Hot Water Upgrade at Friday Creek Retreat

“It was a pleasure working alongside North Coast Power & Water to deliver a tailored hot water solution for Friday Creek Retreat. By combining Reclaim and Apricus heat pump systems, we were able to modernise the site’s infrastructure with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency. It’s great to see a local business prioritising sustainability without compromising on comfort or reliability.”  Kurt Atchison, KAP Plumbing

Introduction

Tucked away in the lush hinterlands west of Coffs Harbour, Friday Creek Retreat offers a luxurious eco-stay experience across a collection of serene self-contained cottages. With sustainability at the heart of their operations, the Retreat sought to replace aging gas hot water systems with a modern, efficient, and environmentally conscious solution.

To achieve this transition, North Coast Power & Water (NCP+W) partnered with Kurt Atchison of KAP Plumbing, a trusted local hot-water plumbing specialist and LBE Solar & Electrical for the installation. Together we delivered a comprehensive, site-wide hot water upgrade using a combination of Reclaim Energy and Apricus electric heat pump systems—enhancing comfort for guests, improving energy performance, and contributing to the Retreat’s ongoing sustainability journey.

The Challenge

• Replacing Existing Inefficient Infrastructure: The Retreat’s existing gas hot water systems were inefficient, costly to maintain, and misaligned with the eco-conscious vision of the business.
• Minimal Operational Disruption: With guest experience paramount, the installation needed to be completed swiftly and without disrupting guest stays. The installed system also needs to operate without disruption.
• Future Proofing for Long Term Use: The selected systems had to offer durability, efficiency, and low maintenance for long-term use. With fluctuating seasonal occupancy and diverse demand across the cottages, the solution had to be robust enough to perform efficiently under varying loads while reducing future servicing needs.
  
  

Before/ After: Out with gas, in with green. Modernising hot water delivery without compromising performance.

The Solution

NCP+W proposed a complete transition to a combination of Reclaim Energy and Apricus All in one electric heat pump hot water systems, renowned for their low power draw, high efficiency, and reliability.

Key aspects of the solution included:

• 10 Reclaim Energy + Apricus Heat Pump Systems: A combination of Reclaim Energy 400L and Apricus All-In-One heat pump systems were installed across all cottages, tailored to suit the demand and layout of each building. These systems offer highly efficient, electric hot water delivery with substantial energy savings and zero reliance on gas.
• Wi-Fi enabled capability: Each unit was equipped with Wi-Fi capability, allowing for remote monitoring, timer programming, and system diagnostics. This ensures that hot water delivery can be adjusted without physically accessing guest areas enabling true “set and forget” operation with no disruption to guest comfort.
• Government Incentive Assistance: The team facilitated Friday Creek Retreat’s application for  government granted energy efficiency rebates, maximising return on investment. By leveraging available hot water upgrade incentives, the total project cost was significantly reduced, making the transition to heat pump technology even more attractive.
  

“Helping Friday Creek Retreat make the switch from gas to heat pump hot water was a great example of what we love doing—delivering smarter, more sustainable solutions that work day in, day out. It was a smooth install, and awesome to see the finished result supporting both the guest experience and the Retreat’s long-term vision.” Anthony, North Coast Power + Water

The Results

The installed hot water solution has delivered:

• Improved Energy Efficiency: Each cottage now benefits from significantly reduced energy consumption, thanks to the Reclaim and Apricus heat pumps’ industry-leading performance.
• Operational Efficiency: With the elimination of gas and improved thermal efficiency, the Retreat is expected to save thousands annually in hot water energy costs.
• Enhanced Sustainability: This upgrade aligns perfectly with Friday Creek’s commitment to sustainable tourism, further reducing their carbon footprint.
• Zero Downtime for Guests: The project was executed with no interruption to guest stays, preserving the premium experience the Retreat is known for.
  

‘This project is a perfect example of how Reclaim Energy heat pumps deliver high efficiency, low environmental impact, and reliable performance, ideal for eco-conscious accommodations. The team executed the upgrade seamlessly, maximising energy savings and guest comfort while staying true to the Retreat’s sustainability vision. We’re proud to have played a role in its success.’ Chris, Director, Reclaim Energy

Conclusion

The Friday Creek Retreat hot water upgrade is a standout example of how sustainable technologies can enhance guest comfort while reducing environmental impact. By replacing outdated gas systems with trusted electrical heat pumps, the Retreat has positioned itself as a leader in eco-conscious tourism. This project reflects the power of collaboration between NCP+W, KAP Plumbing, and an engaged client to deliver practical, scalable hot water solutions that don’t compromise on performance or aesthetics.

Whether you’re managing a rural retreat, an off-grid homestead, or a coastal B&B, the results at Friday Creek demonstrate that a greener, more efficient future is within reach with the right team and the right technology.

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

KAP Kurt Atchison Plumbing are a team of professional and fully qualified plumbers providing a full range of commercial and residential plumbing services across the Coffs Coast. 0483 902 996  https://kapplumbinggroup.com/.