Heat pumps move heat into water
A heat pump uses electricity to run a refrigeration cycle that collects heat from surrounding air and transfers it into a storage tank. It can run without solar panels or direct sunshine. It differs from solar-thermal hot water, which collects heat on the roof.
See our interactive explanation and iStore cutaway for a look inside.
Why Unified Solar recommends iStore
We favour its combination of an all-in-one design, programmable heating, 180 L and 270 L tank choices and documented manufacturer support. It is our preferred option to assess for many homes, with final suitability checked at your property.
iStore also placed first in SolarQuotes’ 2025 installer survey. Read the result and our reasons for choosing it.
Match storage and recovery to your routine
Tell us about consecutive showers, baths, visitors and busy mornings. A smaller household can still have high peak demand. A larger tank is not automatically the right purchase; we assess storage, recovery and winter conditions together.
What are you replacing?
| Current system | Questions for the assessment |
|---|---|
| Electric storage | Can efficient heat-pump heating reduce purchased energy? What supply and tariff changes are needed? |
| Gas storage or instantaneous | What plumbing, electrical and gas decommissioning work is included? Will other gas appliances remain? |
| Solar-thermal hot water | What is the condition of the roof equipment and tank, and what removal work is required? |
Running costs depend on your previous system, tariffs, hot-water demand and weather. Avoid assuming a fixed percentage or dollar saving for every home.
Give the unit the right location
- Check ventilation, required clearances and service access, not only the tank footprint.
- Consider fan and compressor noise near sleeping areas and neighbours.
- Include a suitable base, drainage, pipe insulation and the required electrical work.
- Tell us about bore or tank water so the manufacturer’s water-quality requirements can be checked.
Coordinate solar, hot water and a battery
Daytime heating can use available solar directly rather than first storing that electricity in a battery. Whether this suits you depends on your solar surplus and hot-water routine. With no solar, compare the available tariff windows and recovery requirements.
Set timers with the installer so that hygiene, anti-legionella operation and reliable recovery are maintained. Wi-Fi and app features depend on the supplied model and serial number.
Look past the headline warranty
iStore publishes a five-year parts-and-labour warranty subject to its full conditions. Register within six weeks of installation and follow the required maintenance and water-quality rules. Keep the supplied owner manual, serial number and service records. Installation workmanship is separate from manufacturer product cover.
Know the full replacement scope
Ask for the exact model, installation location, electrical and plumbing work, removal of the old unit, commissioning and handover details. Confirm any exclusions, the warranty process and the final amount after applicable incentives.
Our rebate guide links to the official Victorian criteria. Rebates are not automatic; product eligibility, retailer arrangements and application timing matter.
Let’s apply this to your home.
Bring these questions into your conversation with our Bendigo team.
Add to my quote brief ↗Or call 0428 280 294 ↗