Black Diamond Hydrobox Hot Water Heat Pump
The Next Generation in Super Energy Efficient Hot Water Heating
This page covers the Hydrobox, a previous generation of our Black Diamond Hot Water Heat Pump. For the latest model, see AquaCore.
Why Choose Hydrobox Hot Water Heat Pump?
Proven heat pump technology that dramatically reduces hot water heating costs while delivering superior performance and environmental benefits for New Zealand homes.
Hot water heating accounts for 28% of your power bill. Hydrobox delivers 3.2kW output for every 1kW input, operating at superior efficiency compared to traditional gas and direct electric systems.
Performance will vary based on ambient conditions, water inlet temperature, installation type etc.
How Efficient Is the Hydrobox Hot Water Heat Pump?
The efficiency of a heat pump is known as the Coefficient of Performance or COP. This is a ratio of the heat delivered to power consumed. For every 1kW of electrical input energy, the Hydrobox delivers an average of 3.2kW of heat output.
Compared to typical gas systems that can have inefficient COPs as low as 0.82, the Hydrobox provides a real energy efficient alternative for New Zealand homes.
Based on manufacturer information for gas instant hot water heater (non-condensing).
How Does it Work and What are the Key Components?
The Hydrobox Hot Water Heat Pump System is made up of 2 key components that seamlessly work together with your existing cylinder to provide super energy efficient water heating – the outdoor unit and indoor Hydrobox Heat Exchanger.
The three components of the Black Diamond Hydrobox Hot Water Heat Pump System
The Outdoor Unit
Uses electricity to absorb freely available warmth from the surrounding air and then transfers it to your home so it can provide energy efficient hot water heating all year round.
The system utilises environmentally conscious R32 refrigerant in the outdoor unit which has one-third the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of R410A commonly used in other systems, meaning it is better for the environment.
The Hydrobox Heat Exchanger
Intelligent computer control continually optimizes performance. The Hydrobox ensures water is heated to 62°C and is fed directly into the top of the cylinder. This means that this water is ready to use straight away.
Furthermore, the system features fast recovery of a full water tank and can reheat an entire 180L cylinder in just 2.5 hours where traditional electric cylinders can take up to 3.25 hours in winter*.
* Based on tank heat-up test at 10°C ambient temp.
The Hot Water Cylinder
The Hydrobox Hot Water Heat Pump System is designed to easily integrate with existing or new hot water cylinders so you can benefit from capital cost savings on retrofits.
Made in NZ, for NZ's Low Temperature Conditions
The locally developed and tested Hydrobox Hot Water Heat Pump System is specifically designed to provide hot water for the whole family all year long, no matter what the temperature outside.
Tested in some of New Zealand's most extreme environments, the Hydrobox System has been designed with cold temperatures in mind. In fact, it can effectively operate in a wide temperature range from -15°C all the way up to 45°C.
Superior Performance & Energy Savings
Average COP
vs gas systems with COP as low as 0.82The Hydrobox delivers exceptional energy efficiency with an average Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.2, meaning for every 1kW of electrical input, you get 3.2kW of heat output.
This intelligent computer control continually optimizes performance to maximize energy savings while maintaining consistent hot water temperature at 62°C.
Fast recovery means you'll never run out of hot water - the system can reheat a full 180L cylinder in just 2.5 hours, significantly faster than traditional electric systems.
A Great Return on Investment with Quick Payback Time
The estimated return on investment of a Hydrobox System, when compared to a gas or direct electric heating system, could be as low as three years*2.
*2 Payback period comparison based on average energy supplier costs per kWh over an average winter heating period. Actual savings may vary in line with gas and electricity price fluctuations and seasonal conditions. This is an estimate only.
An Environmentally Conscious Choice
The Hydrobox primarily utilises R32 Refrigerant, at one-third the global warming potential of traditional refrigerants, and with zero ozone depletion the Hydrobox provides an environmentally friendly alternative while also saving money.
Good for the Environment with Minimal Carbon Foot Print
Compared to traditional electric hot water heaters, a hot water heat pump produces up to three times less greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, compare these low carbon systems to an instant gas hot water system, and a staggering seven fold reduction in emissions can be realised! *3
EECA has identified heat pumps as playing a key role in the ability to significantly reduce costs and greenhouse emissions from energy use. If you are looking for super energy efficient water heating with minimal environmental impact, the Hydrobox Hot Water Heat Pump System is the obvious low carbon solution.
*3 Based on electrical and gas emission factor for New Zealand.
Tried and Tested
The Black Diamond Hot Water Heat Pump family has been operating in some of New Zealand's most extreme conditions for over ten years.
Proven Performance Case Studies
Explore real New Zealand installations and performance data from our extensive case studies and local projects featuring Hydrobox technology.
Downloads & Support
Get brochures, manuals, warranty information and technical support
Product Brochures
Warranty & Manuals
5-year comprehensive parts and labour warranty. For full details view 
warranty terms and conditions.pdf (69 KB)
Manuals
- OM_Hydrobox2.pdf (3,616 KB)
- Login for installation manuals
Contact Our Team
Please direct any enquiries to our Hot Water team on (04) 560 9100
Send Us a MessageNeed Help?
You can contact us via the Online Enquiry or if you would prefer to speak directly to us please call 0800 784 382 during normal office hours.