iStore Heat Pump Review

According to a 2021 research by Consumer Reference Group (CRG), approximately 28% of Australians need help to afford their energy costs!

Further, another report by the Australian Energy Regulator shows that the number of residential consumers unable to pay energy dues on time in 2022 rose from 2.5% to 2.9%.

The direct reason for these struggles and increase in utility debts is because most of us in Australia depend on conventional hot water systems and other power-hungry gadgets.

These conventional hot water systems are high consumers that need a lot of power to run, resulting in these unaffordable bills. Worst of all, traditional water heaters emit greenhouse gasses, contributing significantly to environmental degradation.

According to research by the Energy Department, these hot water systems contribute around 25% of an average household carbon footprint in Australia!

Thankfully, heat pumps are here to address all these inconveniences. These appliances use renewable energy to provide a consistent supply of domestic water no matter the season.

Among the outstanding heat pumps commanding the Australian Market are the iStore Heat pump water heaters. Read on to discover what they are and how they can help you save on utility bills compared to conventional water heaters.

What is the iStore Heat Pump?

An iStore heat pump is an advanced, environmentally friendly solution for residential water heating engineered for the modern Australian home.

It uses reverse-cycle refrigeration technology to capture thermal energy from the air and transfer it into hot water in a very economical, sustainable process.

Unlike electrical hot water systems that are power intensive, the iStore consumes merely 15%—25% of its energy requirements, translating to staggering savings ranging from 75% to 85%.

Additionally, iStore heat pumps achieve a significant distinction in environmental friendliness. As mentioned, traditional hot water systems emit up to 25% of a household’s greenhouse gasses.

On the contrary, iStore heat pumps actively help offset close to 2.9 tonnes of greenhouse gasses in an average Australian home annually, so they are a rewarding option as the world goes green.

Moreover, the iStore heat pumps are designed to operate effectively even in cold climates.

According to the manufacturer, the models can function in temperatures as low as -7°C so that you will enjoy a reliable hot water supply throughout the year, regardless of the weather conditions.

Models of iStore Heat Pumps

Family sizes vary, and so do iStore’s heat pumps with the following two models available:

iStore 270L: Assuming an average daily water use of 50 litres, this version is designed for more prominent families or large homes with 3 to 6 members. It’s a split system, so the tank and the compressor will need different storage space—ensure you have sufficient setup area.
iStore 180L: With the same hot water use assumption per person, the 180L iStore heat pump meets the needs of smaller families of 2 to 3 individuals. It’s an all-in-one system that can be used in places with limited space without a problem.

Note: These models have the same heating technology and offer identical benefits. However, their capacities differ so that every family size can find an appropriate device to meet their hot water requirements.

iStore Heat Pump Features

Energy Efficiency

iStore heat pumps achieve exceptional energy efficiency, one of the primary reasons they have gained popularity among Australians. These devices utilize the ambient temperature from external air and convert it into usable heat for indoor water heating.

Through this operational mechanism, iStore heat pumps consume up to 85% less electricity than conventional electric resistance heating systems.

If you spent $1000 on your hot water bills, you could save $850 and pay only $150 with an iStore heat pump installed in your home.

Adaptive Heating

Another key feature available in both iStore heat pump models is adaptive heating.

Through this feature, the device constantly evaluates the ambient environment and hot water usage pattern using advanced algorithms and sensors to adjust operations accordingly.

For example, during mild weather, an iStore heat pump would run at low capacity or cycle on and off to save energy without affecting hot water output.

On the other hand, the pumps would automatically increase their production during extreme cold temperatures to generate adequate heat for warming domestic water. This adaptive heating mechanism ensures sufficient hot water in homes, and that homeowners do not waste energy unnecessarily.

Quiet Operation

Both iStore heat pump models are designed to offer peace of mind in residential settings.

State-of-the-art sound insulation techniques are applied to different components in iStore heat pumps, resulting in negligible noise at 48dB, even when performing at their best.

There are no clicking sounds like those produced by some electrical water heaters, and you will hardly notice when the unit is running.

This offers you peace of mind in a quiet living space where the constant availability of hot water is guaranteed.

Compatibility with Solar Power Systems

Besides being efficient stand-alone appliances, iStore heat pumps are fully compatible with existing or newly installed solar panel setups. When these devices are coupled this way, they offer total power independence and alleviate reliance on grid power.

Moreover, since such a combination derives energy from renewable resources, it minimizes environmental impact associated with fossil fuel energy production. Additionally, the iStore – solar panel combination saves you money on recurring and often increasing utility bills, helping you achieve your financial goals.

High Coefficients of Performance (COP)

Another thing that sets iStore heat pumps apart is their higher CoP. A higher COP means the heat pump will produce more heat energy to heat water than the electrical energy it consumes.

So, the iStore heat pumps, with their COP values ranging from 3.5 to 4.5, can create up to 4x more heat energy for every electrical unit consumed.

Consequently, installing an iStore heat pump means you can now heat a large volume of water without spending substantial expenses.

*iStore heat pump CoP at different temperatures*

Reduce Impact on The Environment

Compared to traditional water heaters, iStore heat pumps help cut back greenhouse gas emissions. As previously mentioned, conventional water heaters generate up to 25% of Australian households’ total greenhouse gas emissions.

Fortunately, these figures can be significantly reduced using iStore heat pumps, which offset about 2.9 tonnes of CO2 per annum for a typical Australian household.

If this is applied to millions of Australian homes, such impact would amount to massive aggregate cuts, allowing Australia to meet its obligations under international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement.

For example, assuming just half of Australia’s 8 million stand-alone houses adopt iStore heat pumps, it would be possible to eliminate 12 million tonnes of CO2 emissions yearly.

That is like removing some 6 million automobiles from roads.

Backup Heating Element

Although the iStore heat pumps are designed to use renewable energy sources like heat from the ambient air in heating water, there are periods when exterior temperatures drop so low that a heat pump can’t operate efficiently to gain adequate heat from ambient air.

In those situations, an included backup heating element takes over and maintains the desired water temperature throughout.

Thus, the iStore heat pumps provide households and businesses with a practical and environmentally friendly water heating system without compromising comfort and convenience.

High-Quality LCD Display

The iStore heat pump features an informative but user-friendly liquid crystal display strategically placed at the centre of its body.

This display allows homeowners to easily decipher critical information regarding a heat pump’s performance and functions.

You can use the LCD to read things like the water’s temperature, the system’s status, and any error messages.

The same LCD allows you to set some working parameters for your heat pumps, update the operating software, and schedule the heating cycle without much hustle, like when using configuration buttons.

iStore Heat Pump Pros and Cons

Pros

Saves up to 85% on water heating costs
Low noise at below 48dB
Comprehensive warranty up to 5 years for peace of mind
Two sizes give you freedom of choice
Easy to use with an LCD

Cons

Some people may find initial costs to be higher.
The warranty comes with very complicated terms and conditions.

iStore Heat Pump Performance

The iStore heat pumps are top performers because they effectively provide hot water even in varying weather conditions.

According to the manufacturers’ manual, the pumps can achieve an outstanding coefficient of performance (COP) of 4.1 when operated under ambient conditions at 20 degrees Celsius and deliver hot water at more than 67 degrees Celsius.

The manual also states that iStores have a fast recovery rate, enabling them to reheat water quickly as needed. In addition, they can cut energy consumption rates by up to 85% and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 2.9 tonnes annually in a typical Australian home.

iStore Heat Pump Warranty

iStore provides a competitive advantage by offering a comprehensive warranty on their heat pump products in Australia, setting themselves apart from competing brands. This extensive warranty encompasses:

5-year parts and labour warranty covering the water tank, refrigeration through compressor technology, and electrical controller and sensor leads.
A one-year parts and labour warranty for lower-value components like the sacrificial anode, PTR valve, air filters, thermostat, and heating element.

Through these warranties, iStore is committed to ensuring customer satisfaction and increasing trust in the brand.

This policy benefits customers by giving them greater peace of mind, knowing that their investment enjoys solid protection against possible faults or failures arising soon after installation.

Consequently, the risk of adopting new technologies decreases, promoting wider acceptance among eco-conscious consumers keen on embracing renewable energy solutions.

How Much Do iStore Hot Water Heat Pumps Cost?

The table below outlines the approximate retail cost of the iStore hot water heat pump solutions, excluding shipping, installation, and any rebates that might be available. Note that your installer may be able to access better pricing, particularly if they are installing at higher volumes.

Product	Approximate Retail Price
iStore 180L	$2,400
iStore 270L	$2,700

Final Thoughts

iStore heat pumps are one way Australian households can reduce energy costs and contribute to Australia’s goal of attaining net-zero emissions by 2050.

According to the manufacturer, upgrading to either of their heat pump models (180L or 270L) can shrink your energy costs to 85%, so you will pay only around 15% of the amount you are now paying with traditional water heaters.

At the same time, the iStore heat pump lets you enjoy prolonged, guilt-free hot showers, knowing that your new heat pump helps cut greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2.9 tonnes annually.

With all these benefits, investing in an iStore heat pump is wise if you would like to live eco-friendly and within your financial means. Remember, the earlier you act, the more benefits you can reap, so do not hesitate to explore the possibilities that iStore heat pumps have in store.