Hydronic Heat Pumps

Your pathway to a sustainable future

Hydronic heat pumps serve as the heat source for a hydronic heating system, offering an all-electric, modern alternative to the more traditional gas boiler.

Choosing electricity over gas makes this a sustainable, lower carbon-emitting option as a heat source, eliminating the need for burning LPG or natural gas. Running costs can be offset by using an electrical solar system with a battery, reducing both the energy usage and carbon footprint of the property simultaneously.

How do Heat Pumps Work?

Heat pumps operate much like an air conditioning condenser set to warm rather than cool. By utilising a fan and refrigeration gases, they extract heat from the surrounding air, which is then transferred into the water, rather than released into the air like an air conditioner.

The heated water is subsequently transferred from the heat pump and stored in a buffer tank for use as the hydronic heating system requires. This warmed water circulates throughout the hydronic pipework and system via a pump.

Similar to all traditional hydronic systems, heat pumps function as a closed-loop system, recycling the same water continuously. They only require the occasional top-up of fresh water at the time of servicing.

Hydronic Heat Pump Installation

Foster Heating has been in the business of installing hydronic heating systems since 1965. We pride ourselves on being industry leaders and the largest installer of domestic hydronic equipment in Victoria. We have been adapting, evolving, and retraining to use state-of-the-art heat pump equipment and technology.

Having installed heat pumps for hydronic systems for 10 years, we also have technicians, electricians, and staff who have trained overseas on the installation and maintenance of heat pump equipment. This gives our customers the confidence to trust in our knowledge and expertise.

Our Process

Upon receiving a quote request, we use our custom-designed software to perform a heat load calculation on the building, which then determines the bespoke features of each individual job. This ensures that every job is installed to reflect the individual needs of the owner. We can vary the equipment and locations depending on the site and our client’s needs.

Once we have the design locked in, we then coordinate with the owner or builder to install the specified equipment. With all the specialised staff required on our team, we have complete control of every aspect of the hydronic job from design through to the installation and commissioning of the system. Throughout the lifespan of the system, we have all the servicing and maintenance expertise to maintain it and ensure smooth and efficient operation.

Stiebel Eltron Heat Pumps

Designed and developed for the Australian market, Stiebel Eltron heat pumps are the logical choice for the energy-conscious consumer. Stiebel’s superior inverter technology produces up to 14 kilowatts of heating energy at an exceptionally high COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 5. This means 1 kilowatt of electricity can produce up to 5.0 kilowatts of heat energy to warm your home!

In a country where nearly 40% of energy consumption in households is dedicated to heating and cooling, choosing the WPL 25 AC(S) electric heat pump not only significantly reduces ongoing heating costs but also reflects a commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Transform your home into a haven of warmth and efficiency with the unparalleled performance of Stiebel’s electric heat pump technology.

All Stiebel Eltron heat pumps also feature Stiebel’s trademark ultra-quiet operation and remote web diagnostic capabilities.

Features:

  • Made in Germany / Designed for Australian homes

  • Super quiet operation: 32dB(A) / 26dB (A) from 5m distance (WPL 25 / 07)

  • 5 Year Stiebel Eltron warranty and after sales support

  • Smart Grid and Solar PV compatible
  • 65°C flow temperatures suitable for in-slab and radiator heating
  • Single phase and 3 phase models available
REQUEST A QUOTE
Download WPL 25 Brochure

WPL 25
14 Kwatt hydronic heat pump

  • Market leading Coefficient of Performance: 5.09 / 4.82 @ A7 / W35 (3 phase/single phase)

  • Capable of producing 14 Kwatts of heating energy

  • 65°C flow temperatures suitable for in-slab and radiator heating

  • Single phase and 3 phase models available

WPL-A 07
High Temp (75 degree) 10 Kwatt hydronic heat pump

  • Market leading Coefficient of Performance: 5.42 @ A7 / W35 (single phase)

  • High Flow Temperature of up to 75°C suitable for in-slab and radiator heating

  • Suitable electrical upgrade for existing gas boiler systems (size limitations)

  • Environmentally friendly R454C refrigerant gas

  • Capable of producing 10 Kwatts of heating energy

Download WPL 25 Brochure
Download WPL-A 07 Brochure

BAXI AURIGA A Single Phase Hydronic Heat Pump

The Future of Hydronic Heating….

Experience cutting-edge domestic heating with the BAXI Auriga, a state-of-the-art hydronic heat pump meticulously crafted in Italy. The Auriga A Single Phase heat pumps bring advanced heating solutions to any domestic setting, providing efficient hydronic heating with a focus on delivering warmth.

This new range of BAXI heat pumps excels in air-to-water heating, incorporating inverter technology for enhanced performance. Designed specifically for heating needs, these pumps are ideal for standalone systems or integration with other heating sources, creating powerful and effective heating solutions for your home. Embrace superior heating efficiency with the BAXI Auriga, setting a new standard in domestic warmth.

Features:

  • Reduced noise emissions

  • Perfect for hydronic customers with no access to Natural Gas

  • Single Phase Power Supply

  • Possible to off-set operating costs with PV solar

  • Horizontal buffer tank available for space saving

  • 7 Year Warranty Manufacturers (Parts and Labour)

REQUEST A QUOTE
Download AURIGA A Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a hydronic heat pump and a hydronic boiler?

A heat pump uses refrigeration gases and a fan to transfer heat from the open air into the water for a hydronic system. This system solely relies on electricity to produce heat and operate. An additional advantage of a heat pump is its potential offset by a solar electrical system.

A hydronic gas boiler employs the combustion of gas to heat the water, followed by a pump to circulate the heated water. This system predominantly utilizes gas for water heating and a minimal amount of electricity for water circulation.

A heat pump is a larger unit (up to 2.5m long x 1.3m high x 1m deep) and is ground-mounted due to its weight. In contrast, a standard gas boiler is 902mm high, 425mm wide, and 312mm deep, typically wall-mounted.

What is a phase and what does it mean for a heat pump?

“Phase” is an electrical term that refers to the distinction between single-phase and three-phase, relating to the distribution of power load. In a single-phase system, a single wire supplies power to your home, while in a three-phase system, three wires deliver power. Both systems also incorporate an additional neutral wire.

In the past, most houses required a limited amount of electricity (for running the refrigerator, television, lights, and not much else), which was generally sufficient for residential properties.Three-phase power was predominantly utilised in commercial or industrial settings due to the higher demand for power and the increased efficiency of power distribution across the three wires. However, with changes over the past few decades and the increasing reliance on electricity for various household appliances, more properties are now investing in power supply upgrades during construction. This is why an increasing number of residences are opting for three-phase power connections.

Heat pumps are available in both single-phase and three-phase versions. Single-phase remains the more popular option and is the larger quantity imported into Australia. Three-phase heat pumps are slightly more expensive to purchase.

Are Hydronic Heat Pumps powered by gas or electricity?

Heat pumps only use electricity to operate, which can be sourced from the electrical grid or your home’s solar panels and batteries, if you have them. They function much like an air conditioning condenser set to warm rather than cool. By utilising a fan and refrigeration gases, they extract heat from the surrounding air, which is then transferred into the water, as opposed to being released into the air like an air conditioner.

The heated water is subsequently transferred from the heat pump and stored in a buffer tank for use as the hydronic heating system requires. This warmed water circulates throughout the hydronic pipe work and system with the assistance of a pump.

What is CoP and what does it mean?

CoP stands for Coefficient of Performance, which relates to the ratio of energy required to run a heat pump and the amount of heat it will produce. The higher the CoP, the more efficient the heat pump is, resulting in lower running costs. Considering the CoP is crucial when comparing different equipment or brands, as it provides a better understanding of their performance relative to each other.

Are hydronic heat pumps loud?

Heat pumps operate by drawing in air from behind the main outdoor unit and then having that air blow out the front using a fan. This fan does generate some noise. Our current models of heat pumps vary in sound from a standard running sound of 48dB to 68dB. To put that into context, the hum from a refrigerator is 45dB, and the average conversation between adults is 60dB. A shower or dishwasher produces about 70dB. So, while they are reasonably quiet, if you have the option of where to place the main unit outside the house, next to a bedroom wall is not the preferred choice.

How efficient is a hydronic heat pump?

Heat pumps have a CoP of approximately 5 (depending on the brand and model). This means that for every kilowatt of electricity you input into the heat pump, it will provide you with up to 5 kW of heating. This ratio is excellent, and the higher the CoP, the better.

Are Hydronic Heat Pumps good for the environment?

Heat pumps have the capability to run off sustainably sourced electricity. They can operate on the normal electrical grid or your home PV solar. They are much more energy-efficient than gas ducted heating, for example. They are also comparable to a higher-end split system when set to heating, as the heat transfer into the water is more effective than into the air. Hydronic heat pumps are constructed using the latest eco-friendly refrigerant gases to minimize their impact on the atmosphere.

Meet James

Hydronic Engineer

Origin Portmouth, England
Plumbing Since 2006
Foster Engineer Since 2016