Updated October 2026
Wheeler Heights is a quiet residential pocket of the Northern Beaches, made up largely of 1960s and 70s brick homes and family households. A lot of those homes still heat water with an electric storage tank, and many owners are now asking whether a heat pump makes sense. Beaches Hot Water is a free referral service. We connect you with licensed hot water plumbers who cover Wheeler Heights. We do not do the work ourselves.
Electric tank to heat pump
An old electric tank heats water with an element, which uses a lot of power. A heat pump moves heat from the air into the water instead, and typically uses far less electricity to do the same job. For a family home with an ageing tank, that difference adds up.
The upfront cost is higher. Heat pumps run around $3,000 to $6,000 installed before incentives. Federal STCs and the NSW Energy Savings Scheme can cut thousands off that, and the installer quotes the net figure, so you see the real out-of-pocket cost before you decide. Heat pumps roughly last 10 to 15 years.
Things to sort out before you commit:
1. Where it goes. It needs an outdoor spot with airflow, ideally away from bedroom windows.
2. Tank size. Match it to the household, not the old tank.
3. Electrical work. Any hard-wired changes need a licensed electrician.
When a simple swap makes more sense
If the tank has failed and you need hot water today, a like-for-like electric storage swap is usually the fastest fix. These run from around $800 to $2,500 installed. Same-day replacement is often possible for common sizes when you send the request in the morning.
Gas storage and continuous flow run around $1,200 to $3,500 installed where mains gas is connected. Availability varies street by street, and the plumber confirms it.
For a younger tank, repairs to elements, thermostats or valves roughly cost $150 to $600 depending on the part. Storage tanks typically last 8 to 12 years, so age is a good guide to whether a repair is worth it. All prices are guides only. The plumber's quote is the price that counts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a heat pump if my tank has just died?
Yes, though it may take a little longer than a like-for-like swap while the installer confirms placement and incentives. If you need hot water straight away, ask about options.
Are the rebates paid to me?
Usually the incentives are applied by the installer and reflected in a lower quoted price, rather than paid to you later. Check how it works on your quote.
What should I tell the plumber about my home?
The tank's size and type, where it sits, how many people live there, and whether you want to stay electric or look at a heat pump. Photos help.
Nearby, we also cover Cromer and Collaroy Plateau.