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[NSW] Upgrade Non-Solar Electric Hot Water Heater to Heat Pump from $33 Installed @ Chromagen

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Apologies I don't have direct link to these deals.

Due to NSW Government incentives, if you are replacing an old electric hot water system, you can get a new heat pump for a heavily subsidised price.

I will see if i can find a better link, but for now best just call Chromagen on 1300 982 324.

Chromagen distribute Chinese made "Midea" branded High Efficiency Heat Pump Hot Water Systems.

If you have an existing electric non-solar and non-heat pump hot water system you can get a new heat pump at a massive discount - including installation.

If your existing system is a standard electric unit (i.e is not a heat pump or a solar hot water system) Chromagen can supply and install a heat pump for the following prices:

• 170L (Recommended for up to 4 people): $33
• 2 x 170L (Recommended for up to 8 people): $399
• 280L (Recommended for up to 6 people): $299

There is an additional charge of $350 to relocate plumbing and electrics form inside to outside. (Include if system is based internally)

All pricing includes:
• Your new Heat Pump hot water system
• The disconnection of your existing system
• Installation

Bear in mind the rough retail prices of these heaters without installation but after normal rebates are:

170L = $1299
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/124833543951?hash=item1d10a8b70f…

280L = $1699
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/114920068226?hash=item1ac1c51482…

My local plumber charges about $250 for a basic installation of a replacement hot water system and about $600 if you are moving a hot water system located inside to the outside.

Possible additional costs:
• If you would like us to dispose of your existing system
• If the installers must upgrade the safety switch on your hot water circuit, this may cost around $130

Chromagen have distributors across most of NSW, including in many regional areas. Their authorised distributor will supply and fit the heat pump water heater.

I literally replaced my old hot water system 3 months ago with a standard electric controlled load storage unit. I looked at these heat pumps at the time but the prices were too high from the suppliers I spoke to.

I am undecided if I should change to a heat pump. I am no expert but I know this:

Pros:

  • much better energy efficiency. The warmer the climate you are in the better. You can save up to 75% energy compared to a standard electric heat and storage unit.
  • in this case, massive discounts - fully installed systems from $33!!

Cons:

  • they have fans and these make noise
  • don't run on controlled load like a lot of standard electric storage units do, so although you use less electricity the electricity you use is more expensive
  • not as efficient in colder areas
  • must be installed outside
  • not sure about reliability and longevity of these Midea units (or heat pumps in general - a standard controlled load storage unit typically lasts 10-12 years)

Related Stores

Chromagen
Chromagen
NSW Climate and Energy Action
NSW Climate and Energy Action

closed Comments

  • +3

    What if it's gas water system?

    • I don't think any discounts apply at all. Discount is only for replacement of old non-solar and non-heat pump electric units.

    • +1

      According to another supplier

      Replace your existing Electric or Gas water heater with a new approved Heat Pump or Solar water heater and claim $1000’s from both the NSW & Federal Government rebate schemes.

      Haven’t fully researched it, so you might want to look around

  • +4

    Buyer beware, these guys quoted me almost $3000 for my "free" hot water system.

    Vic gov actually pays $500 for the removal of old shitty appliances plus almost $1.5k for the unit itself, but somehow the installation with all the subsidies still costs 3 grand. They're dreaming.

    • +2

      My quote is as per my numbers in my post. NSW and VIC have very different incentives.

    • Vic here. $350 out of pocket for replacement of shitty (indoor) small unit with a big heat pump. The total quote was 3500. Subsidies covered $3150. I don't know, but you might need to read the quote again. Or maybe you don't have an eligible old system, E. G. A gas unit

  • +1

    I had a decent experience. 400$ install VIC

    • +1

      Which unit did you go for and are you happy with it's performance.

      My understanding is the pros and cons of a heat pump are:

      Pros:
      - much better energy efficiency. The warmer the climate you are in the better. You can save up to 75% energy compared to a standard electric heat and storage unit.
      - in this case, massive discounts - fully installed systems from $33!!

      Cons:
      - they have fans and these make noise
      - not as efficient in colder areas
      - must be installed outside
      - not sure about reliability and longevity of these Midea units

      • Sorry, bit late - 170L Midea unit. Smallest they had. Noise is noticeable as is just under kitchen window

  • Unfortunately my water tank is inside…. anyway we can reduce the relocation cost?

    • +1

      No. And $350 is cheap!

      Ask your local plumber, I bet they want more.

      • -1

        Considering it would be in the same spot, just on the opposite side of the wall, I feel like 350 is not cheap in my situation

        • +2

          Seriously get a quote from an independent plumber. You will be surprised how much they want.

        • These heat pump units cost thousands

  • +1

    Worth looking at the forum some useful comments https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/707862

    I got this a few weeks ago, the company doesn’t have the greatest reviews and did stuff me around but gut a working system in the end.

    One thing I didn’t realise is they claim 60% less power but my old system was on off peak and they connect these to main power which is more than double the cost so I may end up paying more for my hot water.

    • +1

      If you are using a Midea you can set the time of day it heats. If you have solar a lot of people set that to when their solar is likely to be generating maximum power.

      I think it still kicks at anytime when it senses it needs it. Agree that peak rates compared to off-peak or controlled load can be a lot more.

      In my case I pay about 9 cents per kWh for controlled load and 42c per kWh for peak.

      • That is an absurd peak charge.

        Literally more than twice what I pay.

        • Are you on a time of use plan?

          Sadly that is actually lower than a lot of the time of use plans currently being advertised for me here in regional NSW (Ausgrid).

          Who are you with and what plan are you on? I would love to save some money on my power but recently a lot of retailers have dramatically increased their rates and cut their solar feed in tariffs too…

          • @TheCandyMan2020: Single tariff. $.1858kwh

            Jemena though.

            • @Manny Calavera: NEVER SWAP YOUR PLAN

              You won't find something like that anymore.

              I got moved from flat rate tarriff to Time of Use (TOU) when I upgraded my meter to a smart meter - If I realised at the time I would never have upgraded.

              • @TheCandyMan2020: Of course not. I picked this up jumping ship from Reamped.

                It's locked in until late next year.

              • +1

                @TheCandyMan2020: You can't install solar without moving to a smart meter though, so you're going to be upgrading anyway if you haven't already.

  • -8

    $33 installed ? i call BS

    • The NSW govt requires a $30 ex GST payment as part of the program

    • It's not BS tbf. Got mine installed from different installer.
      If it lasts a few years I would consider it a good deal, my old system was on its last leg and would burst in a next few months btw.
      https://i.ibb.co/vzYrMvN/BB05-AD40-719-F-496-A-9-E4-B-2-C9-B…

      • Was yours a straight swap? No other costs involved?

        • +1

          I would pay some extra for the electrcian to switch from offpeak usage to normal one, other than that it's straight swap.

          • @ntb: Ok cheers. I’m going from gas bottles, so I’ll need a connection to power supply and extra copper pipe to connect to water. Just wondering what the cost might be if others have done the same.
            I have a smart meter so I’m on time of use plan. Can’t go to off peak but I have recently got solar panels on the roof so that’ll keep the cost down.

  • +1

    Sounds good, anybody know of any QLD government incentives that are similar at all :/?

    • Qld broke because government keeps pissing money away on stupid matters (like the Olympic games which will costs us millions and return diddly squat, except to the pollies) while the basics go untended (hospitals, roads etc.)

      • Qld broke

        I'll bite, how do you make this evaluation? Would you prefer a government that holds on to the taxes it receives, instead of spending them? Then you'd be complaining they're creating a slush fund.

        like the Olympic games which will costs us millions and return diddly squat, except to the pollies

        How do you propose that the pollies are going to make money from the Olympic games? Particularly as there's no guarantee the current mob will be in power by the time the games roll around.

        while the basics go untended (hospitals, roads etc.)

        You mean like the seven new hospitals they're building, or the cross-river rail?
        https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/strategic-di…

        And several hospital expansions in northern parts of the state:
        https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/95474

  • +2

    Check the full thread over at whirlpool on the program and the heat pumps - https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/30x18v04

  • -1

    Please be aware these things have major draw backs. Suggest doing your research.

    • Please elaborate. I would be happy to add it to the top of the post.

      AFAIK

      Pros:
      - much better energy efficiency. The warmer the climate you are in the better. You can save up to 75% energy compared to a standard electric heat and storage unit.
      - in this case, massive discounts - fully installed systems from $33!!

      Cons:
      - they have fans and these make noise
      - don't run on controlled load like a lot of standard electric storage units do, so although you use less electricity the electricity you use is more expensive
      - not as efficient in colder areas
      - must be installed outside
      - not sure about reliability and longevity of these Midea units

      • -1

        They have issues in certain climates and weather with keeping the water hot. Last thing you want is warm water. Also your neighbours can complain to council and force you to remove it if the noise can be heard in living areas of your neighbours.

        • They have a back up element that operates like a standard electric unit if it gets too cold. Mine is regularly in sub zero temperatures and I've had no issues. The noise isn't too bad. Depends where placed. But you can't hear it indoors,in my case.

        • +1

          They have issues in certain climates and weather with keeping the water hot. Last thing you want is warm water.

          This is not true, they work just fine in any Australian climate unless you live on a snowy mountain top - and even then, they'll work fine on element-heater mode. Mine switches to element mode below -5c (so never).

    • i had 2 Bosch heatpump units installed when they first hit the market about 8 years ago. retailed for $ 3000+ then, paid $1700 minus incentives. Very happy with the units, never had cold water even in extreme cold weather. As these are computerized, one unit had a malfunction about three years ago, a service callout reprogrammed it for $99. and yes they are a bit noisy like the outer A/C units

  • Not sure how to add it but here is link to deal https://www.smarterhotwater.com.au/

  • stay away with this company

    Check reviews

  • HEER claim for trash unit.

  • I'm using one of these https://www.reece.com.au/product/hot-water-systems-c199/elec… . Is it non heat pump electric water heater ? It is not old though, I just replace it a year ago since the last one leaked.

  • Does this include replacement of instant electric hot water systems? Or has to be tank based?

  • +2

    How does 170L service 4 people, when a standard element water heater needs 250L for 2-3 people? (Based on Reece product duluxe2000 posted, and my own experience).

    • Yeah agreed. We (2 of us) moved to a 160L tank when our old old old 260L tank finally carked it after 25+ years.

      Bad decision. Would often be running out of hot water by end of day, and would have to really monitor our usage especially during winter. Just recently moved back to a 250L, and not only do we not run out of hot water, the CL costs are lower now as (I assume) the whole tank of water doesn't have to be heated every night.

      • Agree with both of you. We had a 200 litre storage unit and in winter the wife would drain it in the shower.

        We now have a 320 litre with a second element that heats on demand if needed.

        If I went one of these Chromagens I would get the 280 litre.

        They are kind of pushing the idea of 2 x 170 litre. Doesn't make sense to me as it means 2 elements heating all the time - sometimes unnecessarily. I guess they make more profit on 2 x 170 than they do on 1 x 280.

        I also note the 170 is a Version 2.0 whereas the 280 is Version 1.0

  • +1

    Everyone says chromagen is shit and breaks quick and expensive to fix

  • Why does water tank need to be outdoors? My current one is inside the house.

    • Heat pump water heaters must be installed outdoors. I don't exactly understand the reasons but I know one is airflow. If your heat pump HWS is installed inside, they didn't install it according to specs…

    • +1

      It needs to transfer heat from environment to the water, you can imagine it being inside constantly draining heat from your room.

  • Can't find eligibility on link, is this for owner occupier only or rentals as well.

    • I believe it is OK for landlords as well - it is 1 per address, not 1 per person.

  • I installed a good brand of a heat pump in Trentham (Vic) - it snows- I installed it with a timer to run only 1-5pm - hot part of the day. Worked great. Also chucked in 3 kw of solar and almost free hot water if the sun is shining for 3/4 of the year. Heat pumps are like air conditioners put in 1 kw = 3 kw output bloody beautiful.

  • does anyone know how does the installation work for apartment on 3rd floor…how can they put unit outside. In balcony? Currently unit is inside unit (i.e laundry)

    • Depends on the structure of your building and the body corporate. Unless you can already see other water heaters on people's balconies in the same block, the answer is likely no.

      • Hmmm…fair point. The thing is if the existing unit need replacing I have been told new installation has to be outside as per regulation.

    • The tanks in hot water systems eventually corrode through as the system reaches the end of its life. If your unit is indoors, you're going to have a very bad time one day!!!

      • Maybe that is why the advise I have stacks up and new regulation only allows tanks to be outside and in apartments cases that is balcony or something. And if its dictated by regulation then not much body corp do i guess..

      • True but its not always catastrophic. Mine failed about 4 months ago and there was just a slow leak of water onto the floor. If I didn't address it then that may have become a flood fairly quickly. Floor has a drain so it was manageable.

        Tanks outside are likely to corrode faster than tanks inside….

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