Anyone in NSW seen this ad pop up, seems to be under the category of too good to be true but I don’t want to write it off until I know more? They claim I can upgrade my off peak electric for $33 fully installed to a heat pump.
Interested to hear if anyone has dealt with them or knows more.
Thanks ozbargainers.
There is a thread on Whirlpool, very new post with some replies. https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/30x18v04?p=1#r7133690…
They are free in Vic. They are not dodgy. They are just taking advantage of government incentives on your behalf.
My in-laws did the upgrade (from electric storage) to a free heat pump unit about 5 years ago.
The unit was absolutely shit and gave them nothing but grief until they replaced it a couple of years later.
It was a chromagen or midea unit. Looked like the one on the left here.
Looked like the one on the left here(samedayhotwaterservice.com.au).
Found the bandwidth thief.
Thanks the picture shows eco alliance not chromagen ont sure how good they are.
They are probably all just rebranded generic units
$33 would be probably be dependent on your postcode zone, which would affect how many STC's are generated?
When I put in a 215L Eco Alliance (that's the brand they show in their pictures) Heat Pump water heater for my Metro NSW postcode (Zone 3), it pops out 27/29 certificates. (Depending on model)
29 * $40 = $1160
Zone 5 does not generate that much more STC's either. (2 more?)
Obviously they are not getting them for the RRP there.
Eligible upgrades for households and small businesses include:
- high efficiency or LED lighting upgrades
- replacing electric or gas water heaters
- installing or replacing existing air conditioners
- replacing windows or doors with thermally efficient windows or doors
- replacing pool pumps with high efficiency pool pumps
- installing efficient showerheads
- draft proofing or sealing windows, doors, chimneys and exhaust fans.
https://www.energysustainabilityschemes.nsw.gov.au/energy-ef…
Speak to an ACP from the Who can help with energy upgrades to see what energy efficiency upgrades you can benefit from.
https://www.energysustainabilityschemes.nsw.gov.au/who-can-h…
Make sure anyone you deal with is listed on the official govt websites. Those ones don't seem to be listed.
Also, stop listening or clicking on Facebook ads. Or indeed any ads. Get an adblocker.
Thanks I checked with them, found out - we manufacture and install Dynaheat Heat Pump systems. And we are an accredited provider; we appear on the list as Ecovantage.
Company has only been around for 2 years
Something to be wary of
Even worse for the ACN, that's only been 4 months:
Name: NSW HOT WATER UPGRADES PTY LTD
ACN: 657 291 284
Registration date: 14/02/2022
Next review date: 14/02/2023
Status: Registered
Type: Australian Proprietary Company, Limited By Shares
Locality of registered office: GEELONG NORTH VIC 3215
I thought the punch line is registered in vic
Cost me $200 to switch to an inverter hot water.
Probably legit but you are not going to get anywhere near a tier 1 or 2 installer or inverter
What about instead of $33, I am prepared to pay $700, that’s a reasonable price for a tier 2 brand if upgrading from electric? Or do all these low cost installers just have access to the elcheapo brands?
Doesn’t usually work that way coz el cheapo is half the price of the not el cheapo. So $2000 to $5000 is next
That's disappointing. I am sure people are willing to pay $700-$1000 for a better quality heat pump from a known brand after Gov discounts instead of $33. Something that can last 10 years and over.
@dreamscene: I think the other option, is u can get it installed yourself and paying the full price, generate the STCs (certificates) and sell them to recuperate your money. I guess this way you can select whichever system you want. Although the price u recuperate will depend on the market at the time.. But im guessing by going thru a registered agent, they'll be keeping some of that profit so u might make more money by doing the groundwork yourself
Check this out… My comment will make more sense
https://www.energy.gov.au/rebates/renewable-power-incentives
Don't expect the unit to last anywhere near as long as a traditional gas or electric unit. You'd be doing well to get 5 years out of it.
You're probably right but is there something you know or just opinion?
Have you got a response? i enquired, will keep you posted. I have a HWS from 2007 so $33 is worth a punt.
Just applied today as our he heater started producing brown tinted water. Keep in touch.
Maybe your he heater is doing the moonwalk?
I asked 2. Myenergygroup, Chromagen all offering the same thing.
Chromagen- Midea unit. Going well for 2 years now. https://chromagen.com.au/products/170-litre-heat-pump-midea
Going try the Eco Alliance unit.
so these are my charges:
$33
+$420 (relocation from indoor to outdoor)
+$249 for the extra 215L unit so ill be having 430L
Total:$702 for dual tanks compressor units which should cover our Old 250L which was just enough.
Government are handling out some special grant so this isn't really a SCAM…..yet :)
there are quite a bit of mixed reviews However, @$702 its worth a shot over the $2600 for EVO270L unit that I was quoted.
If it all falls over in the first 2 years, lets hope the warranty covers it. I'm more concern about the after sales service/support.
Lets hope I get a good Plumber to do a quality install.
Thanks, good luck. I’ve sent in my hwh photos waiting to hear.
I think they told me 5 yr warranty.
It's it 2 seperate compressor units? This would give you full redundancy.
Yes, funny that as I am a reliability engineer and fully understand the risk of this "unknown" brand having 2 provides some peace of mind that i will have at least redundant hot water.
Just hope I get a plumber that takes a bit of pride in their work and do a quality installation.
Hopefully they run the pipe work with enough valves so you can isolate a failed unit whilst continuing to run the other.
are they asking for payment upfront? My email says " Our scheduling team will take payment when they call you to book the installation in. No payment is required before that point."
I already told them I'm not paying upfront - this is how many scams work.
Here is what their more detailed email says:
"Our scheduling team will contact you via telephone to arrange a suitable date and time for installation. Our installation team, consisting of a plumber and electrician, will arrive at your property and install your new heat pump hot water system.
Your old system will be decommissioned by drilling a hole in the side (a requirement of the government’s ESS rebate program to ensure old, inefficient units are not on-sold). We will also remove your system from the property and dispose of it for you.
We’ll require a signature for the ESS program documentation, within the fortnight after installation, certificates of compliance, warranty documents and a user manual will be e-mailed to you. Our scheduling team will take payment when they call you to book the installation in. No payment is required before that point."
Hummmm………i emailed asking if i can make payment during the installation. Let see what they say.
My advice is at all costs don't pay pay upfront at most 10%. Fair trading on dealing with trades says "For smaller jobs, such as changing a powerpoint or unblocking a pipe, it's unlikely you'll be asked to pay a deposit.
For bigger jobs, where a large component of the cost is in the materials, the builder or tradesperson may ask for a deposit. Under NSW home building law, the maximum deposit you can be asked to pay is 10 percent."
Thanks for the tip mate!
Have you seen any T&C? Fair trading says have a look at them before paying. Apparently that 10% deposit rule if for contracts larger than this.
Just got this hot off the press-
Disregard the email, old format was generated. Standard is payment day of once the job has been completed. My apologies for that.
@Captain Hindsight: I got this response after asking about payment on the day and making sure the trade(s) have the right licenses.
"Disregard the payment part, standard is day of after the job is completed. In regards to the technicians they work directly with the manufacturer so rest assured they are fully licensed but you can most definitely give the Scheduling Team a call to discuss further, shouldn't be a problem."
When ever I hire trades, it always best to look up their LIC and see if they are even qualified…..
Just now got a call from the company seems alright. I already have solar installed but they said I am still eligible. 33 for 215L and 249 for 430L. Have asked for warranty details and accredition.
2 tank system is not very efficient, with 2 heating elements, 2 compressors, double the space required, double the noise. It would still use less power than an electric unit but not much less. Unfortunately no budget installers have 300L options for below $1000 after Gov incentives. It's either $33 for 215L, or get a highly inefficient double tank double compressor 430L for $249 or $3000 for a name brand 300-400L single tank system. I really don''t understand why it's ultra cheap or ultra expensive and nothing in between after Gov incentives.
Thanks that's handy to know. I was worried whether it would be able to serve my family of 4.
From my discussion with them. you can turn one off. For $249 Extra having redundant HWS is super cheap.
Is that even legal? It will make the water go stale and bacteria will start to grow if unused. There is a reason the water heaters has to store water above a certain temperature in NSW at least, to kill off bacteria.
Thanks some good points. I’ll see what they say.
It’s starting to feel like the free insulation deals a few years ago, I’ve seen 2 more companies pop up on Facebook with same offer.
I'm trying another company as well as NSW HW upgrades taking too long.
Been around 7 years and fairly positive decent number of reviews.
Called them they are installing Emerald Planet 205l for $33 and twin tank for $650.
This is 100% legit - well, the scheme anyway. I went with the chromagen one as the heat pump components are part of the top of the tank not a separate unit. I went through chromagen direct and had it installed by Chilli hot water in Sydney.
It cost me nothing but the advertised price (I paid $299 for the larger 280L tank) and $70 to have the packaging (cardboard box, foam and small pallet) and my old tank removed. Well worth it to save struggling with the heavy thing on my own and the tip fees etc.
I was skeptical but yeah, it seems it's all just govt subsidies.
I'm going to sign up my oldies for the $33 170L tank - they're just throwing money away heating up 300+ litres of water that they arent using.
So did Chromagen delivered the system at $299 or Chilli hot water processed the rebate part?
Pretty sure Chromagen processed the rebate as I had to send them a pic of my meter box and the old hot water system. I paid the $299 to Chromagen, Chilli then picked up the tank from them in the morning, installed it that afternoon and I paid Chilli the $70 to take away the old tank and rubbish. Presumably they then invoice Chromagen for their labor/installation costs.
Oh, I should point out that the tank also has a normal element as well, so if the moving parts/complexities of the heatpump dies prematurely it can still be run as a standard electric heater. So that was a nice bonus when I found that out.
The only trouble with the backup element is that you won't know its failed until you get a big power bill.
@JIMB0: No, the first sign it's failed will be cold water. You can run it in either heat pump mode, electric mode or hybid (both)
I plan to leave it set exclusively to heatpump mode. If the water goes cold one day I'll know the heatpump has died, then I'll switch it over to electric mode and program it to run during off peak hours like I was previously. It now runs during peak sunlight hours so heats up for free from my solar panels.
Interesting when you say run as standard electric heater. Can you shed some light on this? Do you meant compressor dies and we need to press a button to convert? But then light bill goes up which technically defeats the purpose
@ady211: See above, you can toggle the modes. Only reason short of failure that I can think where you'd need to run in hybrid mode is if you run out of hot water and need to heat it back up quickly. And yeah, if the compressor dies you'd obviously think about repairing it, but if it's nearing the end of life for the tank it'd be cheaper to see out its days as electric only (which in my case is the same as it's always been)
but from the scheme, the $299 cost should include the disposal of the old tank. Did the Chili guy ask you for the 70 bucks?
Okay called Chromagen as well. As Hyena mentioned they will arrange for install and need to pay $33 for 170l model and $299 for 280l model. Removal can be done by the installer for $70 extra or can be kept for council pickup. With 5 year warranty on tank and 3 year on compressor. I am inclined to go with them
hi guys my old electric boiler packed up and I want to use these rebate offer (I will need to pay to move boiler outside too). Which company please? Can you add some links for me? Thanks heaps
I went via Chromagen. 280l for $299 + $70 for removal. Not sure what's the cost to move it outside.
No worries thanks. Which unit? Can you send me link please?
Is it this? Why does it say just $800 cashback?
https://chromagen.com.au/products/280-litre-heat-pump-midea
Good reviews overall
https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/midea-280l-heat-pu…
@fozzie: Yes this one. Just call the toll free number they will arrange some paper work and ask to pay 299. I am waiting on my installation.
If you can dump yourself via council then can save 70 otherwise you can pay that to installer
@ady211: Thanks ady211, I will install standard size. I’m expecting to pay $400-500 to move from inside to outside (fingers crossed). Hopefully there is not too much of a wait, as my boiler is completely gone.
If only 2 ppl in a house , 170L should be enough ?
Its been over 4 weeks and no contact from the scheduling team. Called, got transferred to an answering machine. Anyone else manage to have the eco alliance ppl complete an install?
Same given up on this company trying to find the best now of these discounted offers. Anyone got any suggestions would be great to post? Thx
I went with Chromagen slightly more expensive but getting installed today wait of 10 days. I am getting a slightly bigger tank 280l for 299.
Thanks for letting us know. How is it? Any dramas on the install? Is it quiet? The brand is Midea is that right?
@Captain Hindsight: Waiting for installation should be done by noon hopefully. Yes it's Midea will let you know in a day or so on install and noise
@ady211: Hmm, not a total surprise, that company has many poor reviews. I didn't mind the look of them, some comments about noisy, hopefully the hardware is good.
I found that these companies outsource the install to 3rd party plumbers and electricians. So its a mixed bag.
Got it installed today. Had to replace a pipe connecting to pump as it was rusty and unusable stung another $350 :(
Ouch, was it a long pipe, or gold plated?
Any feedback on unit etc?
Mines getting done Monday
Not sure on specifics regarding pipe but it was attached to the wall and connected to the old pump. Unit looks good not much sound (inside you can't hear anything). He said it will take 2 hours to heat the water. Tradie was saying it's all a hoax as it will run for longer to heat so end results in terms of electricity usage will be similar.
How's the heater going so far?
I am waiting for install - noticed this message in the email "We have found that most customer don’t have a safety switch to the hot water system so please note the normal charge from our electrician directly to you if applicable would be around $130 on the day of installation if required"
Seems they find ways to add lots of extras, did they hit you up for this?
@Captain Hindsight: So far going well I was not charged for safety switch. I was away for the weekend so will have monitor for couple of weeks if my usage drops
@ady211: Thanks, count yourself lucky.
Mine is going to shit, just rang to find out cant come today. Also slab they were going to put down is now not possible because on concrete with a slope even though I discussed this at length with photos.
As my current system is failing may need to get OP system now.😢
We have recently had a 170L litre installed for "$33" chromagen promised multiple times installation was 100% included in the rebate, we have now been blindsided with a $220 electrician bill and the plumber wanted to charge a following $200+ more, this is without the cleanup and removal etc. The plumber told me 95% of houses require installation costs and that chromagen are known for this and the plumber cops abuse all the time.
*Edit, i have lodged a complaint with fair trading, as i truly believe i was misled.
This is really bad
Mine ended up getting installed. I’m pretty happy so far although water is not as hot as we’d like with temper valve, but that’s not their fault. The plumbers were great, no extra cost for slab or slight relocation but $180 for new safety switch, quoted $130.
They dropped one bombshell though that I’ll need to sort. They said it’s no longer connected to off peak as needs to be on all the time (I’m sure that’s wrong and my controlled load 2 would be enough)which actually means could cost me more to run that my crappy old off peak system which cost 14c per kWh this is on 30c kWh even though uses 60% less power it cost 200% more and runs more hours.
Arranged an upgrade for $33 from https://www.ecovantage.com.au, for an EcoAlliance 215F LTR model. Ecovantage is offering an "exclusive" 5 years replacement warranty and 7 years for the tank (confirmed in email, and same on the brochure), which seems more than the usual for EcoAlliance (2yr compressor and 5 yr tank).
Waiting for the scheduling team to call. Installation in 4-6 weeks is what I've been told. Will update with progress and experience.
I have asked all these elcheapo $33 vendors, when they will have better brands and 300L tank units for around $1000 and they don’t care, they are just shilling the rubbish 215L tanks for $33.
To achieve the outcome that you desire, I would go the other way. Approach the "better" brands and ask for contact details of their local installers. Then ask those installers if any of them is registered or is happy to register for the ESS.
Genuine ad but don't use the popup ad. Ring a couple of you local larger plumbers
(easier warranty wise and you can talk face to face)and they should be able to do it.
Some smaller operators (plumbers) don't want to deal with the government paperwork. Pay extra to get the larger size I think it was about $200 extra but worth it as the smaller ones are a waste of time unless your on you own.
Which company can install in a week? My hot water tank leak since today
I'm currently on agl Ausgrid control load 1, if switch to heat pump is that I need control load 2(max 16 hour electricity per day ) or need to get the continuous electricicy? How easy agl can change it ? I'm on smart metre so they can change remotely?
My experience is, the installer told me you must be on continuous and gave me no option - meaning the power for this is almost 3x as expensive per kWh even though it uses less- so I'm really not sure if I'll save a cent, may even cost more to run ironically. It was a simple switch at my place from one to the other.
I spoke to Chromagen who said it could differently potentially work on CL2 but hard to say if it will stay warm enough at least in winter. I am with EA and but also through Ausgrid and EA told me my CL2 runs a maximum 10hrs / day so love to know how you can get 16 max as I think that would work better.
Anyone have one of these heat pumps on CL2 please comment as would love to know if this works?
I'm also considering seeing if I can get a switch installed so I could switch from continuous to CL2 depending on season to save money.
you must be on continuous and gave me no option
Was your old electric HW on off peak? You can always ask any other electrician to put the new unit on the off peak meter later (extra cost though). But yes, I see no reason why your installer wasn't able to put the new unit on off peak via the existing wires. I would imagine that it is actually less work for them to do a straight swap, rather than rewire at the meter from off peak to peak.
get a switch installed so I could switch from continuous to CL2 depending on season to save money
Pretty sure no electrician will install a switch for you as that's against the rules.
Yes old was on off peak.
Get a switch installed so I could switch from continuous to CL2 depending on season to save money - it was actually energy Australia who suggested that to me.
energy Australia who suggested that to me
So not an electrician I assume… But you might get lucky with a rogue electrician who is willing to do it. However, I suspect they will just offer to switch the unit back to CL2 for you rather than risking their license.
@assailantsky: I seriously considering it - Why is that against the rules and can you let me know where can I confirm that rule? Thx
Yes CL2 only 10 hours . Been tested one day have plenty of hot water . I'm now tried to switch it off at night so it only heat one times and see if still ok
Did you get a heat pump on cl2, how’s it going?
heat pump or instant gas water？
@Captain Hindsight
I am planning to get a split system installed. Price I am being quoted is around ~150 AUD for 205L system (https://emerald-energy.com.au/heat-pump/#our-range).
Could you help with below queries pls?
1) Which heat pump did you finally install and are you happy with it ?
2) I understand you are running it using Peak electricity usage time. Is it turning our to be more expensive than the old off-peak system ?
3) Any word of advice or caution ?
4) I am planning to get a split system. I read online that integrated units are not as good as split systems due to space constraints.
Hi
Sorry to say its hard for me to answer many questions but I'll do my best
1 Chromogen 300 litre integrated as 205 was too small for family of 4 and it fit in our location better - even this size runs out of hot water after 1 bath or 2 or 3 showers. Its not as good as our OP electric system was at heating water fast, takes maybe 4 hours+ to heat from 25 to 55 degrees and the old one never ran out for us.
2 Hard to say not had a full billing cycle and bill and my rates just went up. Likely it will cost me more as rate was almost triple OP rate even at old prices and claims to use about 30% less electricity. not sure I'll be able to tell either as my no way of telling how much HW energy is used no that not seperate
3 get every promise in writing and ask about OP power compatible as this could save you money
Do it and your username well be well suited.