A residential heat pump water heater works by extracting heat energy from the surrounding air and using it to heat your home's water supply, rather than generating heat from scratch the way a gas boiler or immersion heater does. Because it moves heat rather than creates it, it can deliver more heat energy than the electricity it consumes. The Ecogen290 has published performance figures of SCOP 4.91 at 35°C and SCOP 3.69 at 55°C. Actual performance will vary according to the property, system design, flow temperature, weather and operation.
For a UK household of four, switching from a gas combi boiler to a Sailax Global Technologies Ltd water heater can help reduce hot water heating costs, depending on existing tariff rates and daily usage. Savings may vary depending on the system configuration, energy tariff and how the system is used.
The UK Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers homeowners a grant of up to £7,500 to replace fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives, including heat pump water heaters.
The grant is paid directly to your installer and deducted from the installation cost - you do not need to apply separately or wait for reimbursement.
Lower your energy bills without compromising comfort. Spend less, enjoy more every season.
Eligible property owners may receive a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant towards a qualifying installation, subject to the scheme's eligibility requirements.
Adapts to freezing winters and muggy summers so you stay comfortable, always.
High-efficiency heat output designed to reduce electricity consumption.
Built to last, ready for tomorrow. Our product keeps your home ahead of rising energy costs and evolving climate needs.
Shrink your carbon footprint while you slash your bills. It is better for the planet and your pocket.
From consultation to switch-on Sailax handles it all, stress-free.
Choosing the right capacity is straightforward - the primary factor is the number of occupants in your home and your typical daily hot water demand. Sailax offers the Ecogen290 heat pump, suitable for households of 1 to 7 people when paired with a correctly sized hot-water cylinder.
The table below outlines typical sizing guidance:
| Household Size | Tank capacity | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 200 L | Suitable for flats, bungalows, compact homes |
| 2–4 people | 250 L | Standard family home, average daily usage |
| 4–7 people | Ecogen290 (cylinder sized separately) | Larger homes, higher peak demand |
| 7+ people | Commercial range | See sailax.co.uk/commercial-heat-pump-water-heater |
If your household has high simultaneous demand for example, two showers running at the same time our installation team will factor this into the survey and recommend whether a larger tank or a supplementary immersion element is appropriate.
Honestly didn’t expect to notice such a big difference—our energy bill dropped within the first month! The installation was smooth, the system’s quiet, and the house feels cosy all day. Wish we’d switched sooner.
Priya & James M., London
The Ecogen290 is Sailax's flagship residential heat pump water heater. Key technical specifications:
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant | R290 (propane) | Zero ozone depletion potential, low global warming potential (GWP: 3) |
| Tank capacity | Cylinder supplied separately, sized to suit household demand | All-in-one integrated tank and heat pump |
| SCOP | SCOP 4.91 at 35°C flow temperature and 3.69 at 55°C flow temperature | At A+++ efficiency rating under UK test conditions |
| Operating temp range | -15°C to +40°C ambient | Designed and tested for UK climate conditions |
| Noise level | < 48 dB(A) | Quieter than a standard dishwasher |
| Water temperature | Up to 65°C | Legionella control cycle built-in |
| BUS eligibility | Yes | MCS product listing confirmed |
| Warranty | 5 years (parts & labour) | Extended warranty available on request |
| Dimension Height x Width (mm) | 1045 x 400 x 805 | Suitable for utility rooms, garages, outbuildings |
| Weight (full) | 85 kg (heat pump unit; cylinder weight varies by size) | Ground floor installation recommended |
The Ecogen290 achieves a SCOP 4.91 at 35°C and 3.69 at 55°C under UK-standard conditions. The manufacturer publishes SCOP figures of 4.91 at 35°C and 3.69 at 55°C for model ECO- ZR02FC.
Unlike some imported heat pump models designed for warmer European climates, the Ecogen290 is tested and rated for operation in ambient temperatures as low as -15°C covering the vast majority of UK winter conditions, including Scotland. Performance does reduce below -15°C, and our installation team will advise on supplementary heating options if your property is in a particularly exposed location.
Installed by our own team. Every installation is MCS-certified under our partner's umbrella accreditation scheme. A legal requirement for BUS grant eligibility. From your initial home survey to commissioning, the process typically takes one day. We handle all grant paperwork, building regulations notification, and post-installation commissioning checks. Most customers are using their new system within 24 hours of installation.
| Gas boiler | Heat pump water heater |
|---|---|
| Running costs | Running costs |
| Higher — gas price per kWh typically lower, but efficiency is ~90% | Lower long-term — running costs depend on system performance, energy prices, the property and how the system is used |
| Carbon emissions | Carbon emissions |
| High — gas produces around 200g CO2 per kWh | Carbon emissions depend on the electricity supply, existing heating system, system performance and how the system is used |
| Government grant | Government grant |
| None available for new gas boiler installations | Up to £7,500 via Boiler Upgrade Scheme |
| Future-proofing | Future-proofing |
| Gas boiler sales banned in new builds; phase-out roadmap ongoing | Eligible for all current and proposed green energy incentives |
| Maintenance | Maintenance |
| Servicing requirements and costs depend on the equipment and service provider | Minimal — annual visual check, no combustion components |
| Lifespan | Lifespan |
| 10–15 years typical | Service life depends on installation, operation and maintenance |
Yes - for UK homeowners, a residential heat pump water heater can be a renewable energy upgrade worth considering. With the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of up to £7,500 offsetting the installation cost, the overall financial outcome depends on your current system, energy tariffs, hot water usage, and installation costs. Rising gas prices and the UK's long-term gas phase-out roadmap mean the financial advantage of switching may increase over time.
The potential savings for a UK household switching from gas central heating to a Sailax Global Technologies Ltd hot water system depend on your current energy tariff, hot water usage, household size, and whether you use time-of-use electricity pricing. Sailax provides a personalised savings estimate as part of your free home survey - based on your actual current bills, not industry averages.
For households of 1 to 7 people, the Sailax Ecogen290 heat pump covers the full range of residential demand when paired with a correctly sized hot-water cylinder. As a rule of thumb, allow 40–50 litres of hot water capacity per person per day. Your Sailax engineer will confirm the correct sizing during your free home survey, taking into account peak simultaneous demand and your property's hot water draw profile.
Yes. The Ecogen290 is designed as a direct replacement for gas combination boilers, oil boilers, electric immersion heaters, and LPG systems. The installation requires a connection to your cold water mains supply and adequate space in a utility room, garage, or outbuilding (minimum 10m3 of free air volume around the unit for efficient operation). Your Sailax engineer will assess suitability during the survey and flag any preparatory work required, such as upgrading pipework or improving ventilation.
The vast majority of UK homes are suitable. The Ecogenica Outback 5kW heat-pump unit measures 1045 x 400 x 805 mm. The hot-water cylinder is a separate item. Our assessor will check the available space and confirm the correct cylinder size and whether the property is suitable. for the heat pump to operate typically a utility room or garage of at least 10m3. Flats with no access to external or utility spaces may require an alternative configuration. Properties in Scotland and northern England are fully supported - the Ecogen290 operates efficiently in ambient temperatures as low as -15°C, which covers typical UK winter lows.
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