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Not All Heat Pumps Are Created Equal – What You Need to Know Before You Claim Your Rebate
Choosing a heat pump? Learn why quality matters, how to avoid rebate issues and hear what happened to a Mt Waverley customer.
Why Choosing the Right Heat Pump Matters in Melbourne
Heat pumps are a great way to heat water efficiently, and in Victoria, upgrading to a new system can earn you generous rebates. But here’s the catch—not all heat pumps are created equal. Choosing the wrong system or using an unqualified installer can mean no warranty, ongoing issues, and even worse, you could be left with no hot water at all.
At O’Shea Plumbing, we often get called in to fix poor-quality installations. Many people get drawn in by cheap quotes, only to face hot water repairs or full system replacements down the line. That’s why it’s essential to work with a licensed hot water plumber you can trust.
Mt Waverley Case Study – A Costly “Swap Over” Gone Wrong
A homeowner in Mt Waverley recently contacted us with a hot water emergency. Less than 12 months earlier, another company had installed a new heat pump in a quick “swap over.”
Here’s what happened:
- The customer had been contacted via telephone about a “free upgrade”.
- The new system installed was low quality and failed in under a year.
- The installer had claimed the rebates, allowing them to complete the swap over for “free”.
- There was no warranty, no support and the customer was left feeling vulnerable and literally in the cold….
- The customer had to research a quality solution and needed to organise a new hot water system replacement.
This is a common story in Melbourne. A low quote might look good upfront, but it often means cheap products, bad installs and missing paperwork.
What to Look For When Replacing Your Hot Water System “Swap Over” Gone Wrong
When it’s time for a hot water system installation, it pays to do your research. Here’s what we recommend:
- Use an approved installer
Only licensed and reputable companies like O’Shea Plumbing can ensure your system qualifies for government rebates and is installed to Australian standards. - Choose a good quality hot water system
Some cheaper heat pumps break down quickly or don’t heat enough water. We work with trusted brands like Rheem and Rinnai. - Check if the model is rebate-approved
We only use and install heat pumps approved under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) scheme and Solar Victoria. - Get the right size for your home
A unit that’s too small or too big won’t work properly. We always match the system to your home and needs.
How O’Shea Can Help
At O’Shea Plumbing, we handle every step of the process—from selecting the right unit to installation and lodging your rebate paperwork.
We offer:
- Fixed pricing and pensioner discounts
- High-quality, approved heat pump systems
- Professional licensed installers
- Full support before, during and after the job
- We are here to provide you with quality products, quality installation and peace of mind
We’re also your trusted team for urgent issues, offering access to an emergency plumber in Melbourne when you need help fast.
Common Questions
Do I get a rebate for replacing an old unit?
Yes- if it’s an approved system and installed by a licensed provider.
How long does the rebate take?
Usually 4–6 weeks. We submit the paperwork for you to make the process stress-free.
Don’t Risk a Cheap Mistake
Your hot water system is too important to gamble on. A cheap “swap over” could leave you with no rebate and no hot water.
Contact O’Shea Plumbing to book your free inspection and ensure your rebate is safe.
