iStore Heat Pump Hot Water Review

Tim's iStore Review

iStore has recently undergone a large transition moving the refrigerant they use from R-134a to propane. For this reason I recommend avoiding iStore until it has built a track record using the new refrigerant.

✅ Cost: iStore units are priced at the mid-market and affordable

❓ Reliability: I think there are more affordably priced units on the market that have a better track record than iStore, especially given the move to a new refrigerant

✅ Refrigerant: Propane is one of the best refrigerants on the market

✅ Maintenance: Maintenance requirements are consistent with the better quality units on the market

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iStore units come in two sizes: 180L (2-4 people) and 270L (4+ people).

Up until 30 June 2024, iStore units solely used R-134a as the refrigerant. R-134a has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1,430 and is in the process of being phased out. For example, heat pump hot water units using R-134a are no longer eligible for 2 of the 3 rebates in Victoria. iStore has since launched a propane (R-290) unit and is rolling it out nationally.

iStore units receive 4.8 out of 5 stars on Product Review. These reviews are for the R-134a unit and it remains to be seen whether there will be any change in reliability due to the new refrigerant.

iStore's warranty is reasonable, with a 5 year warranty on the tank/parts and labour.

One point worth highlighting is some company representatives point out that iStore's units are superior and will last longer because they are more powerful. Their reasoning, as I understand it, is that all heat pump hot water units have the same expected running time so if a unit is more powerful and doesn't need to run for as many hours a day, it will last longer. iStore's reasoning is clearly flawed. First, there's no evidence, at least that I'm aware of, that all heat pump hot water units have the same expected running time. Second, to say a heat pump hot water unit will last longer simply because it is more powerful is overly simplistic and ignores a number of other variables. There are many other parts to a heat pump hot water unit than the power of the compressor. Surely these need to be taken into account as well. I liken this reasoning to saying a Porsche will outlast a Toyota because it has a bigger engine.

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iStore Specifications

Model	iStore
Split/All-in-one	All-in-one
Capacity (L)	180/270
Tank Material	Glass lined
Tank Protection	Sacrificial anode
Place of Manufacture	China
Product Review Score	4.8 from 106 reviews
Warranty	Heat Pump/Tank/Electrical - 5 yrs Anode/PTR Valve/Consumable Items - 1 yr
Time in Market (Unit)	2024
Company Founded	2009
Noise Level	47 dB
Maintenance	6 months - operate the lever on the PTR valve and ECV if applicable; inspect and clear the condensation line, check for obstructions 5 years (tradesperson) - replace the anode, replace the PTR Valve, flush the unit, check and clean tempering valve filters and operation
Recommended Retail Price (RRP)	$3,500 (est)