Reclaim Energy vs Stiebel Eltron: Which Hot Water 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 Stiebel Eltron is more budget-friendly with a lower upfront cost starting from $7,300.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Reclaim Energy | Stiebel Eltron |
|---|---|---|
| Price range (installed) | $9,000 - $12,500 | $7,300 - $9,500Lower |
| COP (efficiency) | 4.5Higher | 3.8 |
| Tank warranty | 10 yearsLonger | 5 years |
| Compressor warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Noise level | 37dBQuieter | 44dB |
| Annual running cost | ~$225/yrLower | ~$250/yr |
| Refrigerant type | CO2 (R744)Eco-friendly | R134a |
| Country | Australia | Germany |
| New Zealand brand | No | No |
| Best for | Homeowners wanting maximum efficiency and the quietest operation, and happy to pay a premium for it | Buyers who value German engineering and want a proven integrated unit with direct manufacturer support |
Specifications and pricing are indicative for the NZ market as at June 2026. Confirm current models and exact pricing with your installer.
Price Comparison
Reclaim Energy starts from $9,000 installed (indicative, June 2026), while Stiebel Eltron starts from $7,300. That is a difference of roughly $1,700 at the entry level. Stiebel Eltron is the more budget-friendly option upfront, though Reclaim Energy may deliver savings through lower running costs over time. Both prices are full installed prices in NZD including GST. There are no government rebates for hot water heat pumps in New Zealand, so the quote you receive is the price you pay.
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 Stiebel Eltron reaches 3.8. The Reclaim Energy is 18% more efficient, which translates to roughly $25 less per year in running costs. Over a 10-year lifespan, that efficiency advantage adds up to approximately $250 in savings.
Warranty Comparison
Reclaim Energy offers a 10-year tank warranty and 5-year compressor warranty. Stiebel Eltron offers a 5-year tank warranty and 5-year compressor warranty. The Reclaim Energy has the stronger warranty coverage with 10 years on the tank, giving you 5 extra years of protection compared to the Stiebel Eltron. 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 operates at 37dB, while Stiebel Eltron runs at 44dB. 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 Stiebel Eltron 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 Stiebel Eltron can lose efficiency in colder conditions, though they still perform well across most of New Zealand. This matters most in the coldest parts of the country, such as Central Otago, Southland and inland Canterbury, where hard frosts trigger defrost cycles.
Pros and Cons
Reclaim Energy
Pros
- CO2 refrigerant with industry-leading efficiency
- Split design is very quiet (37dB)
- Flexible cylinder placement (indoor or outdoor)
- Long NZ distribution history via Apricus Eco
- Performs well in cold climates
Cons
- Premium installed price
- Split system needs more installation work
- Smaller installer network than Rheem or Rinnai
Stiebel Eltron
Pros
- German build quality, 100+ year heritage
- Direct NZ subsidiary and support
- Solid efficiency for an integrated unit
- Smart-element variants integrate with solar
- Proven in NZ conditions
Cons
- Heavier units
- Costs more than local mid-range brands
- Standard 5-year warranty
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Reclaim Energy if...
- You want the best efficiency and lowest running costs (COP 4.5 vs 3.8)
- You want a longer tank warranty (10 years vs 5 years)
- Quiet operation matters to you (37dB vs 44dB)
- You want lower annual running costs (~$225/yr vs ~$250/yr)
- You live in a colder part of NZ and want CO2 refrigerant for better cold-weather performance
Choose Stiebel Eltron if...
- You want a lower upfront cost (from $7,300 vs $9,000)
No rebates in NZ, whichever brand you pick
New Zealand has no STC-style scheme and no rebate for hot water heat pumps, so the installed price is the full price for both Reclaim Energy and Stiebel Eltron. What can help: bank green home loan top-ups (about 1% p.a. fixed for 3 years at ANZ, ASB and BNZ; 0% up to $50,000 over 5 years at Westpac, if you have a home loan and equity). And if you currently have gas hot water, the NZ gas supply crunch is a reason to switch at end-of-life rather than buying another gas unit.
Where are you?
See indicative costs and local installers for your area