out the sun replenishing the thermal energy into the air every day this system would not work. It terms of running costs, the extraction mechanism requires a compressor that uses a small amount of energy, a quarter of that of an electrical element.  If a traditional solar hot water system obtains 75% solar gain then the 25% power input during winter is proportional to the heat pumps power use over the course of a year.

What effect do your heat pumps have on the environment?

Heat pumps considerably reduce carbon emissions required to heat hot water. This is because only minimal electricity is used to drive a small compressor, fan, pump and digital display. Compare this to an electrical element storage tank that requires a high rated circuit to match their intensive draw rate.  This major reduction in electrical use and carbon emissions is why our heat pump attracts Small-scale Technology Certificates that everybody can claim after their installation.

Gas is cheap, are the gas instantaneous units better?

Gas in cities per unit is cheaper than electricity, however gas burns extremely rapidly and inefficiently for the same output. Traditional heating methods (electricity or gas) can never be greater than 100% efficient (more likely 50% to 98%). Our heat pumps are found to be 6 to 8 times more efficient than a gas hot water system.

The heat pump also gives you the added pleasure of consistent water pressure independent of how many taps are on while reducing your households' carbon footprint.

How does taking energy from the atmosphere make it more efficient?

Check out our in depth video on 'how heat pumps works'.

What are the tanks constructed from?

Our tanks have been designed with a unique 3 tier protection against poor water quality.

1. Protection with a thick Stainless Steel lining
2. A strong conditioning magnet that breaks down metallic clusters
3. Backup safety of a sacrificial anode.

Furthermore they are insulated with ultra thick layer of high-density polyurethane.

Can I run a heat pump on off-peak power only?

Sure, our heat pumps will extract heat from the air day or night. By using an off-peak tariff you can save upto half your water heating bill again. This method relies on the hot water storage being large enough to provide hot water for your household during the day time.

Will your heat pumps operate during bad weather?

All our heat pumps are designed to be operational 24/7 all year round without a booster element.

Does the refrigerant need 're-gassing'?

No, the refrigerant is a fully sealed welded system like a fridge.

Does the system freeze in winter?

No, the R134a refrigerant used has a boiling point of –26°C. In fact, the system has been known to still extract heat from air down to ambient temperatures of -10°C, this covers >99% of Australian conditions. The evaporator (where heat from air is transferred to the refrigerant) has an automatic defrosting system so there is no risk of damage to the heat pump during frost conditions.

Do heat pumps over-heat in summer?

No, they are thermostatically controlled to only heat to a set temperature.

Do your heat pumps have a auxiliary booster?

No it does not need one. It is designed to run efficiently for you no matter what the conditions are outside, day or night!

We use hot water mostly in the evening, will there be enough hot water by the morning?

Yes. Even on the coldest winter night our heat pumps will recover for early morning use.

Can I use the heat pump with a timer?

Yes. This needs to be professionally installed to ensure the timer can withstand a 'motor-start'.

I've heard some heat pumps only heat the top part of that tank, does yours?

With our heat pumps you will find there is very little difference between the temperature at the top of the tank and the bottom. Tests have shown that in a 300L tank the difference is only 4°C. This is plenty of stored hot water for all the family!