Smart Lifestyle Australia Heat Pump Review

Note: Solar Choice is not associated with Smart Lifestyle Australia 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 Australia Heat Pump 300L Heat Pump Score Card

Price: $$
The Smart Lifestyle SLA-R25-300D heat pump is positioned at the lower cost end of the market, with an estimated retail price of $3,300. While this excludes freight, installation, and any rebates, it remains one of the more affordable options available. Based on this pricing, the model fits into the lower cost ($$) category on the Solar Choice pricing scale.

Efficiency: Score: 4/5
Smart Lifestyle Australia’s documentation discloses a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of between 4.9 & 5.2 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. With these testing conditions in mind this heat pump has mid-range efficiency rating earning it 2 points.

Warranty Offer: Score: 3/5

• 7-year warranty on the cylinder
• 5-year warranty on the compressor
• 2-year warranty on workmanship

This combination of coverage gives the model 3 points for warranty. A it should be noted while providing good coverage its not the best in the market and the shorter 2-year labour coverage falls slightly behind the more competitive offerings in the market.

Customer Reviews: Score: 0/5
At present, there are not enough public customer reviews for the Smart Lifestyle heat pump range. Given the absence of independent feedback, this product receives 0 points in this category.

Functionality: Score: 3/5
The heat pump includes several features but misses some key elements:

• LCD and WiFi App Control: The heat pump provides an LCD screen and WiFi app control, allowing users to monitor and manage the system remotely (1 point).
• Heating Element: The heat pump is equipped with a 2.0 kW Electric Backup Heater (EBH), which ensures continued hot water supply even in low-temperature conditions (1 point).
• Quiet Operation: The heat pump operates at a sound pressure level of 49-50 dBA, which is higher than Solar Choice’s benchmark for quiet operation (<45 dBA), so it earns 0 points in this category.
• Stainless Steel Tank Option: The tank is made from enamel, not stainless steel, which does not meet the stainless steel benchmark for this category (0 points).
• Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant: The heat pump uses R290 refrigerant, which has a low global warming potential, making it an environmentally conscious choice (1 point).

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 Australia Heat Pump Available Range

Currently the only heat pump available in the range is the Smart Lifestyle (SLA-R25-300D) integrated hot water heat pump. This heat pump represents a significant upgrade in the range, designed to meet both increasing consumer efficiency demands and environmental concerns. This new model, featuring a 300L capacity, is engineered to accommodate medium to large households, making it ideal for families of 3-4 bedrooms.

Upcoming Models:

• Smart Lifestyle Australia plans to release a 190L model, which is referenced in their documentation. The upcoming 190L model from Smart Lifestyle Australia is designed for smaller households (1-3 people) and will use the eco-friendly R290 refrigerant, like the larger 300L model. It is expected to feature WiFi app control, frost protection, and an electric backup heater. The 190L model is coming soon and will provide more options for consumers focused on sustainability and savings.

Discontinued Models

• SLA-R18-190D/N3A4 (190L model):
  • This model, which had a 190L capacity and was suited for smaller households, has been discontinued. The refrigerant used in this model was R134a, a common refrigerant in older heat pumps but with a high GWP of 1,430. This high environmental impact contributed to the model being phased out as the company shifted toward more sustainable solutions.
  • While the SLA-R18-190D/N3A4 is no longer available, the company plans to release a new 190L model in the future, using the R290 refrigerant to align with modern sustainability goals (this model is coming soon).
• SLA-R20-250/N3A4 (250L model):
  • Another model that catered to small to medium households, the SLA-R20-250/N3A4, has also been discontinued. Like the 190L model, it used the R134a refrigerant and was phased out in favor of adopting more eco-friendly options. T

Key Features of the Smart Lifestyle Hot Water Heat Pump

• 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.

How much do Smart Lifestyle Heat Pumps cost?

The Smart Lifestyle heat pump is competitively positioned towards the lower cost end of the market, with an estimated retail price of $3,300. While this price does not include additional costs such as freight, installation, or potential rebates, it still places the unit as one of the most affordable options currently available. Compared to other models in the same capacity range, which can often exceed $4,000, the 300L provides an attractive entry point for consumers seeking a cost-effective solution with good efficiency ratings that doesn’t compromise on features. This pricing positions it in the lower cost ($$) category on the Solar Choice pricing scale. For buyers considering long-term savings on energy costs, this model’s lower upfront price combined with its efficient performance offers good value for money.

Rebate Information:

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

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 Cyaenergy.

Warranty Details

Pros and Cons of the Smart Lifestyle Heat Pump

Pros:

• Affordability: With a retail price of approximately $3,300, this heat pump is one of the more cost-effective options on the market.
• Environmental Impact: The use of R290 refrigerant significantly reduces the heat pump’s carbon footprint, making it a more environmentally responsible option.
• Efficiency: The 4.5 to 5 COP performance in standard conditions offers solid energy savings compared to less efficient systems.
• Advanced Features: The unit includes useful features such as WiFi control, electric backup heating, and frost protection, making it suitable for various climates.

Cons:

• Noise Level: At 49-50 dBA, is noisier than some competing models, which could be a concern for households seeking a quieter solution.
• Limited Reviews: The absence of public customer reviews may make it difficult for new buyers to assess the product’s real-world performance.
• Labour Warranty: The 2-year labour warranty is shorter than some competitors’ offerings, which may impact long-term confidence in the product’s serviceability

Verdict – is the Smart Lifestyle worth it?

The Smart Lifestyle hot water heat pump represents a solid option for households looking for an affordable, eco-friendly, and efficient solution for hot water heating. While the price and efficiency scores are competitive, and the product includes several useful features, potential buyers should consider the higher noise level and the lack of customer reviews for the newer 300L model. Without being tried and tested the shorter labour warranty could be a factor in decision-making for those concerned about long-term service.

Nevertheless, for households seeking a lower-cost option with solid efficiency and environmentally friendly features, the SLA-R25-300D is definitely worth considering.

Smart Lifestyle Technical Specifications

Check out the full Smart Lifestyle SLA-R25-300D (300L Model) PDF for more details

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James Shand

Marketing Manager at Solar Choice

With half a decade experience in the solar energy industry, specialising in business strategy and marketing for solar companies. He has worked with top solar distributors in Canada and now collaborates with solar manufacturers and installers across Australia via Solar Choice, Australia's leading solar comparison platform. With degrees in business technology, science, and marketing, James combines in-depth market insights with technical knowledge, positioning him as a trusted authority in renewable energy.

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