Smart Lifestyle Australia Heat Pump Review

Smart-lifestyle-heat-pump-review

Note: Solar Choice is not associated with Haier Heat Pumps or any heat pump installer or manufacturer and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product brand over another. Wondering if heat pumps are worth it? Check out our Complete Buyers Guide to Heat Pumps.

Smart Lifestyle Heat Pump 300L Heat Pump Score Card

Price: $
Based on online evidence of published prices and the experience of Solar Choice customers we estimate the wholesale cost of the Smart Lifestyle heat pump range to be at the lowest cost end of the market (under >$2,000). Please note this price excludes freight, installation and any rebates that might apply.

Efficiency: Score: 3/5
Smart Lifestyle Australia’s documentation discloses a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of between 3.65 & 4.1 with 19°C ambient temperature and inlet water temperature of 14°C with target temperature at 55°C. As these figures are all measured differently by different manufacturers, at Solar Choice we try to estimate the COP to reflect a typical Australian home user’s experience at an ambient air temperature of 20°C, an inlet water temperature of 15°C degrees and an output temp of 60°C. This heat pump has mid-range efficiency rating earning it 3 points.

Warranty Offer: Score: 4/5
The Smart Lifestyle Heat Pump includes a 7-year warranty on the cylinder, 5 years on the compressor, and 2 years on workmanship. The installation kit has a 1-year warranty.  This comprehensive coverage earns the heat pump a score of 4 points.

Customer Reviews: Score: 0/5
We were not able to find a single public review left for Smart Lifestyle Australia or their heat pumps. Therefore, it scores 0 points in this category.

Functionality: Score: 2/5
The heat pump includes several features, but misses some key elements:

  • LCD and WiFi App Control: Provides LCD screen and WiFi app control (1 point).
  • Heating Element: 2.0 kW Electric Backup Heater (EBH) (1 point)
  • Quiet Operation: Operates at 48/49 dBA, which is above the solar choice benchmark for quiet operation of less than 45dBA (0 points).
  • Stainless Steel Tank Option: Uses an enamel tank material (0 points).
  • Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant: Uses R134a refrigerant which is not environmentally friendly and has a high global warming potential of 1,430 (0 points).

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Company Background

Smart Lifestyle Australia (ABN 54 652 113 561) is a heat pump brand owned by Cyanergy and was introduced in 2021. Cyanergy are an installer and manufacturer of renewables and energy efficiency solutions with a history dating back to 2010. The company has offices in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. 

Smart Lifestyle Australia’s products are sold by Cyanergy and also by other installers on the market. 

Smart Lifestyle Heat Pump Available Range

Smart Lifestyle Australia provides several heat pump models tailored to different household sizes and needs:

  • SLA-R18-190D/N3A4: This model is designed for small households but is currently out of stock and will no longer be sold as of 01/07/2024.
  • SLA-R20-250/N3A4: This new model is suitable for small to medium households, typically accommodating 1-3 people. It has a capacity of 250 litres and features efficient energy use.
  • SLA-R25-300D/N3D4: With a 300L capacity, this model is ideal for medium to large households, accommodating 4-6 people. It includes advanced features such as an electric backup heater and Wifi App control.

Upcoming Models:

  • 150L Model: Smart Lifestyle Australia has announced a new 150L tank model that is expected to be released later this year. This model will cater to smaller households and provide an additional option for customers seeking compact and efficient heating solutions.

Key Features

  • Smart Technology & Controller: LCD screen and WiFi app control provides intuitive operation with functions such as temperature setting, timer, and safety lock.
  • Built-in Frost Protection: Protects the condenser from icing, ensuring reliable operation.
  • Auto Disinfection: A feature designed to maintain hygiene by preventing bacterial growth.
  • Tank-Wrapped Condenser Coil: Enhances heat transfer efficiency and prevents water contamination.

Pricing and Availability

Based on online evidence of published prices and the experience of Solar Choice customers we estimate the wholesale cost of the Smart Lifestyle SLA-R25-300D/N3D4 & SLA-R20-250/N3A4 heat pump range to be at the lowest cost end of the market under >$2,000. Please note this price excludes freight, installation and any rebates that might apply.

Rebate Information:

  • Federal STC Rebate: Available for qualifying models.
  • State Rebates: Additional rebates in Victoria and New South Wales.

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Smart Lifestyle Heat Pump Warranty & Support

The warranty terms for Smart Lifestyle heat pumps cover different components for varying durations. Consumers should be aware that when they contact the Smart Lifestyle support phone line, they are likely to speak to representatives from Cyaennergy.

Warranty Details

ComponentWarranty DurationDetails
Cylinder7 YearsCoverage for manufacturing defects and material failures.
Compressor5 YearsWarranty for failures due to defects in materials or workmanship.
Workmanship2 YearsCovers installation and any workmanship-related issues.
Installation Kit Components1 YearIncludes Pressure and Temperature Relief (PTR) valves, Tempered valves, Safety Switches, and other similar items.

Pros and Cons

smart-lifestyle-australia-300l-heat-pump

Pros

  • The 7-year warranty on the tank and 2-year warranty on workmanship provide confidence in the product’s durability and the company’s support.
  • With a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 4.10, this heat pump is highly efficient, converting energy into heat effectively, which can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bills.
  • The Electric Backup Heater (EBH) ensures you have hot water even during high-demand periods, making it reliable for larger households.
  • Uses R134a refrigerant, which has a low global warming potential.
  • The LCD display and Wifi App control make it easy to monitor and manage the system remotely, adding to user convenience.

Cons

  • The noise level is between 48-58 dB(A), making it one of the louder integrated heat pumps on the market.
  • There are no available customer reviews to gauge user satisfaction.
  • Limited tank options are currently available on the market
  • The heat pumps use R134a refrigerant which is harmful to the environment with a Global Warming Potential of 1,430

Verdict – is the Smart Lifestyle worth it?

Overall some of the technical specifications seem to stack up competitively for the Smart Lifestyle Australia products. The main concern is the lack of customer evidence of these heat pumps performing well over time with no public reviews available. 

The loud operating noise and the environmentally harmful refrigerant (R134a) will also be an important consideration for potential buyers. Despite its low cost, in our opinion it would be worth considering investing a bit more money in a heat pump with a more established public reputation with customers. 

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Smart Lifestyle Technical Specifications

SpecificationHeat Pump 250LHeat Pump 300L
Model NumberSLA-R20-250/N3A4SLA-R25-300D/N3D4
Capacity250 litres300 litres
Warranty7 years on tank, 2 years on workmanship7 years on tank, 2 years on workmanship
Energy SavingsUp to 80% less energyUp to 80% less energy
Coefficient of Performance (COP)3.74.10
Power Supply220-240V~, 1 Ph, 50Hz220-240V~, 1 Ph, 50Hz
Heating Capacity (Heat Pump Only)2 kW2.5 kW
Electric Backup Heater (EBH)1.5 kW2.0 kW
Input (Heat Pump Only)600 W610 W
Current (Heat Pump Only)2.7 A2.54 A
Max. Leaving Water Temperature60°C60°C
Working Ambient Temperature Range-7°C to 43°C-7°C to 40°C
Sound Pressure Level48-58 dB(A)48-58 dB(A)
Refrigerant TypeR134aR134a
Throttling TypeElectric expansion valveElectric expansion valve
Compressor Brand and TypeHighly RotaryPanasonic Rotary
Evaporator TubeInner groove copper tubeInner groove copper tube
Evaporator FinHydrophilic aluminiumHydrophilic aluminium
Fan Motor Speed950 rpm850 rpm
Fan TypeAxial fanAxial fan
Low Pressure Protection0.7 MPaYes
High Pressure Protection2.7 MPaYes
Unit Dimensions (HxWxD)570 x 2140 mm1310 x 570 mm
Gross Dimensions (HxWxD)710 x 680 x 2350 mm1440 x 850 mm
Net Weight125 kg130 kg
Gross Weight150 kg144 kg
Outlet Water Pipe ConnectionG3/4G3/4
Inlet Water Pipe ConnectionG3/4G3/4
Condensing Water ConnectionG1/21/2” internal thread
Smart lifestyle full product technical specifications
James Shand