Gridly
Overview
The Enviroheat 250L is the larger sibling of the 200L - everything the same, 50 litres bigger, $200 more. The 250L tank provides better coverage for a 3–4 person household that the 200L would run short on during consecutive morning showers.
All the considerations that apply to the Enviroheat 200L apply here in full. R134a refrigerant, COP 3.9, cold-weather reliance on the electric element, and no smart scheduling are the defining characteristics of both models. The 250L is the one to choose if you’re in the Enviroheat range and need more capacity.
The comparison that matters at this price
At $2,200 for the Enviroheat 250L, the Ecogenica EG-290FR deserves a direct comparison:
| Enviroheat 250L | Ecogenica EG-290FR | |
|---|---|---|
| Tank | 250L | 290L |
| Refrigerant | R134a | R290 |
| COP | 3.9 | 5.0 |
| Noise | 46 dB(A) | 47 dB(A) |
| Cold weather performance | Poor below 10°C | Effective to -7°C |
| Warranty (tank/comp/labour) | 7/5/1yr | 7/5/2yr |
| Supply price | $2,200 | $2,600 |
| Installation | Any plumber, plug-in | RAC-licensed installer needed |
| Smart scheduling/Wi-Fi | No | No |
For $400 more at supply, the Ecogenica provides 40L more tank, 28% better efficiency, future-proof refrigerant, and reliable cold-weather operation. The Enviroheat wins only on total installed cost, where the plug-in design saves $300–$500 on the electrician/circuit component - partially offsetting the supply price difference.
For buyers in warm climates where cold-weather performance is irrelevant and the $400 supply difference is meaningful, the Enviroheat is a defensible choice. For buyers in cooler climates, the Ecogenica is significantly better.
Running cost comparison
At 30 cents/kWh grid electricity, the difference between COP 3.9 and COP 5.0 over a 10-year period for a 4-person household is approximately:
- Enviroheat 250L: ~$350–$420/year in electricity for hot water
- Ecogenica EG-290FR: ~$275–$330/year in electricity for hot water
The annual saving of $75–$90 per year multiplied by 10 years = $750–$900 in electricity savings. Against the $400 supply premium for the Ecogenica, the R290 option pays back its premium in approximately 5 years in electricity savings alone.
Who should buy the Enviroheat 250L
Buyers in warm Queensland, coastal NSW, or Western Australian climates who need the lowest possible total installed cost for a 250L system, and are comfortable with the R134a long-term trade-offs. For most buyers at this price point who are not in a warm climate, the $400 premium to move to the Ecogenica EG-290FR is well justified.
