Gridly
Overview
Apricus built its Australian reputation on evacuated-tube solar collectors before expanding into heat pump hot water systems. The APHP-R290 260L is its current R290 all-in-one model, targeted at the mid-market where buyers want a reliable, serviceable heat pump with genuine national support.
The specification is competitive without being market-leading. COP 4.13 is a functional figure - significantly better than the R134a systems in this market - but below the 4.8–5.0 COPs achievable from the best R290 units. At 43 dB(A), it is among the quietest units available, which matters for bedroom-adjacent installations.
The all-in warranty
Most heat pump warranties are split. The cylinder might carry 7 years, the compressor 5 years, and labour only 2 years - meaning the component most likely to need attention (the compressor and electrical systems) has the shortest coverage, and any labour for a compressor repair in year 4 may or may not be covered depending on how the brand reads the warranty terms.
The Apricus APHP-R290 covers parts, labour, and cylinder under a single 6-year term. There is no component splitting. A compressor fault at year 5.5 is covered. A labour claim at year 4 is covered. This simplicity has real value - it eliminates the warranty interpretation disputes that arise when a failure occurs and the brand argues it falls under the shorter term.
The trade-off: 6 years is shorter than the 7-year cylinder warranty some competitors offer. For the cylinder specifically, you’re accepting one year less coverage. For the compressor and labour, you’re getting more.
The 2025 recall and anode obligation
Two things require active attention.
The ACCC recall in early 2025 affected units manufactured in November 2024, which had a structural stability risk under high internal pressure. Apricus’s response was full unit replacement - a responsible outcome. The recall is manufacturer-specific to that production batch. New stock purchased in mid-2025 onwards is not affected, but confirm the manufacture date with your supplier before installing.
The anode maintenance requirement is ongoing. Apricus’s warranty condition requires the sacrificial anode to be checked every 3 years and replaced if necessary. This is standard practice for all hot water systems but is sometimes overlooked. Mark the calendar at installation: 3 years, 6 years - if the warranty period has not expired, an anode inspection is required to maintain coverage. A plumber visit runs $150–$250 including parts.
Solar PV integration
Apricus’s background in solar gives the APHP-R290’s timer and app a specific design intent: scheduling operation to overlap with solar generation hours. The app allows time-window scheduling around typical solar production periods (10am–3pm for most Australian orientations), and the 260L tank provides enough thermal storage to absorb a full day’s worth of solar-heated water without overheating issues.
For households without solar, the standard overnight off-peak scheduling works identically to competitors.
Who should buy the Apricus APHP-R290 260L
The Apricus is a good choice for buyers who value the all-in warranty simplicity and want the confidence of a large national service network. The 43 dB(A) noise figure is a genuine advantage for suburban installations near bedrooms or fences. Buyers in cooler climates (Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide) are well served by the -7°C operating floor.
The iStore 270L at $700 less with a higher COP and Installer’s Choice endorsement is the natural comparison - the Apricus wins on warranty term clarity and service network breadth, not on efficiency or price.
