Reclaim Energy vs Emerald: Which Heat Pump Is Better? (2026)
Quick Verdict
Emerald is the more efficient choice with a higher COP rating, meaning lower running costs over time, while Reclaim Energy offers better protection with a 10-year tank warranty.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Reclaim Energy | Emerald |
|---|---|---|
| Price range (installed) | $6,600 - $8,000 | $2,750 - $3,750Lower |
| COP (efficiency) | 4.5 | 5.2Higher |
| Tank warranty | 10 yearsLonger | 7 years |
| Compressor warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Noise level | 37dBQuieter | 49dB |
| Annual running cost | ~$263/yr | ~$228/yrLower |
| Refrigerant type | CO2 (R744)Eco-friendly | R134a |
| Country of manufacture | Australia | Australia |
| Australian made | No | No |
| Best for | Homeowners wanting premium Australian-designed quality with the quietest operation | Households wanting a high published efficiency and a long tank warranty without paying split-system prices |
Price Comparison
Reclaim Energy starts from $6,600 installed (before rebates), while Emerald starts from $2,750. That is a difference of roughly $3,850 at the entry level. Emerald is the more budget-friendly option upfront, though Reclaim Energy may deliver savings through lower running costs over time. Both prices are for fully installed systems before government rebates and STCs, which can reduce the out-of-pocket cost by $1,000 to $3,000 depending on your state.
Efficiency Comparison
COP (Coefficient of Performance) is the key efficiency metric for heat pumps. A higher COP means more heat output per unit of electricity consumed. Reclaim Energy achieves a COP of 4.5, while Emerald reaches 5.2. The Emerald is 16% more efficient, which translates to roughly $35 less per year in running costs. Over a 10-year lifespan, that efficiency advantage adds up to approximately $350 in savings.
Warranty Comparison
Reclaim Energy offers a 10-year tank warranty and 5-year compressor warranty. Emerald offers a 7-year tank warranty and 5-year compressor warranty. The Reclaim Energy has the stronger warranty coverage with 10 years on the tank, giving you 3 extra years of protection compared to the Emerald. A longer tank warranty can provide significant peace of mind, as the tank is the most expensive component to replace.
Noise Comparison
Noise is an important consideration, especially for suburban installations where the unit may be close to bedrooms or neighbouring properties. Reclaim Energy publishes 37dB for its quietest model, and Emerald publishes 49dB. The Reclaim Energy is quieter at 37dB. At under 40dB, this is comparable to a quiet library and unlikely to cause any disturbance.
Climate Suitability
The type of refrigerant a heat pump uses significantly affects its performance in cold weather. Reclaim Energy uses CO2 (R744) refrigerant, while Emerald uses R134a. Reclaim Energy has the advantage here. CO2 (R744) refrigerant performs exceptionally well in cold climates, maintaining high efficiency even when temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius. R134a-based systems like the Emerald can lose efficiency in colder conditions, though they still perform well in most Australian climates.
Pros and Cons
Reclaim Energy
Pros
- Australian designed
- Split system design allows flexible installation
- Very quiet (37dB)
- Excellent COP of 4.5
- CO2 refrigerant (environmentally friendly)
- Eligible for higher VIC rebate tier
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires separate indoor tank space
- Limited installer network in some areas
Emerald
Pros
- Among the cheapest R290 units with a published COP above 4.8
- Pro series carries a 7-year tank warranty, 8 if you register it
- Two magnesium anodes on the Pro tank
- Widely stocked, so quotes are easy to compare
- Runs on the heat pump alone down to -7C
Cons
- Manufacturing location is not published
- Not on the Solar Victoria locally made list, so it earns the lower Victorian rebate tier
- The Select series drops to a 5-year tank and 2-year labour warranty
- Emerald quotes 39 to 40 dB from 3 metres on its web pages while the data sheets show 49 to 50 dB at 1 metre, so compare it with other brands at 1 metre
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Reclaim Energy if...
- You want a longer tank warranty (10 years vs 7 years)
- Quiet operation matters to you (37dB vs 49dB)
- You're in Victoria (models on Solar Victoria's locally made list = higher rebate tier of $1,400 vs $1,000)
- You live in a colder climate and want CO2 refrigerant for better cold-weather performance
Choose Emerald if...
- You want a lower upfront cost (from $2,750 vs $6,600)
- You want the best efficiency and lowest running costs (COP 5.2 vs 4.5)
- You want lower annual running costs (~$228/yr vs ~$263/yr)
Buying in Victoria? Stack up to $2,700 in rebates
Whichever brand you pick, Victorian households can stack the Solar Victoria Hot Water Rebate ($1,000-$1,400), the Victorian Energy Upgrades discount ($500-$2,000), and federal STCs ($500-$1,200) ahead of the 1 March 2027 gas ban deadline. Reclaim Energy has models on Solar Victoria's locally made list, which qualify for the higher $1,400 tier.
Heat pump guides
- Every Australian heat pump rebate, with the dated changes
- The best heat pump hot water brands in Australia
- Heat pump hot water cost in Australia
- Victoria heat pump rebates
- New South Wales heat pump rebates
- Queensland heat pump rebates
- South Australia heat pump rebates
- Australian Capital Territory heat pump rebates
- Western Australia heat pump rebates
- Tasmania heat pump rebates
- Northern Territory heat pump rebates
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