Reclaim versus Sanden: a Melbourne hot water comparison

Reclaim and Sanden both offer split CO2 heat-pump hot-water systems worth comparing for a Melbourne home. The useful comparison is between complete quoted packages: heat pump, tank, controller, installation and after-sales support.

This is a document-based buying comparison, not a claim that either brand has been tested in the same house. Neither brand name alone establishes the best fit for your household.

Name the equipment before comparing it

For Reclaim, this discussion concerns its CO2 range, including the EHPE-4550P-A with V2 controller documented in the current download library. Reclaim's integrated Eco R290 range is a different product family.

Reclaim heat pump and V2 specifications.

For Sanden, the current Australian specifications identify the GAU-A45HPD heat pump, paired with a separately identified storage tank. Ask for the complete system code and cylinder model on the quote.

Sanden Australian specifications.

Our heat pump comparison process should therefore begin with those identifiers, not with an undated brochure or a general brand price.

Compare useful hot water, not the highest COP

COP expresses heat delivered relative to electricity used under stated conditions. A published test point does not promise the same result throughout a Melbourne winter.

Reclaim's cited COP uses 32.6°C ambient air and 21.1°C inlet water; Sanden's published test uses 32.45°C ambient and 18.74°C inlet water. These are not identical conditions, and neither represents a cold Melbourne morning.

Ask the installer to explain winter recovery for the selected tank and household demand. Give them the busiest sequence of showers, not just the number of bedrooms.

For an illustrative four-person household with evening showers, the question is whether the proposed storage and recovery plan comfortably serves that period after daytime heating. A decimal-point COP difference cannot answer it.

Choose the tank as carefully as the heat pump

Compare capacity, water suitability, dimensions and service access for the actual cylinders. A split layout still needs room for both components and their professionally designed connection.

Consider the route a future technician would use and whether landscaping or a planned renovation could obstruct it. A tidy drawing should reflect the available space at your property.

If you intend to use rooftop solar, discuss heating times after the tank and demand are established. Too narrow a window can undermine an otherwise suitable system.

Check which controls are included

Reclaim's V2 specification includes scheduling options and optional app connection. Sanden's WiFi controller supports its GAU-A45HPD and offers multiple timers; it is not compatible with every older Sanden heat-pump unit.

Sanden WiFi controller.

Ask for a demonstration of the included controls, what works without internet and which solar-related functions require additional equipment or configuration. An app does not itself prove live surplus-solar control.

Our solar hot-water timing guide explains the distinction between a clock-based schedule and coordination with other household loads.

Compare the warranty package in writing

Sanden's current terms have separate package tables, including qualifying heat-pump cover with its WiFi controller. Tank cover includes later pro-rata years, and controller cover has its own terms.

Sanden Australian warranty terms.

Reclaim also separates tank, heat-pump and controller cover, with differences across its equipment options. Check labour and travel conditions as well as the advertised years.

Reclaim Energy component warranties.

Ask who handles a fault in your suburb and what information they need. A clear local service pathway and appropriate design can be more valuable than a small difference in the equipment-only price.

There is no need to select either premium split package if a suitably designed alternative meets your demand, budget and servicing needs. Compare the total installed solution before deciding.