Rinnai vs Quantum: Which Heat Pump Is Better? (2026)
Quick Verdict
Quantum is the more efficient choice with a higher COP rating, meaning lower running costs over time, while Rinnai offers better protection with a 7-year tank warranty.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Rinnai | Quantum |
|---|---|---|
| Price range (installed) | $3,350 - $6,000 | $3,250 - $4,450Lower |
| COP (efficiency) | 3.9 | 4.53Higher |
| Tank warranty | 7 yearsLonger | 5 years |
| Compressor warranty | 5 yearsLonger | 2 years |
| Noise level | 45dBQuieter | 48dB |
| Annual running cost | ~$304/yr | ~$261/yrLower |
| Refrigerant type | R134a | R134a |
| Country of manufacture | Japan/Australia | Australia |
| Australian made | No | No |
| Best for | Homeowners wanting a trusted household name with the best installer availability and an Australian-made option | Small households needing a 150L or 200L tank, and anyone outside Victoria who wants a long-established Australian brand |
Price Comparison
Rinnai starts from $3,350 installed (before rebates), while Quantum starts from $3,250. That is a difference of roughly $100 at the entry level. Quantum is the more budget-friendly option upfront, though Rinnai 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. Rinnai achieves a COP of 3.9, while Quantum reaches 4.53. The Quantum is 16% more efficient, which translates to roughly $43 less per year in running costs. Over a 10-year lifespan, that efficiency advantage adds up to approximately $430 in savings.
Warranty Comparison
Rinnai offers a 7-year tank warranty and 5-year compressor warranty. Quantum offers a 5-year tank warranty and 2-year compressor warranty. The Rinnai has the stronger warranty coverage with 7 years on the tank, giving you 2 extra years of protection compared to the Quantum. 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. Rinnai publishes 45dB for its quietest model, and Quantum publishes 48dB. The Rinnai is quieter at 45dB. At this level, it is similar to a quiet office and should be unnoticeable from inside most homes.
Climate Suitability
The type of refrigerant a heat pump uses significantly affects its performance in cold weather. Rinnai uses R134a refrigerant, while Quantum uses R134a. Both units use the same refrigerant type, so cold-weather performance should be comparable. R134a performs well in moderate climates but may lose some efficiency in very cold conditions.
Pros and Cons
Rinnai
Pros
- Australia's most trusted hot water brand
- AR Series is Australian-made (higher VIC rebate)
- Widest installer network in Australia
- 340L is largest integrated residential heat pump in Australia
- Smooth transition path from Rinnai gas
Cons
- Not the most efficient COP vs CO2 brands
- Only AR Series is Australian-made
- E-Series has shorter warranty
- Standard R134a refrigerant
Quantum
Pros
- Four tank sizes from 150L to 340L, the widest range here
- A 150L option, which almost no other brand offers
- Australian company with a manufacturing facility at Seaford, South Australia
- Propane (R290) across the range
- On the register since 2014, so the models have a long track record
Cons
- Not on the Solar Victoria product list at all, so a Quantum does not qualify for the Victorian hot water rebate
- Only 2 years on the electrical and refrigeration parts, the shortest here
- Quantum publishes no labour warranty term
- The product pages and the 270L data sheet disagree on the minimum operating temperature (-10C against -15C)
- 50 dB on the 150L and 200L
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Rinnai if...
- You want a longer tank warranty (7 years vs 5 years)
- Quiet operation matters to you (45dB vs 48dB)
- You're in Victoria (models on Solar Victoria's locally made list = higher rebate tier of $1,400 vs $1,000)
Choose Quantum if...
- You want a lower upfront cost (from $3,250 vs $3,350)
- You want the best efficiency and lowest running costs (COP 4.53 vs 3.9)
- You want lower annual running costs (~$261/yr vs ~$304/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. Rinnai 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
What are you replacing?
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