Split-type air/water heat pumps are energy-efficient heating and cooling systems consisting of an outdoor and indoor unit that utilize heat from the outside air to heat water in the heating system or domestic hot water (DHW).
Operating Principle:
- The outdoor unit is installed outdoors and contains a compressor, a refrigerant circuit, and a fan with a heat exchanger, which extracts heat from the air.
- The indoor unit with a hydronic module is located inside the house and transfers the heat collected by the outdoor unit from the air to the heating system's coolant or domestic hot water (DHW).
- These units are similar in design to split-system air conditioners.
Main Functions:
- Heating of rooms, even at low outside temperatures (down to –25°C).
- Heating of domestic hot water (DHW).
- Cooling in summer via fan coil units at outside temperatures up to +43°C. Brief technical specifications:
- Power range: 4 to 16 kW.
- COP (coefficient of performance) is typically higher than traditional electric systems, resulting in energy savings.
- The indoor unit has a built-in boiler.
Advantages:
- Energy efficiency - consumes less electricity than direct electric heating.
- Multifunctionality - heating, cooling, and hot water in a single unit.
- Environmentally friendly - reduces CO₂ emissions by using a renewable heat source—air.
- Installation flexibility - the outdoor unit can be placed on a façade or on the ground, while the indoor unit can be installed in a utility room.
Limitations:
- Efficiency decreases at extremely low temperatures (below –20°C).
- Professional installation and hydraulic adjustment are required.
- Higher cost than traditional boilers, but the investment pays off thanks to energy savings.
Operating Principle:
- The outdoor unit is installed outdoors and contains a compressor, a refrigerant circuit, and a fan with a heat exchanger, which extracts heat from the air.
- The indoor unit with a hydronic module is located inside the house and transfers the heat collected by the outdoor unit from the air to the heating system's coolant or domestic hot water (DHW).
- These units are similar in design to split-system air conditioners.
Main Functions:
- Heating of rooms, even at low outside temperatures (down to –25°C).
- Heating of domestic hot water (DHW).
- Cooling in summer via fan coil units at outside temperatures up to +43°C. Brief technical specifications:
- Power range: 4 to 16 kW.
- COP (coefficient of performance) is typically higher than traditional electric systems, resulting in energy savings.
- The indoor unit has a built-in boiler.
Advantages:
- Energy efficiency - consumes less electricity than direct electric heating.
- Multifunctionality - heating, cooling, and hot water in a single unit.
- Environmentally friendly - reduces CO₂ emissions by using a renewable heat source—air.
- Installation flexibility - the outdoor unit can be placed on a façade or on the ground, while the indoor unit can be installed in a utility room.
Limitations:
- Efficiency decreases at extremely low temperatures (below –20°C).
- Professional installation and hydraulic adjustment are required.
- Higher cost than traditional boilers, but the investment pays off thanks to energy savings.
Split air/water heat pumps are a modern solution for homes where cost-effectiveness, comfort, and environmental friendliness are paramount. They combine heating, cooling, and hot water supply functions, while taking up less space and operating similarly to traditional air conditioners, but with much more advanced features.