Sanden Eco Plus Heat Pumps: Independent Review

Note: Solar Choice is not associated with Sanden heat pumps and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product brand over another.

At a Glance: Sanden Eco Plus GAUS‑250FQS

Solar Choice Heat Pump Score = 4.25 out of 5

Scoring is based on our heat pump scorecard, which is consistently applied to each brand and heat pump on the Australian market.

$$$$$ Price: The Sanden GAUS‑250FQS is priced between $5,900 and $6,700 (supply only), making it one of the most expensive domestic heat pump water heaters on the Australian market. This places it in the highest cost tier.

• Company Backing and Trustworthiness: Sanden is a global company with over 45 years of operation in Australia and is highly diversified across automotive and climate systems. Their heat pumps are manufactured in Japan and distributed through trusted local suppliers. Based on our scoring system, Sanden receives 4 points in this category.
  Score: 4/5
• Warranty Offer: Sanden offers some of the best warranty terms in the market. The stainless steel tank is covered by a 15-year pro-rata warranty, while the heat pump unit is backed by a 6-year warranty, which extends to 10 years if installed with the optional Wi-Fi controller. This earns the full score. Score: 5/5
• Customer Reviews: On Solar Choice’s independent platform, Sanden’s Heat Pumps units have limited but flawless customer reviews, averaging 5.0 stars. This places it in the top bracket for user satisfaction. Score: 5/5
• Functionality: Functionality: The Sanden unit offers ultra-low noise (37 dB) and high heating performance (15.8 W/L), but lacks timer multi-scheduling and Wi-Fi app control functionality unless the optional controller is purchased separately.
  Score: 3/5

Sanden Company Background

The Sanden company is headquartered in Japan and has established itself in the Australian market over the past 45 years. The company was founded in the automobile air conditioning industry and specialised in heating and cooling technology.

In Australia, Sanden has focused on offering a range of heat pump hot water systems under the Eco Plus brand. Sanden has a product array that includes Eco Plus Hot Water Heat Pump systems with varying tank capacities to suit a variety of home sizes.

The company operates from a warehouse in Condell Park in Sydney and have local staff to help with sales, technical information and warranty support. 

Sanden Heat Pump Models Available in Australia

The Sanden Eco Plus Hot Water Heat Pump system models from Sanden include variants with tank capacities ranging from 315 to 160 litres.

• GAUS-315FQS: With a 315L tank, this model is ideal for larger homes and provides a sufficient supply of hot water.
  
• GAUS-300FQS: It balances capacity and efficiency to serve medium-sized to big families with a 300L tank.
  
• GAUS-250FQS: Providing a dependable hot water solution, this 250L tank model is intended for average-sized households.
  
• GAUS-160FQS: This model is designed for smaller households or those with reduced hot water demands; it has a 160L tank.

The primary distinction between these variants is the size of the tanks, which are designed to meet the varying hot water and space requirements of Australian homes. As a general guide, an average person uses around 50L of hot water per day and it is normal to size a hot water tank to cover 1.5 days worth of hot water.

Sanden Hot Water Heat Pump Wi-Fi Controller

With the release of their wifi controller, Sanden have one of the few heat pump solutions where users can remotely control the GAU-A45HPD Heat Pump unit using a tablet or smartphone. With features like One Touch Boost for instant hot water, Multiple Timer Programming for peak time scheduling, and an Energy Saver Mode to reduce energy use, this tool improves control over your hot water system.

By integrating with the Sanden Eco Plus app, this gadget offers an easy-to-use interface for changing settings and keeping an eye on the health of your system, including getting alerts when maintenance is required. It’s intended to maximise energy utilisation, which could result in lower energy costs and support a more environmentally friendly way of living.

How much do Sanden Heat Pumps Cost?

Notes:

• For state-specific support, check Victoria rebates or NSW rebates.
• Prices shown are supply only and do not include installation or rebates.
• The Wi-Fi controller is an optional add-on, priced between $279 and $400, and required to unlock features like multiple timers and remote app control.
• Sanden systems qualify for STC rebates, and many state programs (like Victoria and NSW) offer additional savings.
• Use the Solar Choice heat pump savings calculator to estimate your potential energy bill reductions and ROI.

Sanden Warranty Terms & Conditions

Sanden’s heat pumps come with one of the best warranty offers available in Australia as you would exSanden offers some of the most comprehensive warranty terms in the Australian heat pump market, especially when installed with all recommended components. Below is a breakdown of the standard and extended warranty coverage for the Eco Plus GAUS-series:

🔧 Important Notes:

• The 10-year heat pump warranty applies only when the system is installed with the Sanden Wi-Fi controller and tall, slim tank.
• Warranty coverage is void or restricted in regions with water quality issues—especially if chloride levels exceed 200 mg/L or pH falls outside 6.5–8.5.
• Changing water supply (e.g. switching between rainwater and mains) may affect warranty eligibility.
• Warranty terms may differ slightly between standard tanks and vitreous enamel variants—check the Sanden product documentation for more detailed conditions.

For full peace of mind, customers are strongly advised to:

• Confirm local water quality meets Sanden’s specifications.
• Ensure systems are installed by a certified professional.
• Retain proof of purchase and installation to support future warranty claims.

Want to compare warranty terms across other top-rated systems? Visit our heat pump comparison page or read verified reviews.

Sanden do have a local support office in Australia in Condell Park who you can support to process warranty claims. You can contact them on (02) 9791 0999 or 1800 146 123 and see their website for full warranty details. 

Sanden Eco Plus Hot Water Heat Pump – Pros & Cons

PROS

• Quiet operation at just 37 dB(A), among the quietest heat pumps in Australia.
• Exceptional warranty coverage, with up to 15 years on the stainless steel tank and if you purchase wifi controller up to 10 years on the heat pump.
• Manufactured in Japan with a proven track record of quality, reliability, and performance in Australian conditions.
• Environmentally friendly R744 (CO₂) refrigerant, offering minimal global warming potential and excellent thermal efficiency.
• High heating performance and thus hot water recovery times

CONS

• Highest cost category on the Solar Choice scorecard, with most systems priced above $5,800 (supply only).
• Wi-Fi controller sold separately (approx. $279–$400), required to access multiple timers and remote app control and extended warranty conditions.
• No included scheduling support out of the box—only basic LCD control unless the optional controller is added.
• Larger upfront investment may not be justifiable for smaller households or low hot water usage homes.
• Warranty exclusions apply for installations in areas with poor water quality (high chloride or unbalanced pH), which may limit eligibility in some regions.

Verdict for Homeowners

The Sanden Eco Plus GAUS‑250FQS is a premium heat pump solution best suited to homeowners who are prioritising long-term reliability, ultra-quiet performance, and energy efficiency. While the high upfront cost and add-on Wi-Fi controller may deter budget-conscious buyers, households planning to stay put and maximise energy savings over time will likely find the investment worthwhile.

If performance, warranty coverage, and product longevity matter more to you than upfront price, the Sanden is a top-tier option worth strong consideration. Those after immediate cost savings or out-of-the-box smart features might find better value in lower-cost alternatives.

Looking into heat pump hot water systems? Our comprehensive guide makes it easy, covering potential rebates, the real costs of hot water heat pumps, and the truth about ‘free’ upgrades. Learn about energy savings and understand the benefits and drawbacks with clear expert advice. For all you need to know before making a decision, check out our Heat Pump Hot Water System Buyers Guide.

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James Shand

Marketing Manager at Solar Choice

With half a decade experience in the solar energy industry, specialising in business strategy and marketing for solar companies. He has worked with top solar distributors in Canada and now collaborates with solar manufacturers and installers across Australia via Solar Choice, Australia's leading solar comparison platform. With degrees in business technology, science, and marketing, James combines in-depth market insights with technical knowledge, positioning him as a trusted authority in renewable energy.

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