Heat pumps are becoming all the rage in the world of water heaters, but what’s available on the market and how do you tell what’s the best model for you? Today, we’re looking at two of our top brands, Stiebel Eltron and Sanden. Both have a number of advantages and we can make a case for both, so let’s have an in-depth look at each and see which will work best for you.
Here’s a list of just some of what will be reviewed including:
- heating performance
- efficiency and energy usage
- lifespan of the units
- convenience of installation
- price on the market
- maintenance requirements
A quick overview of each of these hot water heat pumps
When it comes to choosing the best heat pump, certain brands will have advantages over others, whether initial cost, how much it’ll reduce your bills in the long run, size, how easy it is to use among many other factors. Heat pumps are re-owned for being more energy efficient than both electric and gas heaters.
Stiebel Electron Hot Water System
Stiebel Eltron is european brand which uses German technology to design hot water systems that best suit the Australian climate. Their heat pumps are available in the two sizes, the WWK222/WWK222H (220L) and WWK302/WWK302H (302L). The H models include smart technology which helps with temperature control and regulation, and a timer to help with efficiency.
Sanden Hot Water System
Sanden is a Japanese company that prides itself on using the latest technology to create eco-friendly designs, cutting down on energy costs and co2 emissions. The Sanden Heat Pump is a well-regarded, quality product that will not only cut down your energy bills, but also operates at a low noise level and is easy to maintain.
Stiebel Electron Heat Pumps vs Sanden: Factors to help you decide which one is right for you
A heat pump system is a big investment, and different models will suit different situations and people. Below, we’re going to provide a comparison of both brands, Steibel Electron and Sanden Heat Pumps to give an idea of the differences in prices, efficiency and performance.
What are the key differences between Stiebel Eltron heat pumps and Sanden heat pumps?
Steibel. The more affordable option when it comes to prices. The entire water heater system comes in a single unit model. The advantage of this is it’ll take up less floor space. The smart element will assist the heat pump to heat approximately the top 80 litres
Sanden. A Japanese brand, Sanden heat pump was designed to be an environmentally friendly water heating option. Unlike the Steibel, the Sanden is a two-part system model. Whether this is a plus or con will depend on your situation. The advantage of having a separate fan is you’re afforded more flexibility in how you arrange your system. You could, for example, place the fan in a separate location from the tank to better capture air.
How long do Stiebel Eltron and Sanden heat pumps typically last?
Steibel: Well, maintained heat pumps can be expect to last around 15 years. This can depend on the quality of the water.
Sanden: Sanden heat pumps can last between 15-20 years, with their warranty covering the tank for the first 15 years.
What are the maintenance requirements for each type of heat pump?
For any heat pumps, we recommend checking filter monthly and having a professional service annually
Steibel: Steibel requires little maintenance once installed. It’s still best have it professionally serviced every year or so.
Sanden: The Sanden
What is the noise level of each type of heat pump?
The noise level and how it impacts your daily lives is something to consider when purchasing a
Steibel: Units have an encased compressor to help reduce noise. However, when operating, you’ll still hear the fan and compressor running. It has an average operating noise of 45dB. To help put that into context, an average dishwasher when in use reaches 60dB
Sanden: A big advantage of Sanden Heat Pumps is that they’re whisper quiet. Anyone who’s had a rattling hot water system knows how annoying it can be. Coming in at an astonishing noise level of only 37dB. For comparison, a whisper usually ranks at 30dB and a quiet library at 40dB.
What are the warranty options for each type of heat pump?
Steibel: 5 year warranty for the cylinder, 2 year warranty for onsite labour, and 2 year warranty for parts excluding labour.
Sanden: Sanden have the edge when it comes to their warranty, with a six year warranty for the heat pump including parts and labour, and a 15 year warranty for the tank (parts and labour included).
Which type of heat pump is easier to install?
While DIY installation is possible with either model, it may be trickier than you think. For peace of mind and assurance that your heat pump will reach it’s full potential, it’s best to have a professional install it for you.
Steibel: The Stiebel Eltron has a single component which helps with the ease of installation. It can be installed either inside or outside of your building. If installed inside, a space of 13m3 will be required within your house.
Sanden: Contains two main parts, the heat pump and the storage tank. The difference this will make to installation is mostly in the amount of space required.
Which type of heat pump is more reliable?
The last thing you want when the temperature starts cooling is to jump into the shower and have no hot water. Let’s take a look at the reliability of each heat pump.
Steibel: Heat pumps, especially the older models, can have issues in colder climates. This can cause issues with frosting. Steibel heat pumps have been designed for Australian conditions and for operation at temperatures as low as -5 degrees. It’s also suitable for both hard and soft water.
Sanden: Sanden heat pumps have a 50% faster recovery rate over other products and systems, meaning you’ll have hot water faster on those chilly winter days.
Which type of heat pump is more efficient?
Steibel: Save 74% on your energy bill and can operate off-peak in select areas. Unlike solar systems, heat pumps don’t rely on sunshine to operate, which can help with reliability.
Sanden: Sanden has a well-earned reputation for being some of the most efficient heat pumps available on the market. Compared to traditional hot water systems, a Sanden Heat Pump uses drastically less electricity to run. In fact, it uses 80% less energy in comparison to other types of hot water systems which is a real boost to your bank balance.
How much does each type of heat pump cost?
Steibel: A steibel heat pump is likely to cost you between $3,200-3,700. For the WWK222/WWK222H model, the price will be between $3,200-$3,500. The WWK302/WWK302H is larger and therefore costs more, coming in at around $3,250- making it the more affordable of the two options.
Sanden: A sanden heat pump is going to cost you more than a Stiebel, with a heat pump and stainless steel tank setting you back about between $5,600-5,950. The upside is, the technology is more advanced and the efficiency and durability means you’ll save money in the long run. The immediate costs vs the long term savings is something you’ll need to consider when making your choice are the water system.
Rebates are available for both models. For more information, look into your rebate options in your state.
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