What to look for when upgrading to a hot water heat pump

silvereyecomms
3 days ago
3 min read

Upgrading to a hot water heat pump is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home’s energy efficiency. But with so many systems on the market, how do you know which one is right for your household? Here are the key features and considerations to look out for before you make the switch.

1. Choose the right tank size for your household

The first – and most important – decision is selecting a tank that suits the number of people in your home. Too small, and you’ll run out of hot water. Too large, and you’ll pay to heat water you don’t need.

As a general guide:

1–2 people: 180–200L
3–4 people: 250–300L
5+ people: 300L+

Ensure you choose a system that not only matches today’s household size but also future-proofs your home if your family grows or you add more appliances that use hot water.

2. Check the system’s efficiency (COP)

A heat pump's Coefficient of Performance (COP) tells you how efficiently it converts electricity into heat. The higher the COP, the lower your running costs.

Modern heat pump water heaters typically range from 3.0 to 5.2 COP, which means they produce 3–5.2 units of heat energy for every 1 unit of electricity used. Look for a model with strong year-round performance, especially in colder climates where efficiency can vary significantly.

3. Understand the tank recharge rate

Efficiency is important – but so is recovery time. The recharge rate tells you how quickly your system can heat a full tank of water again after heavy use.

A faster recharge rate means:

Shorter waits between showers
Better performance for busy families
Less need for oversized tanks

Choose a model that maintains rapid recovery even on cold mornings when performance matters most.

4. Prioritise noise control (silent mode matters)

Heat pumps contain compressors, which means they make some noise. If your unit sits near a bedroom, neighbour’s fence, deck, or living space, noise levels are critical.

Look for:

Low operating decibel ratings
A built-in silent or night mode
Smart scheduling so the pump avoids running loudly at inconvenient times

A well-designed system should be barely noticeable in everyday use.

5. Look for a good app or smart control interface

Modern heat pump water heaters offer more than just efficient heating – they give you full control from your phone. A high-quality app allows you to:

Track energy use
Set schedules
Activate boost or quiet modes
Monitor performance and temperature
Receive maintenance alerts

A clean, intuitive interface helps you get the most out of your investment.

6. Compare warranty and after-sales support

A hot water heat pump should last 15 years, so your warranty matters. Compare both:

Tank warranty
Compressor and component warranty

Also consider the manufacturer’s reputation, local support, and availability of plumbing partners who can service the system if needed. Strong after-sales service is just as important as strong performance.

7. Consider how it looks (yes, it matters)

Your heat pump may sit outdoors, visible from courtyards, decks, driveways, or backyards. A well-designed unit should:

Blend well with your home
Have a modern, compact appearance
Be tidy and unobtrusive
Come with options for placement that don’t compromise performance

You’ll be living with it for many years – choose something you don’t mind looking at.

Why the Emerald Pro ticks all these boxes

The Emerald Pro Hot Water Heat Pump stands out because it meets every one of these criteria. With tank sizes suited to all household types, a high COP for outstanding efficiency, rapid recharge rates, ultra-quiet operation, and a smart, easy-to-use app, it’s engineered for New Zealand homes. Its clean, compact design blends seamlessly into any property, and it’s backed by strong warranties and nationwide plumbing partners.

If you’re considering an upgrade, the Emerald Pro is a reliable, future-proof choice that gives you maximum performance with minimal running costs.