Thermann Heat Pumps: Independent Review

Note: Solar Choice is not associated with Thermann Hot Water Heat Pumps or any heat pump manufacturer and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product over another.

At a Glance: Thermann Heat Pumps Solar Choice Heat Pumps Score Card

$$$$$ Price: Thermann split system heat pumps are in the highest cost range $4,800-$5,600. Their Hybrid Heat Pump systems are priced in the mid-range, with models costing around $3,500 for their 220L all-in-one option..

• Efficiency: Thermann discloses a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.9 and up to 5.08 depending on which system you are looking at. It is difficult to compare these figures as they have not disclosed the testing conditions at which they were measured . Despite 5.08 being an impressive score we have scored this 3 points as they haven’t disclosed enough information to verify this is comparable.

• Warranty: Thermann provides a long warranty for their split Heat Pumps with 10 years on the tank, 6 years on the heat pump, and 2 years for other parts and labour. The warranty is shorter for their all-in-one system with 5 years on the tank and 2 years for parts and labour. For Victorians who receive the Solar Victoria rebate, the heat pump will have a special 5-year warranty on all components.  Score: 4 points.

• Customer Reviews: From a comparatively small number of customer reviews, the Thermann heat pumps have an aggregate rating of 3 out of 5 at the time of writing this review. We hope that this figure improves over time, particularly with their premium split system heat pump. Score: 2 points.

• Functionality: The Thermann Hybrid Heat Pump scores 3 out of 5 points for functionality. It includes a manual booster heating element, and their split system operates at a noise level of 37dB and uses an environmentally friendly CO2 refrigerant. However, it lacks LCD and WiFi app control and an option for a stainless steel tank. It should be noted that all-in-one heat pump is louder at 45dB and uses a R134a refrigerant which can be harmful to the environment. Score: 3 points.

[Note] It should be noted that we have focused on Thermann’s premium split system in the scoring above. The Thermann Hybrid Heat Pump which is an all-in-one system would have scored lower.

Remember, the scoring reflects Solar Choice’s opinion only, and we encourage buyers to do their own research. 

Company Background

Thermann have been a well-known name in the hot water industry since their inception in 2012. They produce electric and gas hot water solutions for the residential and commercial industry.

The company is Australian-owned and operated. They sell their products through a distribution agreement with Reece Plumbing Supplies. Thermann’s products are built through third party manufacturing agreements. The split heat pumps are manufactured in Australian and Japan and the all-in-one heat pumps are made in China.

Thermann have a listed google address at 57 Balmain St in Cremorne NSW. Their products are sold in Reece stores all across Australia. 

Thermann Heat Pump Model and Ranges

Thermann offers two main types of heat pump systems: Hybrid Heat Pump and Split Heat Pump. These systems are designed to provide energy-efficient hot water solutions for various household sizes and needs.

A hybrid heat pump, integrates both heat pump technology and traditional electric heating elements. The primary heating is achieved through the heat pump, which extracts heat from the ambient air and transfers it to the water efficiently. The system includes a manual booster element, an electric heater that can be activated during high demand periods to ensure a continuous supply of hot water. 

Hybrid Heat Pump

Models and Capacities:

• Thermann Hybrid 220L (Model: THPH220): Suitable for households of 3-5 people
• Thermann Hybrid 300L (Model: THPH300): Suitable for households of 4-6 people

Key Features:

• Operating Range: Functions efficiently in temperatures from -5°C to 42°C.
• Energy Efficiency: Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.90 (220L) and 3.58 (300L), indicating a potentially lower efficiency than some of their peers, but insufficient information is released to compare this figure.
• Manual Booster Element: Includes a manual booster element for times of high hot water demand.
• Maintenance-Free Anode: Uses an impressed current anode, eliminating the need for regular anode replacements.

The Thermann Hybrid Heat Pump is an all-in-one system meaning the heat pump is built in above the water tank in a tall cylindrical solution. This option from Thermann is a mid-range quality solution and misses some of the functionality and performance characteristics of the split system offered by Thermann.

It is good to see their all-in-one solution comes with a large 300 litre option. This is bigger than many of the other all-in-one solutions on the market and can cater to larger households of potentially up to 6 people.

Thermann Split Heat Pump

Models and Capacities:

• Thermann Split 160L (Model: THPS160): Suitable for households of 2-4 people
• Thermann Split 250L (Model: THPS250): Suitable for households of 3-5 people
• Thermann Split 315L (Model: THPS315): Suitable for households of 4-6 people
• Thermann Split 400L (Model: THPS400): Suitable for households of 5-9 people

Key Features:

• Energy Efficiency: The advertised Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (COP) is 5.0 which would be an impressive score, but they do not release sufficient information on the testing conditions to properly compare this figure.
• Quiet Operation: Rated noise level of 37dB, one of the quieter options available when compared to other brands.
• Flexible Installation: The heat pump unit can be installed up to 5 metres vertically or 15 metres horizontally from the storage tank.
• Natural Refrigerant: The Thermann split system is one of the few solutions on the market using a R744 (CO2) refrigerant, which has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1. This refrigerant has the lowest GWP available.
• High Pressure Tolerance: Designed to operate at pressures up to 850 kPa.
• Durability: The tank comes with a 10-year warranty, while the heat pump unit has a 6-year warranty, which is comparatively very long.

The Thermann Split Heat Pump system is the company’s premium heat pump on the market. With a noise level of 37dB, it matches the quietest options on the market and is one of the best options for consumers who need to place their system near an entertaining space or window they like to keep open. 

The heat pump unit is built in Japan and features some of the more impressive technical functionality that is available. 

What’s the Cost of Thermann Hot Water System Heat Pumps?

(Excluded, Installation, Freight, Rebates)

Hybrid Heat Pump Price

The cost of the Thermann Hybrid Heat Pump ranges from $3,500 to $5,000, depending on the water tank size required and the specific offer available from the distributor. This price does not include installation or freight costs. Additionally, any applicable rebates are not factored into this price and may vary based on your location and eligibility.

Split System Heat Pump Price

The cost of a Thermann Split System Heat Pump is priced between $4,500 and $5,500, depending on the model size and distributor offers. Similar to the Hybrid system, this price excludes installation and freight charges, as well as any potential rebates that may apply based on your circumstances.

Thermann Heat Pump Warranty Details Review

Hybrid Heat Pump Warranty

The Thermann Hybrid Heat Pump is covered by Stiebel Eltron for residential use. The Hybrid system’s 2-year warranty for the sealed refrigeration system is on the lower end of the spectrum, where some competitors offer up to 5 years. The 5-year tank warranty is typical, fitting within the common 5 to 10-year range in the market. The 1-year warranty on the T&P relief valve and 2 years for parts of the sealed refrigeration system are standard.

See the Thermann Hybrid warranty terms in more detail here

Split System Heat Pump Warranty

The Thermann Split Heat Pump is covered by Reece for residential use. The 6-year warranty for the heat pump unit of the Split system is competitive, matching or exceeding the 2 to 5-year warranties typically offered by other brands. The 10-year tank warranty is also above average, providing reassurance of durability, compared to the more common 5 to 10-year range. The 2-year parts and labour warranty aligns with standard industry practices, ensuring coverage for initial operational issues.

See the Thermann Split System warranty terms in more detail here

Special warranty for Solar Victoria customers

As of 1st of July 2023, Thermann are offering a full 5 year warranty on all components for customers that receive a rebate through Solar Victoria’s solar homes program. Talk to a qualified heat pump installer to confirm if you will be eligible for this rebate.

Pros & Cons of Thermann Heat Pumps

Pros:

• Quiet Operation: The Thermann split system is one of the few options on the market with a noise rating under 40dBA. Their Hybrid Heat Pump however is rated at 45dBA which is more typical of the market. 
• Operation in Cold Climates: The Thermann split system can operate to -10°C making it a good option in colder climates like in southern Victoria and Tasmania. The Hybrid Heat Pump is only operational to -5°C.
• Tank Size Options: Both the Hybrid and Split System come with larger tank sizes that can cater to bigger households with larger hot water requirements. Many brands don’t have a tank bigger than 270 litres while Thermann’s options extend all the way to 400 litres.

Cons:

• Refrigerant on Hybrid Model: The Thermann Hybrid (all-in-one) Heat Pump uses R134a is not considered environmentally friendly due to its high Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1,430. The Thermann split systems use R744 (CO2) refrigerant, which has a GWP of just 1 and is much less harmful to the environment.
• Limited Functionality: Both the hybrid and split systems, lacks features such as LCD screens, WiFi app control, and stainless steel tank options, which are available in some other brands. This limits the control and durability options for users.
• Customer Reviews: From a comparatively small number of customer reviews, the Thermann heat pumps have an aggregate rating of 3 out of 5 at the time of writing this review. We hope that this figure improves over time, particularly with their premium split system heat pump. 

Verdict: Thermann Hot Water Heat Pumps

Thermann are a well established, Australian-owned brand in the hot water space. The fact the their products are distributed by long-standing plumbing supplier Reece Australia adds good authority to their products. 

When specifically looking at Thermann’s heat pumps it is important to differentiate between their Split Systems which are positioned as a premium product and their Hybrid (all-in-one) Systems which are a cost-effective solution.

The Thermann Split Systems come with a higher price tag of between $4,500 and $5,500 and have all the bells and whistles that you would expect from a top of the line heat pump that’s manufactured in Japan. The only notable missing feature is an LCD screen or Wifi connected app to control the unit, which may be important for some customers. This solution will, however represent a great fit for customers looking for a top quality hot water solution they can set and forget.

The all-in-one Thermann Hybrid Heat Pump is designed to compete with the mid-range quality options on the market. The warranty is shorter, the noise rating is louder and the refrigerant used is more harmful to the environment. At present their are cheaper all-in-one heat pumps that come with more features and better warranties – see our best heat pumps guide.

Looking into heat pump hot water systems? Our comprehensive guide makes it easy, covering potential rebates, the real costs of hot water heat pumps, and the truth about ‘free’ upgrades. Learn about energy savings and understand the benefits and drawbacks with clear expert advice. Check out our Heat Pump Hot Water Systems Buyers Guide for an in-depth understanding of heat pumps.

Thermann Hot Water Heat Pump Technical Specifications

See Thermann Hyrbid Heat Pump Technical Specification Details in more depth here.

See Thermann Split System Heat Pump Technical Specification Details in more depth here.

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James Shand

Marketing Manager at Solar Choice

James Shand has maintained a firm grasp on the renewable energy market's pulse for over half a decade. His journey has taken him from collaborating with some of Canada's largest solar distributors to his present position, where he is in close communication with manufacturers and installers throughout Australia, facilitated by one of the nation's leading solar comparison companies, Solar Choice. He is academically accomplished, holding multiple bachelor's degrees in business, science, and marketing.

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