The Sanden Eco Plus pairs a Japanese-made CO2 heat pump with an Australian-made tank. CO2 holds its performance in cold weather, so it heats water to 63 °C across a -10 °C to 43 °C range.
Key facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Refrigerant | CO2 (R744), a natural refrigerant |
| Efficiency | COP 5.96, tested to AS/NZS 5125.1 |
| Operating range | -10 °C to 43 °C air temperature |
| Water temperature | 63 °C |
| Noise | 37 dB at 1 m |
| Tanks | 160, 250, 300 and 315 L stainless steel; 315 L vitreous enamel |
| Design | Split: the heat pump sits outside, apart from the tank |
| Heat output | 4.99 kW rated, 6.0 kW maximum |
| Made in | Heat pump in Japan; tanks in Australia |
| Warranty | Stainless tank 15 years (10 in full); heat pump 6 or 10 years by model |
Models
| Model | Tank | Heat pump | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAUS-160/250/300/315FQTS | 160 to 315 L stainless steel | GAU-A45HPD, CO2 | 6-year heat pump warranty |
| GAUS-315FQTV | 315 L vitreous enamel | GAU-A45HPD, CO2 | 10-year tank warranty |
| GAUS-160/250/300/315FQTD | 160 to 315 L stainless steel | GAU-A45HPD, CO2 | Wi-Fi controller; 10-year heat pump warranty |
Warranty
Sanden’s stainless steel tanks are covered for 15 years: 10 years in full, then 5 years pro-rated, parts and labour (its specification table notes the 15-year term excludes WA). The vitreous enamel tank has 10 years (5 in full) and needs its anode replaced every 5 years. The heat pump has 6 years on FQTS and FQTV systems and 10 years on FQTD systems, which come with the Wi-Fi controller; Sanden’s terms list the period part by part, so read them. Labour is paid at Sanden’s rates, capped at 3 hours, travel is the owner’s cost, and water outside its limits (such as chloride or hardness over 200 mg/L) or unfiltered rain or bore water isn’t covered.
Support in Australia
Installed through authorised Sanden dealers in Australia, who also carry out warranty work.
Strengths
- Keeps heating down to -10 °C
- Quiet, at 37 dB at 1 m
- 15-year stainless tank warranty, the first 10 in full
- Japanese-made heat pump, Australian-made tank
Watch for
- A split system: two units to place, and pipework between them
- The heat pump has 6 years unless you choose an FQTD (Wi-Fi) system
- Warranty labour is capped at 3 hours and travel isn’t covered
Our take
If you live somewhere with frosty winters, the Eco Plus is built for it: CO2 keeps heating at -10 °C, and the stainless tank has one of the longest warranties here. Choose an FQTD system if you want the 10-year heat pump cover.
Before you buy
- Check the exact model is on the Clean Energy Regulator’s register, which sets its STCs, and, in Victoria, eligible for the Solar Victoria rebate if you want it.
- Plan where it goes. A heat pump needs airflow and makes some noise, so keep it away from bedroom windows and your neighbours’ fence.
- Ask about your water. Warranties can exclude very hard or salty water, and unfiltered bore or rain water, so check yours is covered.
- Compare quotes from hot water retailers near you, and read heat pump vs solar hot water.
Sources
Specifications and warranties change. We use the manufacturer’s own documents and say when one isn’t published; check the current version with your installer before you sign.