Reclaim Heat Pump Review — From an Installer Who Fits Them Every Week
— Northern Beaches Hot Water
An honest Reclaim heat pump review from a Northern Beaches installer. We’re an authorised Reclaim dealer — here’s what we’ve learned installing them across Freshwater and the Northern Beaches.
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.
We’re listed as an authorised Reclaim Energy dealer. You can verify this on the Reclaim website.
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 65°C 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
- CO2 refrigerant performs in cooler weather better than most competitors
- Split system design means flexible placement — tank inside, compressor outside
- Quiet operation — we’ve had zero noise complaints from customers or their neighbours
- 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 compressor unit needs adequate airflow — 300mm clearance minimum on all sides
- 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 multiple heat pump brands — Reclaim, Sanden, Rheem, and others. Each has its place. Reclaim’s strength is the CO2 refrigerant technology and the stainless steel tank. The CO2 system heats water hotter and faster than most R134a or R290 competitors, which matters for larger households.
The main reason we’d install a different brand is if budget is the priority. Reclaim is a premium system and it’s priced accordingly. But here’s how we look at it: rather than comparing upfront cost alone, divide your total hot water costs — installation plus maintenance — over the expected life of the system. A Reclaim with a stainless steel tank will outlast cheaper alternatives, needs less maintenance, and when you look at your cost per year over that lifespan, the premium system often works out cheaper in the long run.
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
All Reclaim heat pump models qualify for STC rebates (Small-scale Technology Certificates). The rebate amount varies depending on the model and your location, but it reduces the upfront installation cost. We handle all the paperwork — the rebate comes off your invoice directly.
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.
You can find us listed as an authorised dealer on the Reclaim Energy website.
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.
Want to know if a Reclaim heat pump is right for your home? Call Northern Beaches Hot Water on 0448 581 325 for a free on-site assessment. As an authorised Reclaim dealer, we’ll give you an honest recommendation and handle everything from rebate paperwork to installation.
Need hot water help? Call Northern Beaches Hot Water on 0448 581 325.