Why this Emerald Beach homeowner switched to a Heat Pump and saved 30%

‘Switching to the heat pump has been a game-changer for us. We no longer worry about cold showers or whether there’s been enough sun. The system is so quiet I didn’t even realise it was running at first, and seeing a 30% drop in our energy costs in just a few months confirmed we’d made the right choice.” — Michael, Homeowner

Introduction

After struggling with unreliable hot water, cold showers, and rising power bills, a Coffs Coast homeowner knew it was time for a better solution. Their ageing solar hot water system had become increasingly inconsistent, especially during periods of low sunlight. Wanting a dependable, efficient, year-round option, they upgraded to a Reclaim Energy CO₂ Heat Pump Hot Water System, professionally installed by Andrew from Emerald Beach Plumbing.

The Challenge

• Unreliable solar performance: The old solar hot water system frequently failed, especially during cloudy weather and winter months.
• Intermittent hot water availability: The family often found themselves running out of hot water, leading to frustration and inconvenience.
• Need for a long-term, efficient solution: They required a system that wasn’t dependent on sunlight and could deliver reliable performance every day of the year.
• Desire for easier control: The homeowner wanted a simple way to monitor or adjust hot water usage without physically accessing the system, enabling better measurement of power consumption.
  

The goal was clear: find a hot water solution that performed every day of the year, reduced energy costs, and operated without the unpredictability of the existing system.

“We install a lot of hot water systems, and the Reclaim CO₂ heat pump stands out for its consistency and quiet performance. For this homeowner, it meant finally having hot water on demand, no matter the weather. The installation was straightforward, and the results speak for themselves—reliable, efficient hot water every day of the year. I’m so impressed that I’m now installing one at my own home.” — Andrew, Emerald Beach Plumbing

The Solution

Following extensive product research and recommendation from Andrew at Emerald Beach Plumbing for a heat pump solution the homeowner opted for a Reclaim Energy CO₂ Heat Pump Hot Water System, renowned for:

• Exceptional efficiency across all climates
• Ultra-quiet operation
• Low running costs and long service life
• Environmentally friendly CO₂ refrigerant
  

Smart Control with the Reclaim App

The Reclaim app gives homeowners flexible control of their hot water system from their phone. They can schedule heating cycles, monitor energy use in real time, and automatically optimise running costs. Capabilities not possible with older solar systems.

How the Reclaim hot water system works:

The Reclaim Energy CO₂ Heat Pump consists of two main components: a high-efficiency heat pump unit and a durable storage tank. Using advanced heat-exchange technology, the system draws thermal energy from the surrounding air and transfers it to heat a pressurised CO₂ refrigerant (an environmentally friendly, naturally occurring gas).

This process delivers over five units of heat for every one unit of electricity, significantly reducing hot water energy costs. With excellent cold-weather performance, the system operates efficiently year-round without an electric booster.

Combining with Solar

When paired with solar PV, energy use drops even further. The system requires only 3 kWh to produce 315 L of hot water, compared to 15 kWh for a traditional electric system, effectively acting as a thermal battery. By running during peak sun hours, it uses excess solar generation to maximise savings.

With a reputation as solid as the heat pump itself, the homeowner chose Emerald Beach Plumbing to complete the installation. With over 30 years on the tools and more than 290 five-star reviews, Emerald Beach Plumbing has built a reputation for dependable, high-quality service that Emerald Beach locals trust.

Flexible Install Options

The hot water system was installed smoothly and professionally, with the homeowner opting for an outdoor placement to ensure optimal airflow and efficiency. Reclaim heat pumps also offer flexible installation options and can be positioned in a garage or semi-enclosed area with adequate ventilation, making them suitable for a wide range of home layouts.

“Heat pumps have become one of the smartest upgrades a household can make. They deliver dramatically lower running costs, outperform electric and gas systems, and provide reliable hot water in all conditions. We recommend Reclaim because their CO₂ heat pump technology is in a league of its own, quiet, incredibly efficient, and built to last. When paired with solar, the savings only increase. The system effectively acts like a thermal battery, using excess solar energy to heat water for free. For homeowners looking for the best long-term solution, Reclaim is consistently the standout choice.”— Anthony, North Coast Power & Water

The Results

The impact of the upgrade was immediate and impressive. The homeowner now enjoys reliable, year-round hot water, with the heat pump delivering consistent performance even through the winter months. Within the first three months, including the coldest part of the year, they recorded a 30% reduction in energy costs for hot water, highlighting the system’s outstanding efficiency.

Comfort also improved significantly. With no reliance on sunlight and virtually silent operation at 37dB, the household now has dependable hot water without the noise or maintenance of older systems. In fact, shortly after installation, the customer initially thought the unit wasn’t operating at all because it was so quiet. Andrew demonstrated a simple way to confirm operation by feeling the cool air gently returning from the fan outlet, a hallmark of Reclaim’s reputation for whisper-quiet performance.

Conclusion

This project highlights how replacing outdated solar hot water systems with a Reclaim Energy Heat Pump can deliver major benefits: quiet operation, consistent year-round performance, and substantial savings. The seamless installation by Emerald Beach Plumbing ensured the homeowner transitioned smoothly to a more reliable, efficient, and future-proof hot water solution.

For customers wanting dependable performance without the fluctuations of older technologies, Reclaim Energy heat pumps offer one of the most efficient and trusted solutions on the market.

For more information on hot water solutions call NCP+W on 02 6651 4333, pop in store or check out the useful links below:

Read our GUIDE to SOLAR HOT WATER and HEAT PUMPS

Check out our HEAT PUMP PRODUCT RANGE

North Coast Power + Water is a family-owned business with 25 years of experience delivering water, irrigation, and power solutions to homes, farms, and businesses across the Coffs Coast. Proudly regional, they were recently named Davey National Master Dealer of the Year, recognising their commitment to quality and customer service. 02 6651 4333. ncpw.com

Emerald Beach Plumbing are a team of professional and fully qualified plumbers with over 30 years on the tools, 290+ 5 star reviews and round-the-clock support servicing the Coffs Coast.  02 6650 0544 https://emeraldbeachplumbing.com.au/