Panasonic launches CO₂ air-to-water heat pump range in Australia
Australia – Panasonic has launched a CO₂ (R744) air-to-water heat pump range for the Australian residential hot water market, with 16 configurations based on 4kW and 6kW outdoor units and 250L, 315L and 400L tank options. The range uses CO₂ as a natural refrigerant, offers Wi-Fi control, can integrate with household solar PV systems and is promoted with a COP of up to 6.1 on the top 6kW model. Domestic CO₂ products from Panasonic are already available in Japan and New Zealand.
A wider residential range
Panasonic says the new Australian line-up has been designed for households of different sizes, with each system pairing a Japanese-manufactured outdoor unit with a choice of tank configurations. Tanks are available in vitreous enamel or stainless steel, while the outdoor unit has a stated sound output of 37dB. The system can produce hot water at 59°C without electrical backup at outdoor temperatures down to -10°C.
The company has positioned the launch as the largest CO₂ hot water heat pump range in the Australian market. The systems are now available through Panasonic and distribution partner Reclaim Energy.
It sets a new benchmark for efficiency and sustainability in our solutions
Joe De Bella, Group Manager, Marketing & Engineering, HVAC Solutions, Panasonic Australia
Smart control and solar compatibility
The systems include a Wi-Fi controller and are compatible with the Panasonic Comfort Cloud app, allowing users to monitor energy consumption and costs, set heating schedules, adjust target temperatures, activate holiday mode or use a manual boost function.
Panasonic also says the range can integrate with existing solar PV systems, enabling households to schedule water heating around available house power or PV generation.
Building on existing CO₂ markets
The Australian launch builds on Panasonic’s existing domestic CO₂ hot water activity in other markets. In Japan, the company offers residential Eco Cute heat pump water heaters, while in New Zealand it already supplies CO₂ hot water heat pump products, including 4kW and 6kW models.
Joe De Bella, Marketing & Engineering, HVAC Solutions, Panasonic Australia, said: heat pump solutions are becoming increasingly popular in Australia as an alternative to gas and electric hot water heating. Panasonic says the range is backed by a 10-year parts and labour warranty and qualifies for Australia’s nationwide Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
