Gridly
Overview
The Emerald 320L is the top of the Emerald range: the largest tank, the highest published COP, and the most physically imposing unit. At COP 5.2, it matches the Solahart Atmos Eco 280L for the highest efficiency of any all-in-one R290 heat pump available in Australia.
For households where 270L isn’t enough - families of five, households with heavy hot water use, homes where multiple people shower back-to-back - the 320L tank eliminates the recovery limitations that smaller units face in high-demand scenarios.
COP 5.2: context and real-world expectations
COP 5.2 is the peak figure published by Emerald under standard test conditions. The Solahart Atmos Eco 280L also claims COP 5.2 under its test conditions. These are meaningful efficiency benchmarks but should be contextualised:
- In a warm climate (Sydney, Brisbane, Perth) with average ambient temperatures of 18–22°C, real-world COP will closely track the rated figure
- In a cooler climate (Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide) with winter ambients of 5–12°C, real-world seasonal COP will be lower - typically 3.5–4.2 even from a COP 5.2-rated unit
- The DC inverter modulation helps maintain efficiency across a wider range of conditions than fixed-speed alternatives
For the warm-climate buyer, COP 5.2 delivers genuine running cost savings over lower-rated competitors. For the cold-climate buyer, the efficiency advantage narrows but remains positive relative to R134a alternatives.
Physical scale: the practical constraint
2,050mm tall and 146kg is not a constraint for most standard Australian homes with a garage, but it does require checking before purchase:
Height: Measure the installation space with the door closed. 2,050mm requires at least 2,150mm clear height. Some carports, older garages, and tight laundry configurations may be borderline.
Weight: 146kg on a concrete slab is standard and fine. 146kg on a suspended timber floor in an older home requires a structural check.
Access: The unit cannot be tilted significantly during delivery. A clear path from delivery truck to installation location with adequate width (approximately 700mm clear) is needed.
An installer who has handled the 320L before will be familiar with these requirements. Confirm site suitability before purchasing.
Who should buy the Emerald 320L
The Emerald 320L Pro or Ultra is the right choice for households of 5+ people who want the highest-efficiency all-in-one R290 heat pump with genuine long-term warranty coverage. The physical installation requirements need site-specific confirmation. For households of 3–4 people with normal hot water patterns, the 270L is sufficient and less expensive. The 320L is for buyers who have specifically outgrown smaller-capacity units or know from experience that a large daily hot water draw is the norm.
