What Is a Reclaim Heat Pump?
A Reclaim Heat Pump is a hot water system that uses superior technology to warm stored water by using heat from the surrounding air. It does not work like a traditional electric heating system. This system transfers heat through natural CO₂ refrigerant to produce hot water using far less electricity.
The Reclaim Energy heat pump supplies up to five times more heat energy for every unit of power consumed.
This system works well in Australian homes, where weather conditions can be adverse. In fact, these energy pumps continue to function well, even in Melbourne's harsh winter. In winter, conventional systems usually use more electricity, whereas a Reclaim Energy CO2 heat pump continues to operate without drawing more power.
At Total Electrics & Air Conditioning, we supply and install Reclaim Heat Pump systems personalised to Melbourne homes.
Why Choose Reclaim?
Many homeowners choose a Reclaim Heat Pump because it consumes less energy for year-round operation. This system is definitely a great investment for households that want to be energy-conscious, because it reduces hot water energy costs by up to 80%.
Reclaim systems also work well with rooftop solar installations. That’s why heating water with solar energy during the day is better than exporting it to the grid.
Reclaim offers systems that offer superior results by operating silently for homes that want some quiet. These CO2 heat pumps are a complete package and are a wiser choice for residential applications. These advanced controls and environmentally responsible CO₂ refrigerant make these CO2 heat pumps an alternative to older electric and gas hot water systems.
With solar integration, you’re no longer wasting excess energy—“turn solar into everyday hot water.”
How Does It Work?
A Reclaim Heat Pump is different from a conventional electric system. It does not generate heat directly; instead, it captures warmth already present in the surrounding air. Then, it transfers that heat into the water stored in the tank. Because of this process, the system uses far less electricity to deliver the same result.
So, how exactly does this work?
The unit draws in outside air and passes it through a natural CO₂ refrigerant. After absorbing this outside air, the refrigerant transforms it into a heated gas. A compressor then intensifies the temperature and allows the heat to move through a heat exchanger to warm the stored water.
Further, an insulated tank is used to store the heated water until it is needed around the home. Throughout the day, the system automatically monitors water temperature and adjusts operation as required.
This system does not use electric resistance heating, but transfers heat. This is the reason why it consumes much less power than a standard storage hot water unit. This technology reduces energy use but provides hot water throughout the year.
Most of the heat used comes from the surrounding air — not electricity.
Compared to standard electric water heaters, heat pump systems can reduce water heating energy use by up to 60–70%.
Top Features of the Reclaim Energy CO2 Heat Pump
The Reclaim Heat Pump helps fulfil everyday household demands. Even in the harsh Australian climate, including cold winters, these heat pumps work non-stop.
One of the standout features is its COP rating of up to 5. In simple terms, the system can produce several units of heat from a single unit of electricity. Conventional electric hot water systems, when compared to these heat pumps, cannot reduce long-term running costs.
There is a broad range of tank sizes in the Reclaim heat pumps range. This gives more flexibility because homeowners can now select the right size depending on the household and available installation space. These heat pumps can easily suit different layouts, be it a compact laundry or a larger utility area.
If you have solar panels, you can schedule heating during daytime generation hours. Instead of sending excess solar power back to the grid, you can simply use the energy to heat water for later use around the home.
This system also has a boost function that temporarily increases the hot water supply when the demand is higher, helping several households.
Total Electrics & Air Conditioning collaborates with homeowners to select and install the right Reclaim system based on household size, usage, and layout.
Smart Controller
The built-in WiFi controller simplifies managing hot water usage throughout the day. Just by using a smartphone, you can adjust operating times and monitor system activity. You don’t have to access the unit itself.
This added control works well in homes with rooftop solar, where you can schedule the system to heat water during periods of strong solar generation. In case hot water demand increases, boost mode can quickly provide additional heating capacity.
Further, an insulated tank is used to store the heated water until it is needed around the home. Throughout the day, the system automatically monitors water temperature and adjusts operation as required.
This system does not use electric resistance heating, but transfers heat. This is the reason why it consumes much less power than a standard storage hot water unit. This technology reduces energy use but provides hot water throughout the year.
You can reduce the upfront cost of installing Reclaim Heat Pumps through Government incentives. This switch is more affordable for many Australian households.
Eligible systems may qualify for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which are designed to support energy-efficient home upgrades. In most cases, these certificates are applied as an upfront discount during installation, lowering the initial purchase cost.
Homeowners in Victoria may also have access to additional state-based incentives that aim to replace older electric and gas hot water systems. For households that consider heat pump hot water installations, these programs can improve overall value.
Potential Savings & Incentives
STC Discounts Applied at Installation
Victorian Energy Efficiency Incentives Available
Lower Ongoing Hot Water Energy Costs
The savings continue after installation as well. Because Reclaim Energy CO2 heat pumps use less electricity than conventional storage systems, households can continue reducing energy costs over the long term.
For homes with higher hot water usage or existing rooftop solar systems, the reduction in running costs can become even more noticeable over time. When rebates and lower energy consumption are combined, many homeowners see the system as both a practical upgrade and a worthwhile long-term investment.
Total Electrics & Air Conditioning can guide you through available rebates and help you understand what applies to your installation.
What a Homeowner Had to Say
We switched to a Reclaim Heat Pump after our old system started pushing our power bills up. Honestly, we noticed the difference pretty quickly. We haven’t had to think about hot water since, even through winter, and it just runs quietly in the background. We’ve also started using more of our solar during the day, which has helped keep costs down.
Choosing the right system is only part of the decision.
At Total Electrics & Air Conditioning, we focus on matching each Reclaim Heat Pump to the actual needs of the household. That means looking at how much hot water you use, how your home is set up, and whether you’re running solar before recommending a system.
Installation is handled with care, not shortcuts. The goal is simple—set the system up properly so it runs the way it’s meant to from day one.
We also stay available after installation if you need help or adjustments later. It’s not just about getting the system in; it’s about making sure it keeps working well in everyday use.
For many homeowners, that extra support makes the process easier, especially when upgrading from an older electric or gas hot water system.
How Do I Purchase a Reclaim Energy Heat Pump Hot Water System?
You can easily purchase a Reclaim Energy Heat Pump through an authorised dealer and installer. If you need help in Melbourne, then reaching out to a specialist like Total Electrics & Air Conditioning would be a great idea. They'll patiently understand your home's needs and advise you on the right system. Finally, they take charge of the entire installation process.
Why Choose Total Electrics & Air Conditioning for Your Hot Water System in Melbourne?
Total Electrics & Air Conditioning does more than just fit a system. They are the real experts! As a first step, they thoroughly assess your household's hot water requirements before making any recommendations. That means you end up with a Reclaim Heat Pump setup that actually suits your home, not just a generic solution. Next, if you ever need help after installation, they're there for that too. They provide end-to-end support that makes the whole experience much less stressful from your first enquiry right through to ongoing after-sales care.
Is the Reclaim Energy Heat Pump Hot Water System an energy-efficient hot water system, and how does it compare to a conventional electric hot water system?
Yes, it is more energy-efficient than a standard electric storage system. A Reclaim Energy heat pump uses only a fraction of the electricity, which is around 20% of what a conventional system uses. Practically, you will be using 80% lower energy for heating water! Many households can use these energy-efficient heat pumps and not only save cost, but also be more eco-friendly.
Can a Reclaim Energy CO2 Heat Pump Hot Water System be used with an on-roof solar system (PV) that produces electricity?
Yes, it works very well with rooftop solar. The smart controller allows you to time hot water heating during the day when your solar panels are generating power. Now, no more sending excess electricity back to the grid; you can use it to heat water directly and improve energy use in the home.
Why a CO2 Heat Pump Hot Water System?
A CO2 heat pump makes sense because it uses less electricity to produce hot water. Despite using less energy, this system gives excellent results. It can function in every weather condition without increasing energy costs. In fact, it reduces energy costs. For many households, it is an alternative to traditional electric or gas hot water systems.
Is water quality an important consideration for the Reclaim Energy CO2 Heat Pump Hot Water System?
Yes, if you aim at long-term performance, then water quality matters. High chloride levels or very acidic or alkaline water have negative effects on the system components in the long run. When water conditions are not within the recommended ranges, it may impact warranty coverage. It is better if you conduct water testing or treatment before installation.
What is the most environmentally friendly hot water system?
You can trust CO2 heat pump systems like Reclaim in Australia, because they are more environmentally responsible. They use natural refrigerants, which reduce electricity consumption when compared to conventional systems. This lowers both household energy use and the environmental impact overall.
Can you use a Residential Reclaim CO2 heat pump unit for Hydronic/Pool heating?
No, the residential Reclaim Heat Pump is only for domestic hot water use. We don’t recommend it for hydronic heating or pool applications. Those uses fall outside the system’s intended design and manufacturer guidelines.