The best air water heat pumps in the UK 2023

Are you thinking of replacing your old boilers with a less energy-consuming, yet more modern heating system? The air-to-water heat pump is the most interesting device that would perfectly fit your needs. But how and why is this device so advantageous? The answers in this buying guide to the best air-to-water heat pumps.

BOSCH split air /eau 7 kW COMPRESS 3000 AWS 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

BOSCH split air /eau 7 kW COMPRESS 3000 AWS

The best air-to-water heat pump in 2021

This Bosch heat pump is compatible with various installations, both in renovation and construction. This device will allow you to warm up properly with the minimum of energy.

4 575 £ on Cdiscount
Ariston Nimbus Pocket 50 M Net 2
7/10

The best cheap

Ariston Nimbus Pocket 50 M Net

The best entry-level air-to-water heat pump

Technologically advanced, this air-to-water heat pump promises high efficiency in heating, cooling and hot water production. Optimal energy control ensures stable performance regardless of the weather outside.

2 551 £ on Manomano

If you are looking to maximize your energy savings, this air-to-water heat pump is the model for you. Indeed, this model benefits from a COP of 5.11 while it already has an A++ energy rating, which is very high. By opting for this heat pump, you will enjoy maximum comfort with minimum consumption.

As this device is very compact, its installation will not pose any particular concern. In addition, this heat pump takes up very little space in your home. It is hardly noticeable. Like the other models in the Nimbus range, this model is equipped with the Sensys management system, which allows you to adjust the operation of this air-to-water heat pump to your liking.

Atlantic Alféa Excellia A.I. 11 kW 3
9/10

The best high-end

Atlantic Alféa Excellia A.I. 11 kW

The best high-end air-to-water heat pump

Perfect for construction or renovation projects, this heating generator consists of an outdoor unit connected to an indoor unit ensuring the thermal comfort you need all year round.

6 774 £ on Manomano

This Alféa Excellia A.I. heat pump uses the calories naturally present in the air to produce heat, thus ensuring eco-responsible consumption. Its Inverter temperature controller optimizes consumption by adapting the motor speed according to your needs. Thanks to this device, your energy savings are guaranteed.

In summer as well as in winter, this heat pump is able to operate optimally. In cold weather, your comfort is ensured by triggering the electric booster which is integrated in this pump. Moreover, its coaxial exchanger guarantees a constant heating system. Note that this device is compatible with all types of emitters, namely hydraulic floor heating, dynamic radiators and conventional radiators.

Saunier Duval Genia Air 11 kW 4
8/10

For a 200 sq. m. home

Saunier Duval Genia Air 11 kW

The best domestic air-to-water heat pump

Combining simplicity and efficiency, this reversible air-to-water monobloc heat pump is designed to meet the needs of new RT 2012 constructions. This device impresses with its ability to provide heating and domestic hot water using very little power.

3 599 £ on Manomano

The Genia Air heat pump is in fact a hybrid system that intelligently combines electrical energy and energy drawn from the air to efficiently produce heat in a home. The device combines an air-to-water heat pump and an electrical module controlled by the Examaster, an intelligent management box.

At the cutting edge of technology, this air-to-water heat pump provides a high level of comfort at a lower cost, especially if your home is well insulated. Very simple to install and configure, this heating and hot water production device requires few hydraulic and electrical connections. Nevertheless, it is preferable to have it installed by a professional. Don't forget that the Genia Air is eligible for the tax credit.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best air water heat pump

Any specific needs?

The best air-to-water heat pump in 2021

The best entry-level air-to-water heat pump

The best high-end air-to-water heat pump

The best domestic air-to-water heat pump

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best air water heat pumps

THE BEST NOT EXPENSIVE TOP OF THE RANGE EXCELLENT
BOSCH split air /eau 7 kW COMPRESS 3000 AWS 5
9/10
Ariston Nimbus Pocket 50 M Net 6
7/10
Atlantic Alféa Excellia A.I. 11 kW 7
9/10
Saunier Duval Genia Air 11 kW 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
BOSCH split air /eau 7 kW COMPRESS 3000 AWS
Ariston Nimbus Pocket 50 M Net
Atlantic Alféa Excellia A.I. 11 kW
Saunier Duval Genia Air 11 kW
This Bosch heat pump is compatible with various installations, both in renovation and construction. This device will allow you to warm up properly with the minimum of energy.
Technologically advanced, this air-to-water heat pump promises high efficiency in heating, cooling and hot water production. Optimal energy control ensures stable performance regardless of the weather outside.
Perfect for construction or renovation projects, this heating generator consists of an outdoor unit connected to an indoor unit ensuring the thermal comfort you need all year round.
Combining simplicity and efficiency, this reversible air-to-water monobloc heat pump is designed to meet the needs of new RT 2012 constructions. This device impresses with its ability to provide heating and domestic hot water using very little power.
Power
7kW
2 kW
11 kW
11 kW
Type
Bi-block heat pump
A single package heat pump
Bi-block heat pump
Air-to-water heat pump
Noise level
55 dB
-
47 dB
65 dB
Efficiency
Energy efficiency class
A+
A++
A+
A+

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Buying guide - air water heat pump

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How to choose your air water heat pump

To benefit from all the advantages promised by the air-to-water heat pump, the device must be correctly chosen.

#1 - Estimate your needs

To make the best choice, the first thing you need to do is to estimate your needs. Remember that the air-to-water heat pump is an investment and that its profitability is not calculated in the short term. You must take into account the future energy savings you will make with this device. The criteria to take into consideration during this study phase are
- The type and shape of your home
- The volumes to be heated
- The type of current heating system
- The space available for the air-to-water heat pump
- Heating habits
- Access to city gas in your neighborhood
Depending on the conclusions you draw, an RGE professional will be able to confirm whether your home is compatible with an air-to-water heat pump or not.

#2 - The coefficient of performance or COP

The coefficient of performance defines the performance of an air-to-water heat pump in heating mode. In other words, the COP establishes the ratio between the electrical power consumed by the compressor and the heat power replaced by the device. For the case of an air water heat pump, the COP is between 3.4 and 5. Logically, the higher this coefficient is, the more efficient this ecological heating is. A machine with a COP of 3.5 kW will deliver 3.5 kW of heat for 1 kW of energy consumed. Note that this coefficient will influence the allocation of the premium for the work to be done.

#3 - The seasonal coefficient of performance or SCOP

The seasonal coefficient of performance defines the performance of the air-water heat pump during the entire period of operation. To do this, it takes into account three European climates, that of Athens, Strasbourg and Helsinki. Thus, air-to-water heat pumps are classified from A+++ to A, i.e., from the best to the worst in performance.

#4 - The thermal power

The thermal power refers to the amount of heat produced by the heating device. For air-to-water heat pumps, the heat output must be between 5 and 20 kW. For a device to properly heat your home, three data must be taken into account. It is about :
- The volume of the house
- The construction coefficient: from 0.6 for a well insulated house to 1.6 for a poorly insulated house.
- The difference between the desired temperature and the temperature of your region.
To obtain the thermal power you need, you must make the ratio between these three data (volume of the dwelling x construction coefficient x temperature difference).

#5 - The Inverter technology

This technology has the mission to regulate the production of heat coming from the device. Basically, it smoothes out the heat production over time. This technology is essential in that it optimizes energy consumption while providing even and gentler heating.

How can I finance my air-to-water heat pump installation project?

To reduce the cost of purchasing and installing an air-to-water heat pump, the government offers various types of assistance, the most popular of which are the following

The CEE Energy Allowances or 2021 Energy Allowances

Implemented in January 10, 2019 and renewed until December 2021, this "heating boost" premium allows the lowest incomes to benefit from a premium of 700 to 4000 €, and from 450 to 2500 € for medium and high incomes.

Aid from the ANAH

The National Housing Agency also provides funding to all households wishing to carry out energy saving work. If the modest incomes are entitled to a premium with a ceiling of 7000 €, the very modest incomes are entitled to up to 10000 €. Note that the ANAH aid can be combined with the heating incentive.

The zero-interest eco-loan

If you have no savings to pay for the purchase of equipment and the labor of professionals, you can obtain from a bank a sum of zero interest. But to benefit from this aid, you must meet the eligibility requirements.

The reduced rate of VAT

Usually, a VAT of 20% applies to all consumer products. However, in the case of work aimed at reducing energy consumption, you are entitled to a reduced VAT rate. For a project to install an air-to-water heat pump, this rate is 5.5% if you are the owner of a home completed more than 2 years ago and if you entrust the completion of your project to an RGE-labeled contractor.

Contacting an RGE-labeled professional, an essential condition for obtaining a bonus

Installing an air-to-water heat pump is a project that cannot be improvised. The same applies to the choice of equipment. For a project of this nature, you can't do without the assistance of an RGE-labeled professional. It is also one of the conditions sine qua non for obtaining the bonuses granted by the government.

The different types of air water heat pumps

Heat pumps come in two main categories. You have the choice between a monobloc device and a bi-bloc device.

The air-to-water single package heat pump

An air-to-water heat pump is said to be a monobloc when it takes the form ofa single compact unit. In other words, the hydraulic module and the compressor are one unit. Of course, it is connected to the heating circuit by a hydraulic connection. This model is not only more ergonomic, but it is also less expensive and easier to install.

The air-to-water dual package heat pump

A heat pump is called bi-block when its compressor is installed outside the home, while the hydraulic module is placed inside. These two units are joined by a refrigerant link. It is true that the monoblock model is more efficient, but it is also more expensive and more complex to install.

Low or high temperature air water heat pump ?

Low temperature air water heat pump

In the case of a low-temperature air-to-water heat pump, the water outlet temperature is between 35 °C and 45 °C. The difference between the outside temperature and the temperature of the water in the heating circuit is small. Nevertheless, the efficiency of the device is higher and it requires heat emitters or hot water radiators for example.

High temperature air water heat pump

With the high-temperature air-to-water heat pump, the water outlet temperature is around 65 °C. This makes it easier to maintain conventional high-temperature heat emitters. Unlike the low-temperature air-to-water heat pump, this device does not require any special equipment.

Verdict

The choice of an air-to-water heat pump depends on the nature of the work you are planning to do. For a new construction, specialists recommend installing a low-temperature air-to-water heat pump, which provides better efficiency. In the case of a renovation, a high-temperature air-to-water heat pump is better suited.

Why use an air-to-water heat pump rather than another device?

Among all the solutions for heating, cooling and supplying domestic hot water to a house, the air-water heat pump offers many other advantages.

This system is compatible with old installations

If your home is already equipped with a boiler connected to hot water radiators or underfloor heating, you do not need to modify the entire equipment. Some air-to-water heat pumps are compatible with existing equipment. To put it simply, it simply replaces the old boiler that runs on fossil fuels or electricity.

It is an economical and easy to install heating method

Taking into account its operation, the air-water heat pump is financially advantageous compared to other heating methods. This device draws calories from the air, which is a free and renewable resource. People who adopt this device spend three times less money for heating and domestic water.

It is an investment in the future

Although the installation of an aerothermal pump is expensive, the project pays for itself very quickly because of its exceptional performance and the energy savings it provides. In addition, its heat creation process, based on calories present in the air, makes it a very clean heating device. It is not futile to add that the heat pump is a high quality device with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

The State encourages the installation of the aerothermal pump

You can lighten your initial bill thanks to the numerous aids that are granted by the State. France is not the only country that encourages the installation of an air-source heat pump. Many European countries also offer subsidies to all their citizens who plan to heat with green energy.

The heat pump takes up very little space

The monobloc heat pump takes up very little space compared to a gas or oil boiler. Since it is also discreet, the device will not attract attention.

The best brands of air water heat pumps

In our opinion, the best brands of air water heat pumps in 2022 are :

Atlantic
Saunier Duval
Mitsubishi Electric
Hitachi
Daikin

In just over 40 years of existence, Atlantic has never disappointed its public. Its range of air-to-water heat pumps is designed to meet the needs of people considering a home renovation.

Saunier Duval specializes mainly in hybrid heat pumps. Nevertheless, its range of air-to-water heat pumps remains very efficient.

A true pillar of the automotive industry, Mitsubishi Electric is also known in the world of household appliances. Highly efficient, this brand's air-to-water pumps are able to operate even when the temperature is at its lowest.

With more than 4 million units sold in 2019, Hitachi is establishing itself as the world's 2nd largest heat pump manufacturer. Its recent partnership with home automation specialist Somfy further strengthens this hard-won position.

Created in the 1920s, Daikin is now a reference in terms of heat pumps. Daikin products come at a higher price, but that's hardly surprising given their quality.

What is the price for an air water heat pump

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
2000 £ to 4000 £
Mid-range
4000 £ to 6000 £
High-end
more than 6000 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Opt for a reversible unit

A reversible air-to-water heat pump can be transformed into an air conditioner. This reversibility will be very useful for cooling your home in summer.

Place the outdoor unit far enough from the house

The air-to-water heat pump is a system that can be noisy. To avoid the noise from the outdoor unit, have it installed far enough away from your house, if possible of course.

Use anti-acoustic solutions

If the previous tip proves ineffective, you can always cover your installation with a soundproofing screen or anti-vibration pads. That way, your neighbors won't be disturbed either.

If you lack space, opt for the monobloc

Depending on the model, heat pumps require space. If you don't have enough outdoor space, consider a packaged air-to-water heat pump.

Have your installation maintained

To ensure proper operation and longevity, have your system maintained by a qualified professional. If the terms of the annual maintenance contract seem advantageous to you, do not hesitate to sign.

FAQ

How long does an air-to-water heat pump last? How much power is needed for a 100 m² surface area? Is maintenance of an air-to-water heat pump mandatory? What assistance is available for my air-to-water heat pump installation project?

The heat pump is a device built to last. Professionals estimate that this device that generates heat, cool and hot water has an average lifespan of between 15 to 20years provided it is well maintained.

In summer, reversible heat pumps will allow you to maximize your energy savings. To properly heat a 100m² home that respects RT2012 standards, the recommended power is 4200 watts or 4.2 KW.

No, this maintenance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. This maintenance must be done by a professional. Even if you are a good handyman, avoid touching the circuitry of the appliance, as this could damage it.

The government has put in place a significant number of schemes to minimize your personal input to complete this type of project. However, make sure you meet the criteria before applying for assistance.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. All about the air-to-water heat pump, Quelleenergie.fr
  2. All about the air-to-water heat pump, Laprimeenergie.fr
  3. Installing or changing an air-to-water heat pump, Lenergietoutcompris.fr
  4. Air-to-water and air-to-air heat pumps, Izi-by-edf-renov.fr
  5. All about air-to-water heat pumps, Preservationdupatrimoine.fr
  6. Are you right for each other?, Dedietrich-thermique.fr
  7. Air-to-water heat pump, Monexpert-renovation-energie.fr
  8. What is an air-to-water heat pump?, Atlantic.fr
  9. All you need to know about the air-to-water heat pump, Maison-travaux.fr
  10. Air-to-water heat pump (AHP) : Operation, Price ..., Abcclim.net
  11. Air-to-water heat pump | High & low temperature | Viessmann, quelleenergie.fr
  12. Air-to-water heat pump | Leroy Merlin, viessmann.fr
  13. Air-to-water heat pump | Saunier Duval, leroymerlin.fr
  14. Air-to-water heat pump : principle, infos, price - Ooreka, saunierduval.fr
  15. Air-to-water heat pump : price and installation by IZI by EDF, pompe-a-chaleur.ooreka.fr
  16. Air-to-water heat pump (AHP) - ENGIE, izi-by-edf-renov.fr
  17. Air-to-water heat pump - atlantic.fr, particuliers.engie.fr
  18. Air-to-water heat pump - Domotelec, atlantic.fr
  19. The air-to-water heat pump : operation and performance, domotelec.fr
  20. What are the best heat pumps ..., confort.mitsubishielectric.fr
  21. High temperature air-to-water heat pump technology (HT ..., ouest-france.fr
  22. All the air-to-water heat pumps in the Vaillant range, daikin.fr
  23. Air-to-water heat pumps - Heat pumps | Cedeo, vaillant.be
  24. Heat pumps, our selection of the 5 best air-to-water heat pumps, cedeo.fr
  25. Air-to-water heat pump - ariston.com, ecoatlantique.fr
  26. Air-to-water heat pump - energie-environnement.ch, ariston.com
  27. How to choose your heat pump? | Leroy Merlin, energie-environnement.ch
  28. The air-to-water heat pump | Daikin, leroymerlin.fr
  29. Air-to-water heat pumps | Viessmann, daikin.be
  30. The 2 differences : the air-to-air and air-to-water heat pump, viessmann.ch
  31. , act-energy.org
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
BOSCH split air /eau 7 kW COMPRESS 3000 AWS 9
BOSCH split air /eau 7 kW COMPRESS 3000 AWS
Ariston Nimbus Pocket 50 M Net 10
Ariston Nimbus Pocket 50 M Net
Atlantic Alféa Excellia A.I. 11 kW 11
Atlantic Alféa Excellia A.I. 11 kW
Saunier Duval Genia Air 11 kW 12
Saunier Duval Genia Air 11 kW

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