141 reviews
So it’s been just over 2 years I’ve had the iStore 270l, it’s been excellent with no issues, I’m on the bayside in SEQ, this is my 4th post about the unit, please see my other posts about the review of this model. I called out JR Gas & Water to replace the serviceable anode and PTR valve, the anode & PTR valve looked a little wear, perhaps I could… Read more
of replaced it in another 6-12mths, water hardness is mid range here and shows with the wear on the anode & valve. All up about $450 service. Recommended you replace especially if water hardness in your area is mid to high range. Other than that the unit is running great with no issues.
Reviews with attachments
I was extremely skeptical about heat pumps having had 2x gas boosted solar systems previously which, in performance and running cost perspectives, had been very good (not reliability - see other review about Rheem!) A couple of weeks in, seems brilliant so far. Relatively quiet - akin to a loud refrigerator and much much quieter than the ducted… Read more · 1
RC compressor next to it (mainly due to constant, low-rpm operation whereas the AC ramps right up at times). Love the flexibility of 2 schedules, however thus far have found to only require one (7am - 8pm) and this suffices family of 3, 2x showers per day and lots of (morning) laundry. Am about to put a smart GPO on it to help track utilization. Might be able to tweak run times down even further in order to better utilize solar PV production however guesstimate usage would be approx. 3.5kWh per day (in weather ranging 7 degrees - 21 degrees daily, Perth, rainy September). Given a 10amp standard GPO, it seems to use ~ 700w when in regular mode and approx. 1.5kw if in boost mode (only used that once however - it does not seem to be needed for our circumstances).
The only negative I can think of is no wifi / remote activation of boost mode. You have to go outside and use the inbuilt control panel. As mentioned, boost mode not expected to be required for us so this is a non issue. I usually detest wifi enabled appliances anyhow unless there's a measurable benefit (why does my fridge want to be connected to the internet?)
A bit nervous about somewhat short warranty (5 years?) and strongly suspect there would be a lot of technician head scratching should something go awry with the compressor.
Unit cost $2995 (R290 refrigerant model) Install cost (out of pocket, STC credits of about $649 goes to installer) $250
Update after 2 months: still very happy. Adding energy usage graphs to review.
I had the 180L Heat Pump installed 8 days ago by Too Hot To Handle. I have noticed two issues, 1. I have noticed an approximately two second show of light brown water when I first turn on my hot water tap in the bathroom. 2. I have set the heating timer to turn on at 19.00 hrs and turn off at 22.02 hrs at night, yet I see that the heater is… Read more · 4
coming on about 14.00 hrs in the afternoon. We hardly use any hot water during the day therefore I was surprised that it came on. I was hoping that it wouldn't need to come on during the day.
My installer is very slow at answering my questions therefore the reason why I have made this review direct to iStore. My installer Too Hot To Handle has told me that he has filled out the Warranty form for me and lodged it with iStore, could you please check this?
I couldn't be happier with the iStore! It has been seamlessly connected to our solar system, and I've set a timer to heat the water using solar energy. The energy consumption is impressively low, which is a significant bonus. I had heard concerns about noise, but I must say this model is remarkably quiet. The timer manages the operation… Read more
effectively, turning off the system at night, so during the morning, I can't hear anything at all.
Overall, I highly recommend this system for anyone considering a replacement.
The unit is very good, not as easy to program as I would have expected, but none 905,000 the less it functions well. Costs to us is generally zero because of our solar ayatem. A simplistic guide to program, would always be useful. The 6 monthly reminder to open the valves is good. Show details
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Does the job just perfectly and without fuss – I’ve been using the iStore 270L Water Heat Pump, and it’s been fantastic. • Noise? Practically a non-issue. Unless you’re sleeping with your ear on it, you won’t hear a thing. Even if you’re standing within a meter, a normal conversation is louder. You can’t hear it from inside or outside. • The timer is simple and effective. No need for an… Read more
app—it’s powerful enough that once you set a timer, it just works. One less app to deal with is always a plus. • Works seamlessly with solar and battery. It runs during the day on solar and switches to battery at night if needed, making it highly energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Overall, it’s been a great experience, and I’d highly recommend the iStore 270L for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient hot water system.
Very noisey unit. We had several service calls, however, it did not improve the noise level. It is rated at 46db, our unit measures consistantly around 56db and runs for upto about five hours in winter at least once every day We were told that our unit is operating normally. Show details
In-depth reviews
So far after few months, we are happy with the unit and the install. Saving on gas bill and more water now and larger tank for when we have 2nd bathroom added soon. One step closer to removing gas, and in this case the biggest user of it. I could not fault the installers "Want a Heat Pump" they were great in lead up, quote, and on day. Happy with… Read more
install, nice and clean and sadly will be moved again soon with a renovation.
One major issue I did face the setup with the Universe app. The setup was very cumbersome, and support for this WiFi module from iStore took multiple call backs to follow up and staff who sadly had no idea how to help and had to direct it to China to comment. The "plant" appeared to be linked to someone else per the alert, and I could not add this to test the boost function. All else was setup so was clearly a data issue. I was eventually given a number to call in WA, a lovely woman was able to fix it in a matter of minutes and I had access, so if you have issues be persistent and you will get someone who knows how to get into the system and fix a simple bug on the back end.
NOISY VERY VERY NOISY. 46 decibels, the equivalent to an AC motor. If you enjoy a peaceful ambience on your property DON'T BUY THIS PRODUCT. After 24 years with an almost silent gas system I was in the process of ELECTRICIFYING my house. At no time during the quotation phase was there any mention of the noise generated by this Istore product by… Read more
their sales agent Silver Water Plumbing in Sydney.
Update your specifications to include the noise level. Let it be known. Don't expect the layperson to know or read FAQ's because ISTORE doesn't include it in their specifications. Be honest and upfront and give the consumer ALL THE INFORMATION about heat pumps and let them make an INFORMED DECISION.
I certainly would not have purchased it.
You can't go into a showroom and see and hear them on display.
IT IS CALLED FULL DISCLOSURE.
A BIG FAIL ISTORE!!!!!
$3.5k + $650 in Rebates taken by their distributor Silver Water Plumbing.
How is it fair that sales people are not honest Commission, commission, commission!!!!!
Please note people they refused to take it back or replace it with another product.
Very poor customer service once they have your money.
Don't purchase an item you CAN'T RETURN????????
I got rid of this tank, the noise and the negative experience and lost $2300 in the process.
The Department of Fair Trading did not help me.
Once the sale has been made and the install is done if you are not happy it's really like flushing your money down the toilet.
Over 4000 people have read this review so I hope at least I have INFORMED someone before they get suckered like me.
At face value this heat pump unit seems to be extremely efficient and cost effective. It’s been installed for about 6 weeks and has not cost a cent to run as it’s run off solar panels. It has replaced gas storage. For those interested, household is two adults. Unit is programmed to run between 10am and 3pm Current draw of heat pump is around… Read more
1000W. It runs once a day. Today as an example: Location is NE Vic. Set temp is 60 (plenty hot enough) inlet temp was down to 41 (outlet at 53) Ambient was 13 degrees at start up, heat pump ran from 10am to 12pm, and that’s it! Done for the day. When ambient is 30 degrees plus, it takes 1 to 1.5 hrs to reheat from similar. (At install cold to 60 degrees took 2.5 hours, ambient was 35) As it gets colder it will run for longer to achieve the same result obviously, but it has an element for the really cold days. Noise is not offensive at all but may need to be a consideration as unit is very tall and the compressor and fan may sit higher than some fences. These units should normally run during the day so any noise at night should probably not be a happening. The menu and setting of running times is not the most logical, but once set you should not need to manage it much. All in all very happy with i-store 270 litre Heat pump HWS, especially when combined with solar. Hopefully the unit and its electronics are durable.
Recent reviews
I recently urgently needed a heat pump installed and contacted JR, gas and water. They were fantastic at meeting my niece and getting the installation done in the same day. Fantastic workmanship when they installed the heat pump. Show details
I had the iStore 270L heat pump installed last week to replace an older Quantum unit which had gone past the end of its usable life. The unit was installed by JR Gas and Water in Brisbane. The unit is a fair bit quieter than the old system and the installation was completed fairly quickly. I can't manage to connect the system to the wifi and am… Read more · 1
constantly stuck on a loading screen before I can enter the wifi password through the app, but otherwise the system looks fairly easy to use.
Find out how iStore Hot Water Heat Pump compares to other Solar Water Heaters
Know better, choose better.
Moving from a failing roof mounted solar hot water system, I really wanted to stick with something economical. After plenty of research and positive feedback I landed with the iStore 270L. Next, I wanted it at a decent price and installed quick (I know, not asking much...) but came across "Installed Today" that met all these requirements. System ordered, delivered and installed within the week! Very happy. Show details · 1
A big thank you to Joe who gave me terrific and patient service walking me through some changes to charge timings. Very happy with our iStore water heat pump 270L! Cheers, Gayle Show details · 1
Well, it’s been a month since the unit was installed and my most recent gas & electric bills have come in. So far I have noticed a significant reduction in gas usage and a modest rise in electric use (very small increase). The unit emits a small sound (equivalent to a split system air conditioner) but not all the time. The water is initially… Read more · 2
cold until it gets through the pipes and then it’s hot and plentiful.
The unit is basic in features but it does have a programmable thermostat that turns off the water when you go on holiday and back on the day before.
With a reasonable warranty period, I’d easily recommend this unit to others looking for a HWS.
I know some reviewers have had bad experiences with this unit but (fingers crossed) I’m a happy consumer.
We recently had 6 of the iStore 270L heat pumps installed at Tall Timbers, and it’s been a great addition. It’s delivering consistent hot water across the hotel and brewery, which has made a noticeable difference for both staff and guests. Simon Bovell was fantastic to deal with, his technical knowledge is impressive, and he made the whole… Read more · 1
process smooth and straightforward. He’s genuinely one of the best in the business.
I’d happily recommend the iStore 270L to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient hot water solution. Cheers, Ed Fallens Tall Timbers Brewery & Hotel
JR Gas and Water installed our iStore 180 heat pump with ease. So far the unit has performed faultlessly and without issue. The system is programmed to maximise the use of excess solar generated throughout the day and operates quietly. The addition of wifi monitoring / control would be a nice feature addition. Show details · 1
We wanted to get the Evoheat 270 as we'd had it before and loved it. Same Day Hot Water talked us into getting this one and I am so annoyed that I did. Dont get me wrong, this a perfectly adequate system, but it is a much, much MUCH poorer cousin to the identically looking (but functionally much more superior) Evoheat. If I had the money I'd sell… Read more
this one second hand and upgrade to the Evoheat. It really wasn't that much more. To be honest knowing what I know now a out the iStore, I would have paid twice the price to get the Evoheat. Just annoyed at myself that I didnt follow my gut.
A very good option – Set and forget. The system only runs once a day for maybe 30 minutes in summer and an hour in winter and the tank holds the temp for a very long time. We run it in the middle of the day to take advantage of max solar production. No issues, no problems and no stress. The control panel is a bit finicky to operate but once set up, there is no need to use it. A great choice and superbly installed by Ureco. Show details
Good product and service – Another iStore heat pump hot water system installed by JR Gas and Water. easy to talk to with professional manner. great service and product Show details
JR Gas and Water supply and install iStore Heat Pump – The iStore heatpump installed by JR Gas and Water looks fantastic and is operating very well. Some of the features (via the control panel) are easy to use and will be very useful. A great unit and performing to a high standard. Very happy
Find out how iStore Hot Water Heat Pump compares to other Solar Water Heaters
Know better, choose better.
Heat pump hot water – Josh and his crew were professional and helpful throughout the entire installation process. The hot water system is more than adequate for our needs. I would (& have already) recommend my friends to get one and use J & R to install it. Show details
Great Quality Heat Pump and Incredible Energy Reduction – I purchased my unit directly from IStore after a lengthy comparison process of what was available in the market. The Istore I purchased was installed to replace a Chromagen solar hot water system which was starting to fall apart after 2 years since install. The Istore energy usage is significantly lower than that of the Chromagen (3.3 kWh from… Read more
cold tank to 62 degrees, compared to 10kWh for the Chromagen with the same water volume) and has a really fast recovery time.
The unit is definitely more noticeable with no other environmental noise however I run mine throughout the day and control it using a 10A Bluetooth controlled DETA weatherproof powerpoint that I purchased from Bunnings and installed. This gives me the flexibility to set schedules and observe how much power it uses throughout a day as well as turning it on again if I have guests stay overnight.
I'm observing that with a family of 3 showering two times a day midweek and three times a day on weekends after sports/beach, the average energy usage per day is roughly 2-2.5 kWh.
I'm really really happy with my install and wish I had of done it sooner.
Think again – Had a 180l heat pump installed 9/05/23 , after reading 97% good reviews, looks like I got the 3% dud.Unit was replaced 22/10/24 under warranty as it was tripping a 16Amp RCD.Cost me $200 because I live in WA south west.The new unit compressor current draw is 0.13 amps more than the rated current, interested to see how long this one will last? Will definitely not recommend iStore to anyone, also read the warranty fine print.
Proud to own iStore – After doing a lot of research it came down to deciding between the Haier and iStore ( budget end of market) The Haier had a slightly better COP and had wifi. However the Haier only has a 0.5Kw compressor so it will have to operate roughly twice as much as the iStore and so I figured that this is the expensive bit that will fail first. Also after… Read more
the first week of checking temperatures on my phone I probably didn't need wifi!! Using it to remotely boost thwarted by below' My biggest complaint is not with the unit but the Federal Govt requirement that will only allow you to heat water when there is a 12*C split between the set temp and lower cylinder temp. This makes it very difficult to "top up" with solar using the timer function because if that difference isn't there it won't start heating!! Thank the government to thwart those of us trying to reduce carbon grid supply. I think iStore should look at illuminating their huge sign at night so everyone knows what it is 24/7! I am extremely happy with the functionality and especially the low power draw. I expected it to be louder than what it is. I honestly can hardly hear it when operating.
Professional Service – Excellent service! The Administration work was prompt with no issues from inception through to compliance certificates. The Operations went smoothly- The guys were efficient and the workmanship was very good and the whole process was professional. Highly recommend their services - I am a ex-plumber (retired) - so I know good workmanship when I see… Read more
it- Importantly - I have learnt to give credit when it is due- Great to see the next generation holding the industry flag high. Keep up the good work!!!
Not a good investment – There are so many things wrong with this all of which point to poor design. Poor insulation means that on moderately cool mornings (~10 degrees) the heater is running despite no hot water having been used overnight. The water temperature can vary by more than 10 degrees. When set to 60 degrees the heater will not kick in until the water… Read more
temperature falls to less than 50 degrees. That difference is just too large. Storage water heaters are supposed to be designed so cool water enters the tank at the bottom allowing the hot water to be drawn off at the top. Not for this unit. The cool water mixes immediately. Our experience is after using 90 litres the water temperature is less than 30 degrees. Choose another model
Dear Michael, sorry to hear your concerns as to the iStore… Read more (+1 reply)
Great product – Very happy with this heat pump after using it for a month now. Our water is very hot, it runs for max 1 hr every day. We had it installed by JR Gas & Water and are very happy with their service. Show details
Highly Recommend – JR Gas & Hot Water supplied and installed an iStore heat pump hot water service on the 15/08/2024. The price was good, the service excellent and the installation was punctual. So far I highly recommend the heat pump hot water service from JR Gas. Plenty of hot water, set to turn on anytime between 10 am and 4 pm in Qld to take advantage of the… Read more
warmest time of day. Easy to adjust to turn on at any time that suits your needs, making it economical to run, it's also fairly quiet which is a bonus.
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Dear Angry Customer Thank you for your feedback. We are… Read more (+5 replies)