Modern New Zealand home with AquaCore hot water heat pump

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The hot water heat pump delivering reliable hot water to Kiwi homes since 2013

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0% Up to 80% hot water cost savings*1
0+ Years proven in NZ
0°C Hot water delivery
-15°C Cold climate performance
Hot water from tap - AquaCore heat pump hot water system

Reduce hot water heating costs by up to 80% *1

Whether you are looking to install a new system or want to keep your existing electric hot water cylinder, reducing your power bill has never been easier with an AquaCore domestic hot water heat pump.

AquaCore delivers an impressive COP of 3.6*2, reducing hot water energy costs by up to 80%.
It's a smart, future-proof alternative to gas or traditional electric systems as energy prices continue to rise.

Why Choose AquaCore?

  • Up to 80% lower hot water energy costs
  • High efficiency COP of 3.6
  • Works with your existing electric cylinder
  • Rapid heat recovery – hot water for a shower in as little as 20 minutes

Yes, you can keep your existing electric hot water cylinder

Convert what you already have into a modern high-efficiency hot water heat pump system

While AquaCore is an excellent option if you are looking for a new hot water heat pump system, one of its key advantages is flexibility.
If your existing electric cylinder is still in good condition, you can keep it and avoid the cost of a full replacement.

Minimal disruption during installation
Extended life of your existing cylinder

Saving on hot water heating has never been simpler.

AquaCore heat pump retrofit - works with existing hot water cylinder NZ
New Zealand winter landscape - AquaCore heat pump performs down to -15 degrees C

Proven performance in real New Zealand winters

Engineered for New Zealand's low ambient temperatures

AquaCore is engineered specifically for New Zealand's low ambient temperatures, delivering reliable performance year-round. Systems installed as far back as 2013 are still operating successfully in the field today.

Patented partial cascade technology means high efficiency and consistent delivery of hot water into the tank even in the sub-zero temperatures.
Exceptional cold-climate performance maintaining 60°C in your hot water tank down to -15°C outdoor temperature.
Superior frost protection because water pipes are not outdoors.
62°C Consistent delivery
-15°C Cold climate performance
Family enjoying reliable hot water - AquaCore top-down cylinder heating

Fast-track your payback time with AquaCore

Why keep heating a whole tank when you don't need to?

Have you ever wondered why traditional hot water tanks keep heating all the water whether you're using it or not and how much that's costing you?

Conventional electric hot water cylinders are designed to continuously heat and re-heat the entire tank to maintain a set temperature. This means you're paying to keep water hot 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even when no one is using it.

Furthermore, traditional systems use electric immersion elements located at the bottom of the cylinder. Because cold water enters at the bottom, it can take hours for hot water to rise to the top of the tank where it's actually drawn off.

AquaCore works differently and smarter.

With AquaCore, water is heated to 62°C by the indoor unit and pumped directly into the top of the cylinder. As a result, the full tank doesn't need reheating, delivering hot water faster when it's needed most.

Less Wasted Heat Less Power Use Faster Access to Hot Water

Built to perform where all-in-one systems struggle

Why AquaCore is different

Top-mounted heat pump water systems usually require a backup element in colder conditions, as the compressor alone isn't sufficient.

All-in-one integrated systems

  • Often rely on a backup electric element in winter to compensate when outdoor temperatures drop
  • May require an extra backup element to achieve 60°C
  • All-in-one outdoor systems with external water pipework are more vulnerable to freezing conditions

AquaCore

  • Engineered to deliver full domestic hot water temperatures using the heat pump alone under normal operating conditions
  • No reliance on an electric element under normal operation - up to 62°C
  • Superior frost protection and winter performance, ensuring reliable hot water when you need it most
  • Delivers genuine efficiency and real savings all year round

AquaCore is different.

AquaCore is engineered to deliver hot water using the heat pump alone under normal operating conditions, without reliance on an electric element. With superior frost protection and winter performance, AquaCore ensures reliable hot water when you need it most, delivering genuine efficiency and real savings all year round.

Why do all-in-one systems struggle?
Shower running with AquaCore quiet hot water heat pump

Why top-down cylinder water heating matters

Fast, practical hot water when you need it

Unlike other hot water heat pumps, the AquaCore system heats water from the top down, delivering fast and practical hot water without compromise even in the depths of winter.

Hot water for a shower in as little as 20 minutes from a cold tank
Ideal for larger families and high water use households
Consistent hot water so no one has to wait when it matters most

This proven technology has been operating in New Zealand homes for over 12 years, delivering reliable domestic hot water to families nationwide – a true testament to durability and performance.

How much you can save

Proven long-term water heating savings

According to EECA*3, hot water heat pumps are the lowest-cost method of heating water over time.

Over a 10-year period, total cost of ownership is:

21% cheaper than gas continuous flow* Over 10 years
27% cheaper than traditional electric hot water cylinders* Over 10 years
30% of the average NZ Household energy* Save from day one

Domestic hot water accounts for approximately 30% of the average New Zealand power bill. Upgrading to AquaCore can deliver meaningful savings from day one and even greater returns over time.

Hot water heat pumps in the home | EECA

Return on Investment

Start benefitting from low Domestic Hot Water heating costs – now with an ROI of under 3 years*4.

Based on an average 4 person home, the return on investment when retrofitting to an existing cylinder can be under 3 years! When compared to purchasing a standard electric cylinder this could be under 4 years and for a gas system under 5 years.

AquaCore hot water heat pump ROI savings comparison graph
AquaCore Wi-Fi control app on smartphone - manage hot water remotely

Smart hot water with Wi-Fi control for everyday convenience

Heat your water when you need it, not all day

AquaCore heats and stores hot water automatically, with Wi-Fi Control giving you extra flexibility to manage it around your routine. Instead of heating continuously, you can optimise when and how your system runs.

Using the app, you can check your tank temperature and start an extra heating cycle if needed – perfect for times when demand is higher than usual, like when guests arrive.

Monitor your tank temperature and manage your system from wherever you are
Set a schedule so your hot water is ready when it suits your routine
Use "Heat Now" to add an extra heating cycle when you need more hot water than usual
Switch to "Holiday Mode" to pause heating while you're away, then turn it back on before you return - also ideal for holidays or second homes
Make the most of off-peak or free power periods to help reduce running costs

AquaCore comes ready with Wi-Fi Control. Simply connect the indoor unit to your router and download the Mitsubishi Electric App for easy, optional control of your hot water system.

Learn more about Wi-Fi Control
AquaCore heat pump hot water system installed in New Zealand residential home

Quiet, compact, neighbour-friendly design

Designed for residential environments

Many all-in-one Monobloc outdoor systems can be noisy and are often tall enough to extend above boundary fences, increasing the risk of noise transmission between neighbouring properties.

The AquaCore system is different. Designed as a quiet, low-profile powerhouse, AquaCore features a compact outdoor unit with a small footprint that is easy to position discreetly. This ensures minimal visual impact, reduced noise disturbance, and greater flexibility in installation making it ideal for residential environments.

How an AquaCore hot water heat pump works

The system

Three key components working seamlessly together

1
Outdoor unit

The Outdoor Unit

Absorbs freely available warmth from the air with a super-efficient COP of 3.6. This can reduce hot water heating costs by up to 80%*1 compared to traditional direct electric systems.

2
Indoor heat exchanger

The Heat Exchanger

Heats water to 62°C and feeds it directly into the top of your cylinder. This indoor unit is manufactured locally and specially designed for New Zealand low temperature conditions.

3
Hot water cylinder

The Cylinder

Works with your existing or new hot water cylinder no replacement required.

AquaCore hot water heat pump case studies - New Zealand homes

Real world results

View case studies

See AquaCore in action across New Zealand homes.

Explore case studies

Got questions?

Hot Water Heat Pump FAQs

A hot water heat pump is an energy-efficient water heating system that extracts heat out of the surrounding air and transfers it into water for your home. It works on a similar principle to a heat pump used for space heating, but instead of warming the air in a room, it heats water stored in your hot water cylinder.

Because it uses electricity mainly to move heat rather than create heat directly, a hot water heat pump can use much less electricity than a conventional electric hot water cylinder.

A conventional electric hot water cylinder uses an electric element to heat water directly. In simple terms, 1 unit of electricity creates about 1 unit of heat.

A hot water heat pump works differently. It extracts available heat from the air and transfers that heat into the water, using electricity mainly to run the compressor and fan. Because it moves existing heat rather than creating all the heat from electricity alone, it can deliver several units of heat into the water for every unit of electricity used to run the system.

COP stands for Coefficient of Performance. It measures how efficiently a heat pump converts electrical energy into useful heat energy. A COP of 1.0 means 1 unit of electricity delivers 1 unit of heat. A COP above 1.0 means the system is delivering more heat energy than the electrical energy it uses, because it is also extracting available heat from the surrounding air.

AquaCore has a COP of up to 3.6 under relevant test conditions. In practical terms, this means AquaCore can deliver up to 3.6 times as much heat energy into the water as the electrical energy used to run the system. Actual performance will vary depending on outdoor temperature, airflow, installation design, cylinder setup, hot water demand, and system settings.

Yes, in most suitable homes. A hot water heat pump is typically cheaper to run than a conventional electric hot water cylinder because it uses much less electricity to produce the same amount of hot water.

AquaCore is designed to reduce hot water energy costs by up to 80% compared with a conventional electric hot water cylinder. Actual savings will vary depending on household hot water use, cylinder size and condition, electricity pricing, installation design, outdoor conditions, and system settings.

Yes. Because a hot water heat pump uses less electricity than a conventional electric hot water cylinder, it can reduce the energy required for household water heating. In New Zealand, hot water heat pumps also benefit from the country's highly renewable electricity grid, making them a lower-emissions option than gas or LPG water heating.

AquaCore uses efficient heat pump technology to help reduce hot water energy use while providing reliable hot water for New Zealand homes.

In many homes, yes. AquaCore can connect to a suitable existing electric hot water cylinder, subject to installer assessment. This makes it a practical retrofit option for homeowners who want the efficiency benefits of a hot water heat pump without automatically replacing their full hot water system.

Suitability depends on the cylinder's condition, capacity, location, valves, plumbing access, and compliance requirements. An authorised AquaCore dealer or installer can assess your current hot water setup and confirm whether your existing cylinder is suitable.

There are two common types of hot water heat pump systems. An all-in-one system combines the heat pump and hot water cylinder into one outdoor unit. A split system separates key parts of the system, such as the outdoor heat pump unit, heat exchanger, and cylinder.

AquaCore uses a split-style design. This allows the outdoor unit, indoor heat exchanger, and hot water cylinder to work as separate components. In many homes, this means AquaCore can connect to a suitable existing electric hot water cylinder, which can be useful where outdoor cylinder placement is not ideal or where practical hot water recovery is important.

The cost of a hot water heat pump in New Zealand depends on the type of system, whether the existing cylinder can be used, plumbing and electrical requirements, household hot water demand, site access, and installation conditions.

Some systems require a full cylinder replacement, while AquaCore can connect to a suitable existing electric cylinder, subject to installer assessment. Because every home is different, the best way to understand the right option for your property is to have your current hot water setup checked by an authorised AquaCore dealer.

Yes. A correctly specified hot water heat pump can work in winter, although all heat pumps need to work harder when the surrounding air is colder. Outdoor temperature, airflow, installation location, system sizing, cylinder setup, and household demand can all affect winter performance.

AquaCore is designed for New Zealand conditions and can operate down to -15°C outdoor ambient temperature. Correct sizing and installation are important for reliable year-round hot water performance.

Heating time depends on the system design, cylinder size, starting water temperature, outdoor temperature, installation conditions, and how much hot water is being used.

AquaCore is designed to make practical hot water available sooner with top-down heating. It delivers heated water into the top of the cylinder, where hot water is drawn from first, rather than waiting for the full cylinder to heat before usable hot water is available. AquaCore can provide usable hot water for a shower in as little as 20 minutes, depending on installation and operating conditions.

The right hot water heat pump setup depends on your household size, daily hot water use, shower and bath use, cylinder capacity, peak demand, and whether you are replacing or upgrading an existing system.

A small household will have different requirements from a larger family or a home with high hot water use. An AquaCore dealer or installer can assess your existing cylinder, household demand, and installation layout to recommend a setup that matches your home.

Typically the AquaCore can achieve a return on investment in under 5 years, with retrofits to existing cylinders bringing that number down as low as 3 years. Every set up is unique and the ROI will vary depending on water usage, cylinder size, installation and electricity rate c/kWh.

If you're tired of short showers and high power bills, it's time to switch.

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  • *1. Savings can vary based on energy prices, usage, installation and ambient temperature.
  • *2. COP tested to AS/NZS 5125 with a high draw off load.
  • *3. Based on information provided by EECA.
  • *4. ROI based on an Auckland home with 4 people using MBIE current energy pricing data with projected electricity and gas charges year on year.
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