HydraHeat® Integrated – Smarter hot water
Save up to 75% on your water heating costs with Rinnai’s all-in-one heat pump, designed and built in New Zealand for Kiwi conditions.
75% energy savings
All-in-one system, easy install
Quiet & reliable operation
Built for NZ homes
HydraHeat® Split – Flexible hot water
A versatile system that works with new or existing cylinders, delivering rapid recovery and efficient hot water whenever you need it.
Fast hot water recovery
Retrofit or new build ready
Smart timer for off-peak use
Compact, quiet outdoor unit
Hot water heat pumps – efficient, reliable, and future-proof
Did you know heating water makes up around a third of your household power bill?
Switching to a hot water heat pump is one of the smartest ways to cut costs while enjoying a constant, reliable supply of hot water. By using the warmth from the air instead of generating heat directly, heat pumps can reduce your water heating costs by up to 75% compared to a standard electric cylinder.
At Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas, we specialise in supplying and installing the latest Rinnai HydraHeat® systems – designed for New Zealand conditions and backed by industry-leading warranties. Whether you’re building new, upgrading, or replacing an old cylinder, we’ll help you choose the right solution for your home.
Our recommended systems
At Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas, we recommend and install Rinnai HydraHeat® systems – designed in New Zealand for local conditions. Here’s what makes them the smart choice:
Rinnai HydraHeat® Integrated Hot Water Heat Pump
The complete all-in-one solution
Perfect if you’re looking for a new installation or a full system upgrade.
Fast recovery – delivers up to 89 litres per hour, so hot water is ready when you need it.
Energy savings – reduce your water heating costs by up to 75%.
Efficient refrigerant – uses R290 natural gas for high performance and low environmental impact.
Designed for NZ conditions – operates efficiently from -10°C to +42°C, even in coastal areas.
Quiet and reliable – only 45dB(A) operating sound level, plus an inbuilt electric element for backup.
Sizes to suit families – 275L (2–5 people) and 340L (2–7 people).
Smart operation modes – Eco, Boost, High Usage, and more.
Warranty – 5 years on the heat pump, 7 years on the cylinder.
Ideal for medium to large households who want maximum efficiency and future-proof performance.
Rinnai HydraHeat® Split Hot Water Heat Pump
The flexible retrofit option
Perfect if you already have a compatible cylinder or limited space indoors.
Fast top-down recovery – delivers hot water immediately from the top of the cylinder, so you never wait.
Energy efficiency – up to 75% less power use compared to a standard electric cylinder (COP 4.6).
Compatible with existing cylinders – upgrade without replacing your current setup (check compatibility).
Smart scheduling – timer function to sync with solar PV or off-peak power rates.
Quiet outdoor unit – ideal for homes with limited internal space.
Durable and efficient – designed for NZ conditions, with built-in frost protection.
Warranty – 5 years on the heat pump module.
Ideal if you want a cost-effective upgrade without replacing your current cylinder.
What’s the difference between heat pumps and traditional cylinders?
Traditional electric cylinders heat water using an electric element. They’re reliable but power-hungry, and recovery times (the time it takes to re-heat water after use) can be slow and costly.
Gas hot water systems heat water quickly and are great for continuous flow, but running costs are linked to gas prices, and they emit more greenhouse gases.
Hot water heat pumps combine the best of both worlds. They use electricity very efficiently – transferring heat from the air into your water rather than generating it directly. This means:
Faster recovery times than standard electric cylinders – so you don’t run out of hot water.
Lower running costs – saving you up to 60–75% on water heating.
Greener operation – using natural refrigerants with a low environmental impact.
Understanding refrigerant gas types
Not all heat pumps are created equal. The gas (or refrigerant) inside the system makes a big difference to efficiency and environmental impact.
R290 (Propane) – a natural refrigerant used in the Rinnai HydraHeat® systems. It has a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP), making it one of the most environmentally friendly options. It’s also highly efficient, delivering a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of up to 4.7 – meaning for every 1kW of electricity used, you get up to 4.7kW of heating.
Older refrigerants (like R134a) are less efficient and have higher greenhouse impacts.
R744 (CO₂) is also used in some systems, offering high efficiency but often at a higher upfront cost.
By choosing a system with R290 refrigerant, you’re future-proofing your home with a more sustainable solution.
Why Choose JB Plumbing for Energy-Efficient Hot Water Heat Pump Systems?
Award-Winning Expertise
Named 2025 Master Plumber of the Year—trusted for innovative, high-quality plumbing solutions.Smarter Hot Water
We supply and install heat pump systems that reduce energy use and lower your power bills.Qualified Installers
Fully licensed plumbers and gasfitters with the know-how to ensure your system runs efficiently and safely.Long-Term Savings
Heat pumps are a smart investment—we help you choose the right system to suit your home and water usage.Wellington’s Trusted Team
Proudly serving the region since 2005 with honest advice and expert installation.
What Everybody Should Know About Hot Water Heat Pumps.
Hot water heat pumps are quickly gaining popularity for their efficiency, cost savings, and environmental benefits. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from traditional water heaters?
5 things you must know about hot water heat pumps.
1. How Hot Water Heat Pumps Work
A hot water heat pump extracts heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to heat water. Unlike conventional water heaters that generate heat directly, heat pumps use a refrigerant cycle similar to air conditioners but in reverse. This process requires less energy, making it an energy-efficient way to heat water.
Key Components: Heat pumps consist of an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion valve. These work together to transfer heat from the air to the water tank.
Efficiency Advantage: For every unit of electricity consumed, heat pumps can produce up to three to four units of heat, significantly more efficient than electric resistance heaters.
2. Energy and Cost Savings
Switching to a hot water heat pump can lead to substantial energy and cost savings over time. Traditional electric water heaters can be costly to operate due to their high electricity consumption. In contrast, heat pumps use much less energy.
Cost Comparison: While the upfront cost of a heat pump may be higher, the long-term savings on electricity bills make up for it. According to industry estimates, heat pumps can reduce water heating costs by up to 60%.
Return on Investment (ROI): For an average household, the ROI for a hot water heat pump can typically be achieved within a few years through energy savings alone.
3. Environmental Impact
Hot water heat pumps are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. Because they use ambient air as a primary heat source, they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional electric or gas water heaters.
Lower Carbon Footprint: By reducing electricity consumption, heat pumps contribute to lower CO2 emissions, helping combat climate change.
Sustainable Energy Use: Heat pumps align with renewable energy goals, especially if your home uses solar or wind energy to power the heat pump.
4. Maintenance and Longevity
Heat pumps are generally durable, but they do require some maintenance to operate at peak efficiency.
Routine Maintenance: The main tasks include keeping the coils and filters clean and checking for any refrigerant leaks. Scheduling an annual professional inspection can help maintain efficiency and prevent issues.
Expected Lifespan: A well-maintained heat pump can last 10-15 years or longer, outlasting most traditional water heaters.
5. How to Choose the Right System
Not all heat pumps are created equal, and the best choice depends on various factors, such as your climate, household size, and hot water needs.
Climate Considerations: Heat pumps work best in moderate to warm climates, but some models are designed to operate efficiently even in colder conditions.
Household Needs: Choose a heat pump with the right capacity. Larger families will need a bigger unit, while smaller households can benefit from a compact model.
Noise Levels: Some heat pumps can be noisy. Look for models that advertise quiet operation if noise is a concern.
Is a Hot Water Heat Pump Right for You?
If you're looking to lower your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact, a hot water heat pump is an excellent choice. However, consider factors such as upfront costs, climate, and your home's specific requirements before making a decision.
Summary of Benefits:
Energy Efficiency: Lower energy consumption compared to electric or gas heaters.
Cost Savings: Significant reduction in electricity bills.
Environmental Impact: Reduced carbon emissions and eco-friendly operation.
Longevity: Long lifespan with proper maintenance.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Installing a hot water heat pump is an investment in your home's efficiency and environmental sustainability. For more information on choosing the right system and installation options, contact Jason Brown Plumbing and Gas today on 04 5666 367. Our experts can guide you through the process and help you find the ideal solution for your needs.
Get Started Today and enjoy reliable, eco-friendly hot water all year round!
- OUR OPERATION
3 Reasons To Call Us
Superior Workmanship
Choose our plumbers/drainlayers and gas fitters for superior workmanship backed by a 2 year “Done Right First Time” Guarantee.
On Time & On Budget
Know your project is running to schedule with progress updates from our full time office staff. Each visit is confirmed via GPS tracked vehicles.
Ready For Your Call
Our office staff are ready to take your call now and ensure your job runs smoothly from first call to quoting, job completion and invoicing.
Recent Plumbing Photos
TESTIMONIAL
What Our Clients Say About Us
Please see feedback from some of the thousands of clients we have helped solves problems for over the last 20 years.
About Us
Outside of work, Jason Brown likes to get out amongst the great outdoors. You’ll find him competing in road cycling challenges or out on an adventure with wife and business partner Kirstie Brown and their three young children.
