Heat pump hot water installer checklist

The product gets most of the attention, but the installation decides a lot: whether the unit is noisy, whether it runs on its element, whether it qualifies for rebates and whether the warranty holds. Building Commission NSW inspected heat pump installs under the NSW scheme and found "many installations were found to be non-compliant to relevant Australian Standards and manufacturer's instructions", and that some contracting businesses "did not hold the appropriate contractor's licence" (Building Commission NSW).

Who is allowed to install a heat pump?

I haven't checked the licensing pages for Queensland, WA, SA, Tasmania or the NT. Ask the installer for their licence numbers and check them on your state's licence register.

What paperwork should I get?

• Compliance certificates for the plumbing work and any major gas or electrical work. Your Home says you should be provided with these (Your Home). In Victoria, if one plumber disconnects the gas and another installs the heat pump, each issues their own certificate.
• The STC assignment form showing the number of STCs and their value.
• State rebate paperwork, such as the NSW nomination form or Solar Victoria QR code.
• Warranty registration and the owner's manual.
• An itemised invoice matching the quote.

What questions should I ask an installer?

1. What are your plumbing and electrical licence numbers? Who does the electrical work?
2. For a split system: are you accredited for refrigerant work, if it is needed?
3. Exactly which model, and what is its STC figure for my postcode zone?
4. Which state programs are you applying, and are you accredited for each (a VEU accredited provider, or working with an IPART accredited certificate provider)?
5. Where will the unit go, how far from bedrooms and neighbours, and why there?
6. Does it need a new circuit or switchboard work? Is that in the price?
7. Will you set the timer and operating mode for my tariff or solar, and show me how?
8. Is removal and disposal of the old system included? Gas disconnection?
9. What warranty do you give on your own workmanship?

What should be on the quote?

• Model number, tank size, integrated or split.
• Supply, installation, electrical and removal costs as separate lines.
• Number of STCs and dollar value per STC.
• Each state discount by program name and amount.
• The final amount you pay, including GST.

What should I check after installation?

• The operating mode. The federal review found installers sometimes set units up to rely on the booster element, which "can dramatically reduce the energy efficiency" (Decision RIS). Ask to see it set to heat pump mode.
• The timer is set to the hours you agreed.
• Pipes are insulated, as Victoria's buyers guide recommends to cut heat loss and frost damage.
• Temperatures: stored water heated to at least 60°C at least once every 7 days, and a tempering valve so tap water doesn't exceed 50°C (Your Home).
• The site: clearances and airflow match the manufacturer's installation manual.

How do I spot a pushy or dodgy offer?

• Pressure to sign today because a "government offer" is about to end.
• A "free" system. Victoria's VEU program bans free installs and requires you to pay at least $200.
• No model number, or a model you can't find on the CER register.
• Claims a heat pump is "CEC approved" (the Clean Energy Council has no heat pump list).
• A quote that lumps all discounts into one "rebate" line.

Next: the buying guide, or check what applies in your state on rebates by state.