Sanden vs Apricus: Which Heat Pump Is Better? (2026)
Quick Verdict
Sanden is the more efficient choice with a higher COP rating, meaning lower running costs over time, while Apricus is more budget-friendly with a lower upfront cost starting from $3,000.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Sanden | Apricus |
|---|---|---|
| Price range (installed) | $6,500 - $8,000 | $3,000 - $3,250Lower |
| COP (efficiency) | 5.1Higher | 4.13 |
| Tank warranty | 15 yearsLonger | 6 years |
| Compressor warranty | 6 years | 6 years |
| Noise level | 37dBQuieter | 43dB |
| Annual running cost | ~$232/yrLower | ~$287/yr |
| Refrigerant type | CO2 (R744)Eco-friendly | R134a |
| Country of manufacture | Japan | Australia |
| Australian made | No | No |
| Best for | Those who want the absolute best efficiency and longest warranty, regardless of upfront cost | Three to five person households in hard water areas that value a long parts and labour warranty over a spec sheet |
Price Comparison
Sanden starts from $6,500 installed (before rebates), while Apricus starts from $3,000. That is a difference of roughly $3,500 at the entry level. Apricus is the more budget-friendly option upfront, though Sanden may deliver savings through lower running costs over time. Both prices are for fully installed systems before government rebates and STCs, which can reduce the out-of-pocket cost by $1,000 to $3,000 depending on your state.
Efficiency Comparison
COP (Coefficient of Performance) is the key efficiency metric for heat pumps. A higher COP means more heat output per unit of electricity consumed. Sanden achieves a COP of 5.1, while Apricus reaches 4.13. The Sanden is 23% more efficient, which translates to roughly $55 less per year in running costs. Over a 10-year lifespan, that efficiency advantage adds up to approximately $550 in savings.
Warranty Comparison
Sanden offers a 15-year tank warranty and 6-year compressor warranty. Apricus offers a 6-year tank warranty and 6-year compressor warranty. The Sanden has the stronger warranty coverage with 15 years on the tank, giving you 9 extra years of protection compared to the Apricus. A longer tank warranty can provide significant peace of mind, as the tank is the most expensive component to replace.
Noise Comparison
Noise is an important consideration, especially for suburban installations where the unit may be close to bedrooms or neighbouring properties. Sanden publishes 37dB for its quietest model, and Apricus publishes 43dB. The Sanden is quieter at 37dB. At under 40dB, this is comparable to a quiet library and unlikely to cause any disturbance.
Climate Suitability
The type of refrigerant a heat pump uses significantly affects its performance in cold weather. Sanden uses CO2 (R744) refrigerant, while Apricus uses R134a. Sanden has the advantage here. CO2 (R744) refrigerant performs exceptionally well in cold climates, maintaining high efficiency even when temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius. R134a-based systems like the Apricus can lose efficiency in colder conditions, though they still perform well in most Australian climates.
Pros and Cons
Sanden
Pros
- Industry-leading COP of 5.1
- 15-year tank warranty (best in class)
- CO2 refrigerant
- Extremely quiet
- Proven Japanese engineering
- Best long-term value
Cons
- Highest upfront cost
- Split system requires indoor tank space
- Longer lead times from Japan
Apricus
Pros
- Six years on both parts and labour, from the date of installation
- Electric anode as well as a sacrificial one, which suits hard water
- One model only, so quotes are easy to compare
- 43 dB published sound level
- Australian company with local support
Cons
- One size only, so a large household may need a bigger tank from another brand
- Published COP of 4.13 on the data sheet is below the best R290 units
- The install manual quotes 4.49 for the same model, so ask which test the quote relies on
- Not on the Solar Victoria locally made list, so it earns the lower Victorian rebate tier
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Sanden if...
- You want the best efficiency and lowest running costs (COP 5.1 vs 4.13)
- You want a longer tank warranty (15 years vs 6 years)
- Quiet operation matters to you (37dB vs 43dB)
- You want lower annual running costs (~$232/yr vs ~$287/yr)
- You're in Victoria (models on Solar Victoria's locally made list = higher rebate tier of $1,400 vs $1,000)
- You live in a colder climate and want CO2 refrigerant for better cold-weather performance
Choose Apricus if...
- You want a lower upfront cost (from $3,000 vs $6,500)
Buying in Victoria? Stack up to $2,700 in rebates
Whichever brand you pick, Victorian households can stack the Solar Victoria Hot Water Rebate ($1,000-$1,400), the Victorian Energy Upgrades discount ($500-$2,000), and federal STCs ($500-$1,200) ahead of the 1 March 2027 gas ban deadline. Sanden has models on Solar Victoria's locally made list, which qualify for the higher $1,400 tier.
Heat pump guides
- Every Australian heat pump rebate, with the dated changes
- The best heat pump hot water brands in Australia
- Heat pump hot water cost in Australia
- Victoria heat pump rebates
- New South Wales heat pump rebates
- Queensland heat pump rebates
- South Australia heat pump rebates
- Australian Capital Territory heat pump rebates
- Western Australia heat pump rebates
- Tasmania heat pump rebates
- Northern Territory heat pump rebates
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