The Top 3 Heat Pump Hot Water Systems for Sunshine Coast Homes

Choosing the Right Heat Pump for Sunshine Coast Conditions

Queensland’s warm coastal climate is perfect for heat pump hot water systems. Mild winters, high humidity, and generous solar exposure mean heat pumps operate efficiently here year-round. For Sunshine Coast households looking to reduce energy use and long-term costs, switching to a heat pump makes sense, but choosing the right brand matters.

In this article, we’ll break down the top 3 heat pump hot water systems for Queensland homes: Reclaim Energy, Apricus, and Rheem.
We’ll compare performance, quietness, ease of servicing, and suitability for Sunshine Coast conditions to help you decide which is right for your home.

Panasonic Reclaim System Courtyard Rgb 800×452

1. Reclaim Energy Heat Pump

Best for: Quiet performance, solar integration, and premium efficiency

Reclaim Energy’s heat pump systems are engineered for Australian conditions and manufactured using high-end components from Panasonic and Chofu—two of Japan’s most trusted appliance manufacturers.

These systems are perfect for Sunshine Coast homes thanks to:

Ultra-quiet operation: At just 37 decibels, they’re among the quietest systems on the market
High efficiency (COP of up to 6.0): Translates to lower running costs, especially in our mild coastal climate
Smart scheduling: WiFi controllers allow you to run the system during solar production or off-peak rates
Modular split design: Makes installation flexible and maintenance easy
Local support: Reclaim tanks are made in Australia, and Flaregas Plumbing is an authorised Sunshine Coast installer

Ease of servicing:
Reclaim units are split-system designs, meaning the tank and heat pump are separate. This allows for easier access and simpler component replacements. Their well-documented support and strong warranty (up to 15 years on stainless tanks, 10 years on heat pumps) make them one of the most service-friendly systems available.

Cost range:
Premium pricing—from $5,500 to $6,500 installed—reflects the quality, efficiency, and long-term savings of the system.

2. Apricus All-In-One Heat Pump

Best for: All-in-one simplicity, smart controls, and energy savings

Apricus is best known for its solar hot water systems, but its All-In-One Heat Pump delivers a modern, efficient, and intelligent solution for Sunshine Coast households wanting to reduce energy costs without sacrificing performance.

Why it works well for homes in this region:

Efficient in warm, coastal climates like those in Noosa, Maroochydore, and Buderim
No rooftop components—ideal for shaded blocks or homes with limited roof space
Smart timers and app control make it easy to align heating with solar power
All-in-one design simplifies installation and takes up minimal space
Uses R290 natural refrigerant with very low environmental impact

Ease of Servicing
Because it’s an integrated unit, the Apricus system is compact and simple to service. Built-in diagnostics and real-time performance tracking (via app or touchscreen) make fault-finding faster and more accurate than with older systems.

The system logs usage and temperature data, which helps technicians diagnose issues quickly without needing to disassemble the unit. For Sunshine Coast homes in humid coastal areas, its sealed casing and smart monitoring help protect against common issues like salt corrosion or scale buildup.

Cost and Performance

Apricus systems are mid-tier in price but high in efficiency. Most Sunshine Coast households will find they recoup the initial cost within 2 to 3 years through electricity bill savings—particularly when using timed heating cycles to align with rooftop solar production.

Estimated installed cost: $4,200–$5,500 depending on plumbing configuration
COP efficiency: 4.13
Tank size: 260L
Noise level: 43 dB (moderate)
Max water temperature: 70°C
Warranty: 6 years (parts and labour)

3. Rheem Ambiheat Heat Pump

Best for: All-in-one integration and brand familiarity

Rheem’s Ambiheat series is a fully integrated heat pump system. It’s a single, upright unit that replaces traditional electric tanks with minimal footprint and is suited to retrofit scenarios.

Key features:

Simple design: Tank and heat pump in one unit—compact and easy to install
Solid performance in coastal climates (although less efficient than Reclaim or Rinnai)
Familiar interface and brand support across Australia
Available in a single size (270L) ideal for medium households

Ease of servicing:
Because it’s an all-in-one unit, servicing typically requires access to the full tank+compressor body. This can make certain repairs more time-consuming or require full replacement depending on the issue. However, parts are readily available and Rheem’s service network is widespread.

Cost range:
From $3,900 to $5,000 installed. A mid-range system with a simplified footprint and good after-sales support.

Comparison Table: Which Heat Pump Performs Best in Queensland?

Brand	COP Efficiency	Noise Level	Smart Control	Tank Options	Servicing	Typical Cost (Installed)
Reclaim	Up to 6.02	37 dB ✓	✓ WiFi + schedule modes	160–400L ✓	Easy ✓	$5,500–$6,500
Apricus	4.13	43 dB	✓ App + Touchscreen	260L	Easy ✓	$4,200–$5,500
Rheem	~3.5–4.0	Moderate	Basic	One (270L)	Moderate	$3,900–$5,000

Which System Should You Choose?

It depends on what matters most to your household:

Want the quietest and most efficient system? Choose Reclaim
Looking for a smart, all-in-one unit with solar timing? Choose Apricus
Replacing an older electric tank with a simple, compact model? Choose Rheem

All three brands are suited to Sunshine Coast conditions, but Reclaim stands out for those prioritising ultra-quiet performance and long-term savings. Apricus offers strong efficiency with user-friendly controls and a smaller footprint—ideal for newer builds or solar-equipped homes. PV.

Installed by Sunshine Coast Heat Pump Experts

Flaregas Plumbing is licensed to supply and install Reclaim, Apricus, and Rheem systems. As a trusted local plumber, we help Sunshine Coast homeowners: