Reclaim Energy vs Haier: Which Heat Pump Is Better? (2026)
Quick Verdict
Reclaim Energy is the more efficient choice with a higher COP rating, meaning lower running costs over time, while Haier is more budget-friendly with a lower upfront cost starting from $3,000.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Reclaim Energy | Haier |
|---|---|---|
| Price range (installed) | $6,600 - $8,000 | $3,000 - $3,650Lower |
| COP (efficiency) | 4.5Higher | 4.49 |
| Tank warranty | 10 yearsLonger | 7 years |
| Compressor warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Noise level | 37dBQuieter | 43dB |
| Annual running cost | ~$263/yrLower | ~$264/yr |
| Refrigerant type | CO2 (R744)Eco-friendly | R134a |
| Country of manufacture | Australia | China |
| Australian made | No | No |
| Best for | Homeowners wanting premium Australian-designed quality with the quietest operation | Households that want a quiet all-in-one with an established Australian service network behind it |
Price Comparison
Reclaim Energy starts from $6,600 installed (before rebates), while Haier starts from $3,000. That is a difference of roughly $3,600 at the entry level. Haier 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 Haier reaches 4.49. The Reclaim Energy is 0% more efficient, which translates to roughly $1 less per year in running costs. Over a 10-year lifespan, that efficiency advantage adds up to approximately $10 in savings.
Warranty Comparison
Reclaim Energy offers a 10-year tank warranty and 5-year compressor warranty. Haier 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 Haier. 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 Haier publishes 43dB. 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 Haier 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 Haier 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
Haier
Pros
- 43 dB(A) at 1 metre on the 200L and 250L, quiet for an all-in-one
- Backed in Australia by Fisher and Paykel
- 5 years parts and labour, with the cylinder covered for 7
- Propane (R290) refrigerant
- 330L is the largest all-in-one tank in this comparison
Cons
- Country of manufacture is not published
- The 330L drops to a published COP of 4.00
- Not on the Solar Victoria locally made list, so it earns the lower Victorian rebate tier
- The 330L is wider and deeper than most, so check the space before you order
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Reclaim Energy if...
- You want the best efficiency and lowest running costs (COP 4.5 vs 4.49)
- You want a longer tank warranty (10 years vs 7 years)
- Quiet operation matters to you (37dB vs 43dB)
- You want lower annual running costs (~$263/yr vs ~$264/yr)
- 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 Haier if...
- You want a lower upfront cost (from $3,000 vs $6,600)
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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