Sanden Eco Plus Heat Pumps: Independent Review

Sanden Heat Pumps

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 scores 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 Eco Plus 250L typically sits around $5,900 to $6,800 supply only in the Australian market, depending on dealer, inclusions and whether the Wi-Fi controller is bundled. That keeps it firmly in the highest cost tier of the Solar Choice heat pump scorecard.

  • Company Backing and Trustworthiness – Score 4/5: 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.
  • Warranty Offer – Score 5/5: Sanden offers one of the strongest warranty packages in the Australian heat pump market. The stainless steel tank is covered by a 15-year pro-rata warranty, while the standard heat pump unit is backed by a 6-year warranty. On eligible Eco Plus systems sold with the Sanden Wi-Fi controller package, heat pump unit coverage extends to 10 years.
  • Customer Reviews – Score 5/5: 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.
  • FunctionalityScore: 3/5: The Sanden unit offers ultra-low noise (37 dB) and high heating performance (15.8 W/L), but lacks ability to set multiple heating cycles and Wi-Fi app control functionality unless the optional controller is purchased separately.

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.

Sanden Heat Pump Models Available in Australia

The Sanden Eco Plus range currently includes 160L, 250L, 300L and 315L stainless steel storage options, along with a 315L vitreous enamel variant in the Australian market.

  • GAUS-315FQTS: With a 315L stainless steel tank, this model is suited to larger households with higher hot water demand.
  • GAUS-300FQTS: This 300L stainless steel model suits medium to large households seeking premium heat pump performance.
  • GAUS-250FQTS: With a 250L stainless steel tank, this model is generally suited to average-sized households.
  • GAUS-160FQTS: This 160L stainless steel model is designed for smaller households or homes with lower hot water demand.
  • GAUS-315FQTV: This variant pairs the Sanden heat pump with a 315L vitreous enamel 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.

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Sanden Hot Water Heat Pump Wi-Fi Controller

Sanden Hot Water Heat Pump Wi-Fi Controller

With the introduction of the Sanden Wi-Fi controller, homeowners can access app-based control of eligible Sanden Eco Plus systems using a smartphone or tablet. Features promoted by Sanden include remote control access, timer functionality, and operating modes designed to improve convenience and energy management.

For buyers comparing systems, it is important to note that these smart control features are not included as standard across the range and depend on purchasing a compatible Wi-Fi controller package

How much do Sanden Heat Pumps Cost?

ModelTank SizeEstimated Price RangeScorecard Price Tier
GAUS‑250FQS250 litres$5,800 – $6,750$$$$$ Highest Cost
GAUS‑300FQS300 litres$5,800 – $6,750$$$$$ Highest Cost
GAUS‑315FQS315 litres$5,800 – $6,750$$$$$ Highest 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 offers some of the most comprehensive warranty terms in the Australian heat pump market, particularly on its stainless steel tank models. Below is a summary of the standard and extended warranty coverage for current Sanden Eco Plus GAUS-series systems.

ComponentWarranty Duration
Stainless Steel Tank15 years (pro-rata) – parts and labour included
Heat Pump Unit6 years standard / 10 years with Wi-Fi controller
Wi-Fi Controller1 year (parts and labour)

🔧 Important Notes:

  • The 10-year heat pump warranty applies to eligible Eco Plus systems sold with the Sanden Wi-Fi controller package under the relevant FQTD model variants.
  • 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.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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James Shand

Reviews from Australians who have installed Sanden Heat Pumps

Rated 4.50 from 8 reviews
5 star
7
4 star
0
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
1
Reviews are strictly collected from real customers in accordance with Solar Choice's Review Guidelines

Showing 8 of 8 Reviews

13th October 2025
Jo
NSW - 2045
5.00

Great appearance. Very quiet running noise.

25th July 2025
Paul
-
1.00

Appearance was fine . Longevity woeful. Service and backup woeful. Our plumber was disgusted.

21st October 2024
Keith
VIC - 3048
5.00

Extremely satisfied with our new Sanden Eco300l heat pump. The quality of the system is evident on all levels. Aesthetics, design functionality, quality of components and verifiable data on performance history. As the recognized market leader in the HP HWS arena, we believe that we have purchased a unit for the long term, with a comfortable peace of mind.

2nd September 2024
Richard
VIC - 3199
5.00

With heat pump systems like most other purchases, you get what you pay for. Sanden equipment comes at a higher cost but the quality, efficiency and long warranty period justifies the extra expenditure when compared to alternative systems.

Installation Photos

25th March 2025
Bernard
VIC - 3146
5.00

So far, all good.

26th July 2024
Nic
-
5.00

It works and I'm very happy with it.

3rd March 2025
Brynlee
-
7kW system

Review left 6 years after system installed

5.00

9th November 2024
Suzanne
VIC - 3199
5.00

Showing 8 of 8 Reviews

Comments

  1. So, it would be useful to understand how much energy is required to heat from cold at say 15c ambient, maintain heat with x % of use. That way I have a chance to estimate how expensive it is compared to gas to make a decision to change