Hi AOSbath, thanks for the quick response, I do hope that if I do get the 80L eventually (preferably group buy for the entire condo), the attention to any (hopefully none) issues will be as fast.
I've acknowledged the point about ConsumerAffairs not being regulated.
I'll still like to check out these points:
As your Micro heat pump seem to be a relatively new model, can I have details about this particular model's performance and claims so far, esp with regards to leaking and warranty service downtime (due to propriety parts). I understand heat pump heaters is not new technology (being plain old school thermodynamics) but I couldn't get reviews regarding any micro heat pumps (which are basically the same thing except less hot water to play with so less "efficiency" and maybe less insulation and smaller fan). If there are group buys for micro heat pump units from some time back at other apartments it will be great. This is important in decision making not so much because of the price (which I can accept) but because any issues would be an extreme inconvenience as I would likely be installing the unit indoors (not bedroom though). Hence leakage, noise due to malfunctioning fan such that it is above 40dB, could be a massive irritant. Coupled with claims that there may be insufficient spare parts (proprietary in-house parts) which means servicing could potentially ding-dong for weeks even within warranty period, or in the case of leakage, new furniture spoilt would not be covered by warranty anyway. The worrisome part is that being a steel tank, it is subject to natural corrosion (unlike my current copper tank, which is unfortunately a storage heater only and not a heat pump). Blue diamond (1920s) is a fancy name for enamelled coating which over cycles of heat and cooling will develop cracks and hence rot the tank. Which is also the reason for the compulsory sacrificial anode in the tank (all info from AOSBath manufacturing process video online). Also the warranty seems to be only 3 years (this part I need verify, forgot after reading) and I'm happy as long as it lasts the 10-20 years you mentioned. Hence it will give more confidence if there is hard data to back up.
There are many heat pump companies with group reviews online but many highly rated ones in group shootouts are not found here. Even for those brands available locally, they are mostly the regular or commercial ones and not micro heat pumps. I was unable to get info of small units online, not just locally, but even overseas.
Finally I totally agree with you that durability is especially important with systems with an ROI. And that is the reason for pressing for info because as I mentioned, I wish to organise a group buy for my condo which is approaching completion. I need to convince as many as possible that AOSbath is indeed durable (beyond marketing talk) as any problems faced, they will definitely come back to me as organiser. I am not in sales line, so whatever I "sell" to others, I want to make sure due diligence and homework is done before I recommend.
Sorry for the long post and hope we can reap benefits and not disappointments as early adopters of the micro (not regular) heat pumps.
