Reclaim Heat Pump Review — From an Installer Who Fits Them Every Week

If you’re researching heat pump hot water systems, you’ve probably come across Reclaim Energy. They’re one of the most popular heat pump brands in Australia, and for good reason. But most reviews you’ll find online are written by people who’ve never actually installed one.

We’re an authorised Reclaim Energy dealer listed on their website. We install Reclaim systems regularly across the Northern Beaches — Freshwater, Dee Why, Manly, Narrabeen, and everywhere in between. This is a review from the perspective of a plumber who works with these systems every week.

The Reclaim Range — What’s Available

Reclaim currently offers three heat pump models, each suited to different needs:

Reclaim CO2 Heat Pump

This is the workhorse. It uses CO2 as the refrigerant instead of synthetic gases, which means it’s more environmentally friendly and performs well even in cooler temperatures. The CO2 system heats water to a higher temperature than most heat pumps — up to 63°C (V2 units) without needing a backup element. That’s a genuine advantage for families who use a lot of hot water.

Reclaim CO2 Wi-Fi Heat Pump

Same CO2 technology as above, but with Wi-Fi connectivity built in. You can monitor your system, check energy usage, and adjust settings from your phone. Handy if you’ve got solar panels and want to schedule heating during peak solar production.

Reclaim ECO R290 Heat Pump

The newer addition to the range. Uses R290 (propane) refrigerant — another natural refrigerant with a very low global warming potential. This unit is designed to be compact and quiet, making it a good option for tighter installations where noise matters.

What We Like About Reclaim (The Honest Bits)

• Build quality is solid — the stainless steel tanks hold up well in our coastal environment
• Check the selected model’s cold-weather performance and recovery data
• Split system design means flexible placement — tank inside, compressor outside
• Noise needs a site assessment, including nearby windows, reflecting surfaces and the actual model rating
• Australian company with local support — when we need warranty parts, they respond fast
• Compatible with solar PV — timer and Wi-Fi options let you heat during solar production hours

What You Should Know Before Buying

No system is perfect, and we’d rather be upfront than have you surprised after installation:

• The outdoor unit needs the exact manufacturer ventilation, service and safety clearances; distances differ by model and layout
• Installation typically takes a full day or more — it’s not a quick swap, so plan for your plumber to be on site for the day
• Like any heat pump, efficiency drops slightly in very cold weather — though Sydney’s climate means this rarely matters

How Reclaim Compares to Other Brands

We install several heat-pump brands. Compare the selected model’s rated capacity, recovery, operating range, tank material, servicing and warranty. Refrigerant type alone does not establish that one system is hotter, faster or more efficient than every competitor.

Compare the complete installed system, service requirements and warranty conditions. A higher-priced system is not guaranteed to outlast every alternative or produce a lower lifetime cost.

Reclaim is our go-to recommendation for most Northern Beaches homes. The build quality, performance, and longevity justify the investment. Unless budget is tight, it’s what we’d put in our own house.

Government Rebates on Reclaim Systems

Check the exact Reclaim model on the current eligible product register. Where an incentive applies, the quote should identify the scheme, agreed discount and required customer paperwork.

Real Installations on the Northern Beaches

We’ve installed Reclaim systems in all sorts of Northern Beaches homes — from beachside units in Freshwater to larger family homes in Dee Why and Narrabeen. The split system design means we can usually work with whatever space is available, even in older homes with tight utility areas.

The most common installation we do is replacing an old electric storage tank with a Reclaim CO2 system. The tank goes in the same spot, the compressor unit goes outside, and we connect the flow and return between them.

Why We’re Listed as a Reclaim Dealer

Reclaim doesn’t list just anyone on their dealer network. You need to demonstrate installation experience, technical knowledge of their systems, and a track record of quality work. We’re proud to be listed as an authorised Reclaim dealer for the Northern Beaches.

You can verify this yourself — head to the Reclaim Energy website, click “Find a Dealer”, and search for Northern Beaches Hot Water. We’re there because we’ve earned it through consistent, quality installations.

Should You Get a Reclaim Heat Pump?

If you’re replacing an old hot water system and want something efficient, well-built, and backed by local support — Reclaim is one of the best options available. The CO2 technology is proven, the tanks are built to last, and the rebates make the economics work.

That said, every home is different. The right system depends on your household size, available space, electrical capacity, and budget. We’ll always recommend the system that actually suits your situation — even if that’s not a Reclaim.