Heat Pump
An air-to-water heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it to the heating water, which supplies radiators or underfloor heating. All the units shown here are monoblock heat pumps from TCL and Hantech with capacities of 8, 10, 12 and 16 kW, covering every performance class from both brands.
Monoblock: The refrigerant circuit remains outside
In a monoblock heat pump, the entire refrigerant circuit is housed in the outdoor unit and is factory-filled with 1.1 to 1.5 kg of refrigerant, depending on the model. Only the heating water supply and return pipes and the power cable are routed into the house. Nothing on the refrigerant circuit is opened at the installation site. Connection to the heating system and the electrical supply is carried out by a specialist contractor. As water circulates in the outdoor unit, the installation must be planned to be frost-proof.
The outdoor units are 1,293 mm wide and 860 mm high, 495 mm (TCL) or 523 mm (Hantech) deep, and weigh between 95 and 124 kg net. They are placed on the ground, for example on a foundation or plinth.
TCL or Hantech: Refrigerant and flow temperature
| TCL | Hantech | |
|---|---|---|
| refrigerant | R32 | R290 (propane) |
| Heating flow temperature | 25 to 65 °C | 25 to 80 °C |
| Hot water | up to 60 °C | up to 70 °C |
| SCOP | 4.56 to 4.9 | 4.53 to 5.33 |
| Power supply | 8 and 10 kW: 220–240 V, 12 and 16 kW: 380–415 V | All power ratings 220–240 V |
| Heating operation down to | −25 °C | −25 °C |
The flow temperature is the area where the brands differ most significantly. Traditional radiators in an older house usually require warmer water than underfloor heating. For such cases, the Hantech units are sufficient up to 80 °C. As a general rule, the lower the flow temperature, the more efficiently a heat pump operates. In heating mode, all units have an energy rating of A+++.
What capacity is right for your home
The appropriate capacity is determined by the building’s heating load, not by the living area. It depends on insulation, windows, flow temperature and hot water requirements, and is usually calculated by a specialist contractor or an energy adviser. Noise levels are also a factor for the installation site: the data sheets specify a sound power level of 60 dB for the 8 kW unit and up to 68 dB for the 16 kW unit.
In summer, all units can also cool, with water temperatures ranging from 5 to 20 °C according to the technical data sheet. The warranty is valid for three years. Those who only wish to heat or cool individual rooms are better off with a split air conditioner. The electricity for the heat pump can be supplied by a dedicated photovoltaic system, such as a complete PV kit. More information on the manufacturers can be found on the websites TCL and Hantech.
Frequently asked questions about heat pumps
What is a monoblock heat pump?
An air-to-water heat pump in which the entire refrigerant circuit is housed within the outdoor unit. Only water and electricity pipes run into the house; no work is carried out on the refrigerant circuit on site.
R290 Or R32?
R290 Propane has a global warming potential of 3, whilst R32 is a fluorinated refrigerant with a global warming potential of 675. The Hantech units use R290 and achieve flow temperatures of up to 80 °C, whilst the TCL units use R32 and reach temperatures of up to 65 °C.
Is an 8 kW heat pump sufficient for my house?
This depends on the building’s heating load, not the floor area. Have this calculated before you buy, and then choose between 8, 10, 12 and 16 kW.
Can the heat pump also provide hot water?
Yes, the data sheets specify hot water temperatures of up to 60 °C (TCL) and 70 °C (Hantech). This category does not include a hot water cylinder.