Apricus+ All-in-One R290

Review

Performance & Efficiency

The Apricus+ All-in-One R290 is an integrated heat pump water heater with a rated COP of 4.5, tested at 20°C/15°C ambient with water heated from 15°C to 55°C. Meaning at those temperatures for every unit of energy in the equivalent of 4.5 is produced. At standard NZ electricity rates of ~30c/kWh, this delivers an effective hot water cost of approximately 6.7c per kWh - a reduction of around 70% compared to a conventional electric resistance cylinder.

• Who is it suitable for? Marketed as suitable for up to 6 people but may struggle to keep up with heavy continuous use for very large households - at an average of 50L of hot water a day this fine for households of 3-4.
• How it works: The unit uses R290 (propane) refrigerant with a GWP of 3 and a charge of 480g. A brushless DC motor drives the rotary compressor for efficient and stable operation. The 270L enamel tank with magnesium anode is rated for up to 6 people. Unlike traditional refrigerants, R290 can reach 60°C using the refrigeration cycle alone without needing the electric element.
• Backup element: With the 1.0 kW backup element, the system can boost to 75°C to reheat more quickly when needed - if you teens or visitors drain the cylinder - though this will use more energy.
• Cold climate suitability: The system operates in ambient temperatures from −5°C to 43°C — suitable for most of New Zealand, though Dunedin and Central Otago winters may occasionally dip below the heat pump’s operating range, at which point the backup element is needed to take over.

Features

• Five operating modes: (Standard, Eco, Vacation, Intelligent, and High Demand) provide flexible control via the wired controller, with an optional HiTemp Wi-Fi module for smartphone app control.
• On-board dual timers: are well-suited for solar PV alignment or Hour of Power free electricity. Input power is just 850W in heat pump mode, making it highly solar-compatible.
• A seismic restraint kit is included: a NZ-specific requirement that some brands charge extra for.

Supply & Service Network

Distributed by Apricus Eco (Finite Planet Ltd) which has been operating in NZ since 2014, supplying both residential and commercial hot water systems. They also distribute Panasonic CO₂ heat pumps, so they understand the category well. All spare parts are held in New Zealand, and the Whakatane-based team provides both remote and on-site technical support.