We believe the Haier Monoblock heat pump is one of the best value units on the market. We run the Monoblock through the four key factors we believe you need to consider about heat pump hot water units, including:

  1. Cost
  2. Reliability
  3. Refrigerant
  4. Maintenance

 

1. Haier Monoblock Cost

 

A 250L Monoblock through Powrhouse costs around $2,300 fully installed (assuming customers are eligible for all rebates).

A 330L Haier Monoblock costs around $2,600.

These prices include a plumber to disconnect and remove the existing unit, an electrician to wire the unit to the switchboard and Powrhouse to coordinate the installation and claim rebates and incentives on your behalf. Installation costs may be higher if the unit will be in a new location, if wiring costs extra or if there is no more room on the switchboard.

We’d describe this price as mid-range. It’s competitive with other affordable good quality units like Aquatech, iStore, Apricus and considerably lower than the premium units (eg: Sanden, Reclaim). It’s more expensive than what we think are poorer quality units like Emerald, Ecogenica, Enviroheat.

 

 

2. Reliability

 

When analysing reliability, we recommend you consider the following:

  • reviews and online forums
  • warranty terms
  • the company offering the warranty

It’s one thing to take our word, or a plumber’s word, but a multitude of reviews are very helpful. We also place greater value on reviews of units that have been operating for a long time. Reviews of units that have been operating for 5 years are more valuable than reviews of units that have been operating for 5 months. We like Product Review and the Facebook Group My Electric Efficient Home.

The Monoblock currently rates as 4.9 on Product Review. That’s an impressive result. You can’t please everyone and things will go wrong. The Reclaim Unit is widely considered as the Rolls Royce of heat pump hot water units and receives 4.8.

In fact Haier recently won Product Review’s 2026 winner in the Electric Hot Water category. This is a back-to-back win after winning the award in 2025 as well.

 

 

The Monoblock has one of the best warranties on the market: 7 years for the tank and 5 years labour. The other big positive about the Monoblock’s warranty is the company backing it: Haier is one of the world’s largest appliance manufacturers and support is run by Fisher & Paykel, which it acquired in 2012.

 

 

3. Refrigerant

 

The Monoblock uses Propane (R290) as a refrigerant. Propane has a Global Warming Potential (GWPs) of 3 and is only bettered by Carbon Dioxide as a refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential of 1.

 

 

4. Maintenance

 

Monoblock’s maintenance requirements are a little over the top. Here is a summary of what you’ll be required to do:

  • 6 months – operate the PTR valve, check the watertightness of the water connections and piping, check condensate drain for blockages
  • 5 years – service the unit and check anode
  • The fan should be checked for dust annually – recommended that the evaporator is cleaned every two years

Unfortunately if you read the Owners Manual, a tradesperson is technically required to carry out the 6 monthly maintenance. Anyone can operate the PTR valve – the requirement for a plumber to attend every 6 months is over the top. I’ve spoken with Haier about this and they agree and reassure me that a warranty will not be voided if this is not completed. The paperwork will be fixed up shortly.

 

 

Manufacturing

 

Another big positive about the Monoblock is it is manufactured “in-house.” We think it’s a positive that one company is responsible for all aspects of building and design. Most heat pump hot water units are manufactured by third-party manufacturers.  Reliance on third-party manufacturers could potentially result in a conflict between the manufacturer and the company. For example, the third-party manufacturer might be tempted to cut costs without telling the company.

 

 

Solar Connection (“Eco Mode”)

 

Haier also offers “Eco Mode” – the ability for the unit to communicate with your solar system.  If your solar system is generating excess electricity, rather than send it to the grid, it can be sent to the hot water unit. We can divert those green electrons from going to the grid and getting paid very little, to heating and storing more hot water.

The idea is great in theory, but the practical implementation of Eco Mode is challenging. We’ve had one or two customers opt for this feature and it’s been very difficult to install. The installer needs to configure the inverter on the solar system. There are a number of different types of inverters, so it can be difficult to configure so that they are ‘talking’ to the heat pump. We need to compare the extra cost of installation to the extra savings. Heat pumps (with a timer to run during the day) and solar are already such a good pair that the estimate yearly running costs for a family of 4 are in the order of $50-$90. Are we really going to save that much? I’m inclined to just keep it simple.

 

 

Haier Monoblock Review Summary

 

Powrhouse is independent. Powrhouse recommends the Haier Monoblock purely as a result of our thorough research of the heat pump hot water market. The conclusion of this research is we think the Monoblock is one of the best value units on the market. We are not affiliated with Haier and indeed our recommendations will likely change over time as the market evolves.

There is an added benefit of offering a narrow range to customers – we access volume discounts and it’s easier to warehouse and transport a narrow range. All of this leads to sharper pricing for our customers.

If you are interested in a quote for a heat pump hot water unit, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Contact us for a quote