Call DirectiStore Hot Water · Aura · Caloundra · Maroochydore
Hot water is one of the biggest energy costs in an Australian home. The iStore hot water system uses ambient air instead of expensive electricity to do the heavy lifting — and we install every unit ourselves. Still on gas or electric? We service and replace those too.
Super quick responses. No obligation.
Why Upgrade
iStore's published figures show up to 75% lower hot water running costs compared with older electric or gas storage systems.
The 270L iStore has a coefficient of performance of 4.82 — around 4.82kW of heat delivered for every 1kW of electricity used.
A built-in smart timer syncs heating with daylight hours, so excess solar power heats your water instead of being exported for a few cents.
Both the cylinder and the refrigeration & electrical components are covered — real confidence in a long-life system.
Eligible installations can attract federal and state incentives, calculated and included as part of your free initial quote.
iStore has been a ProductReview.com.au award winner for multiple consecutive years running, with a stylish, compact, all-in-one unit.
Our Recommended System
Air to Energy
A fan draws ambient air across the evaporator, turning the refrigerant into a gas. The compressor pressurises that gas, and the heat is transferred into the water through a coil wrapped around the tank. The refrigerant then reverts to a liquid and the cycle repeats until your water reaches the set temperature — using a fraction of the electricity of a conventional element.
Side by Side
Based on 200L/day hot water usage — iStore's published manufacturer comparison.
| System | Est. Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Star Gas Storage (LPG) | $1,344 | Highest running cost of the systems compared |
| Electric Storage | $1,320 | Simple and cheap to install, expensive to run |
| 4-Star Gas Storage | $868 | Suits homes already connected to natural gas |
| 5-Star Gas Continuous Flow | $792 | Endless hot water, still gas running costs |
| iStore Heat Pump (Grid) | $273 | Standard grid connection, no solar |
| iStore Heat Pump + Solar PV | $42 | Smart timer set to run on daytime solar |
Manufacturer's published example (iStore), based on 200L/day consumption. Actual costs vary with household usage, electricity tariff, gas price and solar system size — your free initial quote will include a recommendation suited to your home.
Recent Hot Water Jobs



How It Works
A failed hot water system feels like an emergency because it is one. We keep the process simple and move fast — and because we're family run, you're never waiting on a call centre to check with a technician.
Text a photo of your unit's sticker to 0407 990 987 or use the form above.
Repair price vs. replacement price — including a heat pump option if it suits your home — with a straight recommendation.
Installed, tested and certified — old unit taken away.
"Had them come out and replace my hot water system and check out my storm water issues. Charged reasonable rates and gave us different options in regards to having the storm water issues fixed."Matthew I. — Sunshine Coast
"They've done several jobs for me and each time they're communicative, prompt, friendly and great value! Would definitely recommend them for plumbing jobs big and small."Ruby G. — Sunshine Coast
Verified Google Reviews — Wattle Plumbing & Gas
iStore & Hot Water FAQs
An iStore heat pump can save up to 75% on hot water running costs compared with older electric or gas storage systems, according to the manufacturer's published figures. Actual savings depend on household usage, tariff and whether the system is paired with solar.
Yes. The iStore has a built-in smart timer that can be set to run during daylight hours, automatically offsetting excess solar power into hot water instead of exporting it for a few cents per kilowatt-hour.
Eligible heat pump installations can attract federal and state incentives that reduce the upfront cost. Any incentives that apply to your job are calculated and included as part of your free initial quote.
A fan draws ambient air across an evaporator, which turns the refrigerant into a gas. A compressor pressurises that gas, and the heat is transferred into the water via a coil wrapped around the tank. The cycle repeats until the water reaches the set temperature — using a fraction of the electricity of a conventional element.
The 270L iStore has a coefficient of performance of 4.82 (measured from 20°C ambient to a 60°C target), meaning it delivers around 4.82kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity used — a 482% energy conversion.
iStore heat pumps carry a 5-year comprehensive warranty covering both the cylinder and the refrigeration and electrical components, backed by QBCC-licensed workmanship on the installation itself.
iStore heat pumps come in 180L and 270L tank sizes. As a guide, 180L suits smaller households and 270L suits larger families, though usage patterns matter as much as headcount — we'll confirm the right size as part of your free initial quote.
No — heat pumps run quietly, comparable to a standard air conditioning unit, and are designed to sit unobtrusively outside the home.
Yes. Heat pumps are designed to draw heat from ambient air even in cool conditions, and our mild subtropical winters keep the system running efficiently all year round.
The iStore is an all-in-one integral unit, which makes it quick to install. A straightforward like-for-like replacement is generally completed within a day, including removal of the old system.
In most cases, yes. A heat pump typically connects to the same plumbing and sits in a similar location outdoors to the unit it replaces, making it a straightforward upgrade for most homes.
It depends on the age and condition of the unit. As a rule of thumb, storage systems over 8–10 years old are usually better replaced; younger units are often worth repairing. We give you honest numbers for both options so you can decide.
Common system sizes and models, including iStore heat pumps, are generally available quickly through our local suppliers, making same-day or next-day replacement possible in many cases.
Each suits different homes. Gas systems suit homes already connected to natural gas — LPG models are available, though running costs can make heat pumps a better option for many households. Heat pumps are the cheapest to run and may attract incentives; electric storage is the cheapest to install. We'll recommend what genuinely suits your household size, roof and budget.
Yes — all work under QBCC 15438001, and gas installations certified under Gas Work Licence L95429 with a compliance certificate issued.
iStore hot water specialist — Aura, Caloundra & Maroochydore.