In this short article, we will explain why it is important that you ask your plumber or installer about what anodes are inside the heat pump that they are recommending to you. We all know the frustrations when a small component needs fixing or replacing, incurring unwanted call-out and servicing costs.
One of the most common causes for call-out costs with hot water systems is the anode. Simply asking “what type of anodes is this heat pump fitted with?” before paying for your new system will help save you unwanted costs down the track. This simple question will help save you replacement expenses every 2-3 years.
In general, every DHW heat pump has two anodes, and both are normally sacrificial anodes. Better-quality DHW heat pumps come with one sacrificial anode and one electronic anode. Australian regulations require that at least one sacrificial anode be incorporated into DHW heat pumps.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a technical expert to understand which anode is best. It is simple, and in this short blog, we want to equip you with all the knowledge that you need to protect yourself from common anode maintenance and replacement costs.
When it comes to good domestic hot water (DHW) heat pumps, there are 3 ways that you can save money:
- Look for Energy-Efficiency Information that will Reduce your Energy Bills: The more energy efficient that your DHW heat pump is, the more money you will save on your power bills. The Viessmann R290 DHW Heat Pump provides market-leading energy efficiency, up to 70% compared to traditional electric storage water heaters. You can read more about this in our article here.
- Save Money Upfront with Government Rebates: Federal and State Government Rebates are a great way to save money on your upfront costs to purchase and install a new hot water heat pump. Our installers will help you to benefit from government rebates, meaning that you can get German-designed technology at a significantly lower cost upfront. You can learn more about this in our blog article here.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: “Buy cheap, buy twice.” It is a common phrase and one that is true when it comes to choosing the best heat pump that meets your long-term needs. German brands are recognised across the world for their commitment to manufacturing the highest quality products. Viessmann has been a leading brand in Germany for over 100 years and only uses the highest quality materials, components and technology. This ensures that every part of the Viessmann DHW heat pump is made to last and designed to deliver the highest performance for you and your family.
What is an Anode?
Put simply, an anode is a protective metal rod that is installed inside your domestic hot water heat pump to prevent corrosion, particularly the inner skin of the tank.
Why you Should Check your Heat Pump has an Electrical Anode
As with all technical components, not all anodes are made equal. Here is our quick explainer on anodes and the important difference between the 2 most common anodes used in DHW heat pumps.
In most domestic hot water heat pumps available on the Australian market, this “protector” is called a sacrificial anode, a metal rod (e.g. magnesium) that slowly corrodes so your tank doesn’t. The issue comes when the sacrificial anode is fully corroded, usually around the 2–3-year mark after installation. At this point, the sacrificial anode needs to be replaced to ensure that no further corrosion happens to the tank. Though the sacrificial anode is not costly, the labour cost can be.
But there’s a smarter, longer-lasting alternative to the sacrificial anode – the electric anode. Instead of sacrificing itself, the electric anode uses a small, controlled electrical current to prevent corrosion from occurring. No “sacrifice” needed, no expensive replacement costs; instead, you get reliable performance and consistent protection year after year.
The Result?
Reducing annoying and expensive maintenance costs, and the accompanying inconvenience of a broken or underperforming hot water heat pump.
Why Aren’t all Brands Using Electric Anodes?
Simple. Electric anodes are more expensive than sacrificial anodes. Viessmann Climate Solutions, though, don’t cut corners with their anodes, or any of their components. Every Viessmann R290 DHW Heat Pump is fitted with a high-quality electric anode, plus a back-up sacrificial anode. Your Viessmann heat pump also comes with further peace of mind thanks to the market-leading 7-Year Tank and 5-Year Parts & Labour warranty.
Conclusion
To avoid unwanted maintenance and replacement costs. Make sure that you check with your plumber or installer that your DHW heat pump is fitted with an electric anode. It is also important to protect yourself by ensuring the heat pump is protected by a comprehensive warranty. We will be covering what to look for in your heat pump warranty in our next blog.
The VITOCAL 150-A is designed to be simple to commission and monitor, with three layers of digital control that help the homeowners and the installer:
✅ The ViCare App: Gives homeowners intuitive heating control and an at-a-glance view of whether their system is running as it should.
✅ The ViGuide App: Built for trade partners, with functions for monitoring and controlling systems across detached houses and apartment buildings, plus rapid access to Technical Service.
✅ Connectivity Inside: An integrated WiFi interface for operating and servicing systems remotely using Viessmann’s apps.
An LCD touchscreen on the unit itself rounds out the control options, so you are never without a straightforward way to check system status on site during the install and when you have left.
Every VITOCAL 150-A is covered by a 5-Year Comprehensive Warranty on all Parts & Labour, giving you confidence to recommend it and giving your customers confidence to invest. As Viessmann’s strategic distribution partner across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, the ACT and Tasmania, Next Cycle backs that warranty with genuine local stock availability, technical support and installer training, so you’re never left chasing answers or waiting on support.
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Want To Find Out More? Get in Touch
If you are a homeowner (or business owner) and you are looking for more information now, contact Next Cycle today, and we will help you find the solution that meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Common questions about hydronic heat pumps and systems.
Q. How do I know if my hot water heat pump has a sacrificial or electric anode?
A. Ask your plumber or installer directly before you buy. You can also check the product manual or datasheet, or contact the distributor (like Next Cycle for Viessmann hot water heat pumps) to confirm.
Q. How often do sacrificial anodes need to be replaced?
A. Most sacrificial anodes corrode fully within 2–3 years of installation and need replacing to keep protecting the tank from corrosion. The part itself is inexpensive, but the call-out and labour costs to replace it add up over the life of the system.
Q. Is it a requirement in Australia for heat pumps to have a sacrificial anode?
A. Yes. Australian regulations require at least one sacrificial anode in DHW heat pumps. That’s why even premium units, like the Viessmann Vitocal 161-A, are fitted with a backup sacrificial anode alongside the primary electric anode.
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