Why More Perth Households Are Turning to Heat Pumps for Hot Water
As energy prices continue to rise across Western Australia, a growing number of Perth households are moving away from traditional electric and gas storage hot water systems and looking to heat pump technology instead.
Local plumbers report a sharp increase in enquiries about heat pumps, with many homeowners seeking a way to reduce power bills without sacrificing reliable hot water.
Perth-based plumbing firm Plumb It Right says it is now fielding weekly requests from customers wanting to understand how heat pumps compare with conventional systems in real-world Perth conditions.
What Is a Heat Pump and How Does It Work?
A heat pump hot water system works differently to a traditional electric storage unit, using refrigeration technology to draw heat from the surrounding air and transfer it into a water tank.
Because it moves heat rather than generating it directly, it can use significantly less electricity than a standard electric element system providing the same amount of hot water.
Energy regulators and industry bodies generally estimate that a modern heat pump can cut water heating energy use by around 60 to 70 per cent compared with older electric storage units, particularly in mild to warm climates like Perth.
Rising Costs Push Perth Owners Toward Efficient Hot Water
Hot water is one of the biggest contributors to household energy use in Australia, and recent price increases in electricity and gas have pushed efficiency to the top of the agenda for many Perth families.
John, owner of Plumb It Right, says the pattern has been consistent over the last few years; “When power prices go up, the first thing people do is look at their biggest energy users, and hot water is almost always on that list, especially in established homes with older tanks.”
“We’re seeing more customers ask specifically about heat pumps in Perth, because they’ve heard they can make a big difference to their bills without needing rooftop solar panels to get started,” he says.
How Heat Pumps Perform in Perth’s Climate
Perth’s Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters, is generally well suited to air-source heat pumps, which rely on ambient air temperature to operate efficiently.
Installers say that in most Perth suburbs, including coastal areas such as Scarborough and Cottesloe and inland suburbs like Joondalup and Morley, modern units are able to deliver consistent hot water year-round when correctly sized for the household.
“One of the questions we get a lot is whether a heat pump will cope on colder mornings in the hills or near the coast,” John explains, adding that reputable brands designed for Australian conditions are engineered to operate efficiently in a wide temperature range, with built-in electric boost for peak demand if needed.
Upgrading From Electric or Gas to a Heat Pump
Perth homeowners looking to replace an ageing hot water system are increasingly asking for a like-for-like comparison between new gas storage, electric storage and heat pump options.
According to local plumbers, many properties with outdoor electric storage units can be converted to a heat pump on the same footprint, with plumbing modifications and power supply checked and upgraded where required.
“Most of the time, the swap is straightforward; we remove the old tank, connect the new heat pump unit and cylinder, and ensure the pipework, valves and electrical supply all comply with current Australian Standards,” John says, noting that licensed plumbers and electricians are required for the work.
Costs, Payback and Rebates
While a quality heat pump generally costs more upfront than a basic electric storage unit, installers say the difference is often offset over time by lower running costs, particularly in larger households using significant volumes of hot water.
Depending on the specific model and household use, some Perth owners report payback periods of several years, after which the reduced power consumption continues to provide savings over the life of the system.
Government incentives and renewable energy certificates may apply to certain heat pump installations, and residents are being advised to check current schemes when planning an upgrade.
Choosing the Right Heat Pump System in Perth
Local plumbing businesses emphasise that selecting the right capacity and configuration is critical to getting the expected performance from a heat pump hot water system.
Factors such as household size, number of bathrooms, existing plumbing layout and available outdoor space can influence the choice between compact integrated units and larger, separate tank-and-compressor configurations.
“We always start with how the family actually uses hot water – busy mornings, multiple showers, dishwashers and washing machines – and then match a system to that pattern rather than just replacing like-for-like on tank size,” John says.
Installation Quality Still Matters
Industry guidelines highlight that correct installation is essential for reliable operation, including appropriate pipe insulation, safe discharge of relief valves and adequate airflow around the heat pump unit.
Experienced Perth plumbers stress that poorly installed units can be noisier, less efficient and more prone to issues, even if the underlying technology is sound.
“People sometimes focus only on the brand, but the way the system is installed is just as important, especially with heat pumps,” John notes.
From Hot Water to Whole-of-Home Plumbing Support
For many Perth residents, discussions about heat pumps form part of a broader review of their home’s plumbing and hot water needs.
Companies like Plumb It Right, which also manage emergency plumbing, leak detection, gas fitting and blocked drains, say it is increasingly common for homeowners to combine a hot water upgrade with other maintenance to minimise disruption.
“When we’re already on site replacing a hot water system, a lot of people ask us to check their flexi-hoses, isolation valves and tapware at the same time, just to get the home up to standard in one visit,” John says.
Heat Pumps Set to Play a Bigger Role in Perth Homes
With efficiency targets tightening and many households seeking to future-proof their properties, industry observers expect demand for heat pumps in Perth to continue to grow over the next decade.
Local plumbers say that while traditional gas and electric systems will remain in use for many years, the share of new installations going to heat pumps and other high-efficiency options is already rising, particularly in new builds and major renovations.
For homeowners weighing up their options, speaking with a licensed Perth plumber who regularly installs and services heat pumps can help clarify whether the technology suits their property, usage patterns and budget.
Residents considering an upgrade or replacement can arrange an assessment with a local plumbing specialist in Perth, discuss heat pump options for their home, and plan a installation schedule that keeps hot water interruptions to a minimum.