DUX Heat Pump Independent Review

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Note: Solar Choice is not associated with Dux Heat Pumps or any heat pump installer or manufacturer and has no financial or other incentives to promote any products brand over another.

At a Glance: Dux Ecosmart Scorecard

Scoring is based on our heat pump scorecard which is consistently applied to each brand and heat pump on the Australian market.

$ Price:
Dux Ecosmart models typically fall in the mid-range category ($3,300–$4,100). This positions them as competitively priced, though not among the most affordable on the market.

  • Company Backing and Trustworthiness:
    Dux is a well-established Australian brand with a physical presence and long history in the hot water sector. They are backed by Noritz, a large Japanese manufacturer, and have diversified into multiple water heating systems. Based on our scoring system, Dux receives 4 points in this category.
  • Warranty Offer:
    Dux Ecosmart comes with a 5-year warranty for the tank and compressor. However, the labour warranty is limited to only 1 year and not comprehensive, and exclusions apply. Compared to other brands, this coverage is relatively basic. As a result, Dux receives 1 points for warranty.
  • Customer Reviews:
    While the Dux Ecosmart range has a significant volume of customer reviews, the average score does not reach the required threshold to earn review points in our system. Based on available data, this scores 0 points.
  • Functionality:
    Dux Ecosmart offers high heating performance, with 13.3 watts per litre of tank capacity—well above the 10W/L benchmark. It includes 2 programmable timers, though it lacks Wi-Fi/app connectivity and its noise level has not been officially published. This combination of features earns 4 points in this category.

Final Score: 2.25 out of 5

Please note that the Solar Choice scorecard reflects our opinions only. Customers are encouraged to conduct their own research.

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Company Background

Dux Manufacturing Limited an Australian brand which dates back to 1915. Dux is owned by Noritz, a Japanese manufacturer of residential and commercial water heaters. Dux manufactures a broad range of hot water products including electric, gas, solar and heat pump hot water systems. 

The company has a manufacturing facility in the Southern Highlands of NSW and has an office space in Brisbane.

Dux Ecosmart Heat Pump Models

Dux currently offers two all-in-one heat pump water heater models in Australia, both part of their Ecosmart Pro Series range. These systems combine a built-in storage tank with an integrated heat pump module, eliminating the need for separate components or split installations.

Ecosmart Pro Series (270DHB36 & 270DHB36P)

Both Dux models come with a 270-litre storage tank, making them suitable for households with 2–4 people, depending on hot water usage patterns and climate conditions.

The main difference between the two models lies in the size of the electric boost element:

  • 270DHB36 includes a 2.4kW electric element, which supports faster recovery when needed.
  • 270DHB36P includes a 1kW element, designed for homes with more limited electrical capacity or where a lower current draw is preferred.

These heat pumps use R290 (propane) refrigerant, which is more environmentally friendly than older refrigerants but requires careful installation by a licensed technician due to its flammability rating.

Key specifications and design features include:

  • Heating capacity of 3.6kW (via heat pump)
  • 13.3 watts of heating per litre, indicating above-average efficiency for this tank size
  • Two programmable timer schedules that allow homeowners to tailor operation to off-peak tariffs or usage patterns
  • Built-in digital display and controller for managing modes such as heating, vacation, and boost
  • Outdoor installation only, with a required clearance around the unit for airflow and servicing

While the product includes a smart LCD interface with icons for Wi-Fi, there is currently no dedicated app or remote access platform documented in official materials. Additionally, no dBA noise rating is published, meaning homeowners should be cautious about placement near bedrooms or neighbouring residences.

Dux Ecosmart Heat Pump Cost

The Dux Ecosmart Pro Series heat pumps generally fall into the mid-range price category, with most models priced between $3,300 and $4,100. This places them in the “$$$” tier on our pricing scale.

There are two main models in the range:

  • The 270DHB36 (with a 2.4kW electric element)
  • The 270DHB36P (with a 1kW electric element for lower electrical draw)

Pricing can vary depending on the supplier, installer, and any ongoing rebates or promotions. These figures reflect hardware costs only and do not include installation or potential rebates such as STCs or state-based incentives.

Rebate Information: Buyers may qualify for rebates and incentives like STCs, the NSW Energy Savings Scheme, and the Victorian Solar Homes Program, which can significantly lower the upfront cost.

Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change and can vary by location. Always check for the latest prices and available rebates before making a purchase.

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Dux Ecosmart Warranty Offer for Australian Customers

Dux warranty periods vary depending on the part and application type (residential or other).

Residential Application Warranty Periods

ComponentParts CoverageLabour Coverage
Hot water tank (storage)5 years5 years
Compressor & refrigeration5 years5 years
Other components (e.g. valves, sensors, heating elements)1 year1 year

Note: For non-residential use (e.g. commercial or multi-family settings), tank and compressor coverage reduces to 3 years, and labour remains at 1 year across all components.

Dux’s warranty section includes detailed exclusions, including water quality limitations (TDS and pH thresholds), improper installation, and the unit being tilted more than 30 degrees. It’s important for customers to review these conditions, especially if living in areas with hard water or high mains pressure.

You can find the full Dux warranty conditions and exclusions at the end of their owner’s manual.

Support Resources: Dux offers support through its Australian-based customer service team, help lines, and detailed user manuals. For support you can contact 1300 365 116.

Pros and Cons of Dux Ecosmart Heat Pumps

Pros

  • Backed by a well-established Australian brand with local offices and long-term presence in the hot water industry
  • Solid heating performance, delivering 13.3 watts per litre—well above the minimum efficiency benchmark. Fast recovery on your hot water is important for high usage hole-holds.
  • Dual timer settings and LCD interface allow for scheduling and operational control
  • Uses R290 refrigerant, a low-GWP gas that improves efficiency and environmental performance

Cons

  • No published noise rating, which makes it difficult for buyers to assess suitability for quiet areas or small blocks
  • Lacks smart app control, despite Wi-Fi symbols on the display—remote functionality is not confirmed or supported
  • Warranty for minor components is limited to 1 year, which may not cover some common failure points after year one
  • No valid solar choice customer feedback. If consumer experience is important to you then we advise you research this further.

Verdict / Are Dux Ecosmart Heat Pumps Worth It?

Overall the main draw cards for Dux is the history and track record of the brand dating back over 100 years and they are one of the few hot water companies with an Australian manufacturing facility.

For a mid-range priced product, we would hope to see more evidence of happy customers in public reviews. We would also like to see the sound level and testing conditions, along with warranty terms that match other competitors in the market.

For households prioritising a brand with a long history and an Australian footprint, Dux may be a solid choice

Be sure to check our review of the best heat pumps in Australia compared or see the full list of heat pump reviews from solar choice. For more information on whether a heat pump is right for you & your household be sue to check out our Complete Buyers Guide to Heat Pumps.

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James Shand