Reclaim vs iStore vs Thermann: which heat pump is right for your house?
Every week someone in Pakenham asks us the same question: Reclaim, iStore or Thermann? All three are listed under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, all three pull the same federal STCs, and all three save roughly the same energy. The difference is in the build, the warranty, the noise and the price-after-rebate. Here's the version we'd give a mate at the pub.
The short answer
- Smaller household, rental or a tight budget? Thermann 270L. Cheapest after rebate, stainless tank, simple controls.
- Got solar PV and want app control? iStore 270L. Smart scheduling drops your daytime hot water cost to almost zero.
- Want the quietest, longest-lasting unit money can buy? Reclaim CO₂. Premium price, premium build, 10-year tank.
What you actually get
| Thermann 270L | iStore 270L | Reclaim CO₂ 270L | |
|---|---|---|---|
| After-VEU price* | ~$1,780 | ~$2,400 | ~$3,500 |
| Refrigerant | R134a | R513A | CO₂ (R744) |
| Tank warranty | 5 years | 6 years | 10 years |
| Noise (dB at 1m) | 48 | 44 | 37 |
| Smart controls | Basic timer | Wi-Fi + app | Wi-Fi + app |
| Best for | 2–4 people | 3–5 people, solar homes | 3–6 people, premium |
*Approximate cost after VEU rebate has been applied at quote. Final figure depends on your existing unit, household size and certificate price at the time of install.
Sizing: don't overspend
Tank size matters more than brand. A 270L unit handles 3–5 people comfortably. Two people? You can usually drop to a 200L and save another $300. Six-plus? Step up to 285L or 300L for back-to-back showers.
Heat pumps recover heat slower than gas instantaneous units, so the rule of thumb is roughly 70 litres per person per day for hot showers, dishwashing and the odd bath. Undersize it and you'll run out before the last kid is bathed; oversize it and you've paid for capacity you'll never use.
Noise — the dealbreaker most people miss
Heat pumps run a compressor outside, like an aircon condenser. Thermann sits at around 48 dB at 1 metre — about as loud as a quiet conversation. Reclaim is 37 dB, which is whisper territory. If your unit will live near a bedroom window or close to the neighbour's fence, the extra grand on a Reclaim buys you a lot of peace.
Solar pairing: where iStore quietly wins
If you've got solar PV, your hot water can effectively run on free energy. iStore's app lets you schedule the unit to only run between 10am and 3pm — the daytime hours your roof is generating. Reclaim can do the same with a basic timer, but iStore's interface is friendlier.
We've had Pakenham customers on solar drop their hot water cost to literally zero this way. Worth doing properly the first time.
Our recommendation, by household
- Couple, no solar: Thermann 200L or 270L. Cheap, reliable, gets the rebate.
- Family of 4, average usage, has solar: iStore 270L on a daytime schedule. Best dollars-per-comfort.
- Family of 5+, premium build, near a bedroom: Reclaim CO₂ 270L. Quiet, 10-year tank, sleep easy.
- Investment property: Thermann 270L. Tenant gets a working unit, you bank most of the rebate.
FAQ
Is the Reclaim worth the extra money?
If you'll keep the house 8+ years and the unit lives near a bedroom or shared fence, yes. The 10-year tank warranty and 37 dB noise floor justify the premium. For rentals or short-term holds, a Thermann's the smarter spend.
Will any of these work down to 0 °C overnight?
All three operate fine at Pakenham's typical winter lows (-2 to +4 °C). Reclaim's CO₂ refrigerant holds efficiency better below zero — meaningful in Warragul or up at Olinda, marginal in central Pakenham.
Can I switch brands mid-quote?
Absolutely. We'll quote two side-by-side and lay out the cost difference after rebate. No pressure, no swapped-in upsells.