Why people switch from a failed heat pump or solar system
The usual reasons are practical. The repair quote is close to the price of a new system, parts for an older or discontinued model are hard to get, the fan or compressor noise bothers you or the neighbours, the roof collectors are leaking or the roof needs work, or you simply want hot water back on today. An electric tank is the simplest swap, and gas continuous flow means you won't run out.
Electric or gas: what to replace it with
- Electric storage tank: the lowest upfront cost and the quickest to install. It costs more to run than a heat pump, so an off-peak tariff or heating during the day from rooftop solar helps keep bills down.
- Gas continuous flow: heats water on demand, so it never runs out. It works on natural gas or LPG cylinders and may need a new or upsized gas line, like our Mountain Creek job.
- A new heat pump: the lowest running costs, with STCs on eligible models, if your old one simply reached the end of its life.
The honest trade-off on running costs
A heat pump typically uses around a third of the electricity of a standard electric tank, so switching to electric storage usually means higher hot water running costs. Gas running costs depend on your gas price, and bottled LPG generally costs more than natural gas. We talk you through the difference before you decide, so there are no surprises on your next bill.
What's involved in the changeover
We disconnect and remove the old heat pump or solar system, including roof-mounted collectors and tanks where needed, and take it away. The new system goes in with a tempering valve, which Queensland requires on every replacement, and we lodge the compliance paperwork with the QBCC. Heat pumps and electric tanks sometimes use different electrical circuits: we handle the disconnection and reconnection, and if the circuit itself needs changing, a licensed electrician does that part. Most changeovers are finished the same day.
Recently in Maroochydore, a heat pump failed and we replaced it the same day with a Thermann 250 litre electric system. See that job.
Repair or replace?
Not every fault means a new system. Heat pump fan, sensor and valve faults, and solar pump and booster faults, can often be repaired, and a system still under warranty should be checked with the manufacturer first. We test it, and if a repair makes more sense, we'll say so. See our guides to repairing or replacing and heat pump vs electric.
Recent jobs
Common questions
Can I replace my heat pump with an electric hot water system?
Yes. It's one of the most common changeovers we do. An electric storage tank is usually the quickest and lowest-cost replacement, though it uses more power to run than a heat pump.
Will my power bill go up if I switch from a heat pump to electric?
Usually, yes. A heat pump uses around a third of the electricity of a standard electric tank. Running the new tank on an off-peak tariff, or heating it from rooftop solar during the day, reduces the difference.
Can you remove an old solar hot water system from the roof?
Yes. We remove roof-mounted collectors and tanks and take them away, then install the new system in the position that suits you.
How quickly can you replace a failed heat pump?
Most changeovers to an electric or gas system are finished the same day, depending on stock and access.
Is it worth repairing my heat pump instead?
Sometimes. If it's under warranty, or the fault is a fan, sensor or valve, a repair can be the better option. We test it first and give you both prices.
Sources and further reading
- Business Queensland: hot water systems (temperature control devices on new and replacement systems)
- QBCC: Form 4 notifiable work (installing, replacing or removing a water heater)
- Clean Energy Regulator: solar water heaters and air source heat pumps (STC eligibility)
- Residential Tenancies Authority: emergency and routine repairs
Heat pump and solar replacement near you
We cover every suburb on the Sunshine Coast and in Noosa. Popular areas include: