Air to water heat pumps offer an environmentally friendly solution for home heating. They convert energy from the outside air into usable heat, potentially reducing heating bills by up to 60% and lowering CO2 emissions by 50%.
Choosing the Right Air Source Heat Pump
With various options available, it can be challenging to determine which type of air source heat pump is best suited for your or your client’s project. One key consideration is whether to choose a split or monobloc heat pump—a topic we frequently encounter at OUTES as demand for renewable heating solutions continues to rise.
The terms "split" and "monobloc" describe the system types themselves.
Monobloc Heat Pumps
A monobloc heat pump is similar to a boiler in that it is a ‘one block’ system, with all of its components (except the hot water cylinder which is inside the home) inside a single unit that sits outside the home.
Monobloc heat pumps are distinct from split heat pumps in that all components of the refrigeration cycle are housed within the outdoor unit. Only water connections need to be made at the back of the heat pump, and there will be a wiring center either inside the house or in the outdoor unit for connecting pumps and other equipment.
Benefits of Monobloc Heat Pumps
- Easy Installation: Simplified setup with fewer components to manage.
- All-in-One Design: Everything is contained in a single unit.
- Easy Maintenance: Streamlined maintenance due to the integrated design.
Split Heat Pumps
In contrast, a split heat pump consists of two units: an outdoor unit that includes the heat exchanger and refrigerant, and an indoor unit that houses circulation pumps and heat exchangers, often integrated with the hot water cylinder.
Benefits of Split Heat Pumps
- Flexible Installation: Can be placed up to 75 meters away from the property.
- No Glycol/Anti-Freeze Required: Simplifies the system setup.
- Compact and Quiet: Generally smaller and operates more quietly than monobloc options.
So, what’s the difference?
The main difference between split vs monobloc heat pumps is the setup and units required. Whilst a monobloc heat pump only requires a singular outdoor unit, a split pump requires both an indoor and outdoor unit. A monobloc heat pump heats the water outside, whereas with a split system, the heated water is all contained inside the house.
Which Is Better for My Home?
When it comes to choosing between a split vs monobloc heat pump, it really depends on the individual requirements of your property. Monobloc heat pumps are cheaper to buy and easier to install, however they will be more expensive to run as the heat pump has to work harder to heat the water from the outside and transport it in. As a split unit is contained within the building it is cheaper to run, and the outdoor unit is usually smaller and quieter. However, the system is usually more complicated to install.
So ultimately, deciding between a split vs monobloc heat pump depends on your budget and the space and layout of your property. Our knowledgeable team at OUTES are always happy to help advise you on the best option for your home.
Which Option Is Right for Your Project?
In most cases, a monobloc heat pump is suitable for residential installations. However, split systems offer flexibility for more complex setups, as they can be installed up to 75 meters away from the home.
As heat pumps are poised to transform home heating, now is an excellent time to explore these options.
