Rating of heat pumps for home heating: recommendations for selection

Against the backdrop of the constant rise in energy prices, more and more homeowners are turning their attention to the prospects of using completely free energy sources. Heat pumps are capable of converting even seemingly insignificant differences in air, soil, and water temperatures into a flow of thermal energy. This is complex modern equipment that is gradually becoming more accessible to the general consumer.

Rating of heat pumps for home heating

The technology is relatively new, and for most potential owners it is completely unfamiliar. Therefore, we hope that they will find the proposed rating of heat pumps for home heating interesting and useful.

Heat pump manufacturers

Professionals choose heating components based on which company they were manufactured by. The manufacturer's reputation helps determine the quality of the product. This rule applies to pumps. Manufacturers whose products are presented in the rating:

• Stiebel Eltron is an international company founded in 1924 in Germany. The company produces a large number of electrical appliances, water heating and heating equipment. The manufacturing procedure takes place in high-tech production, which allows us to make complex, high-quality components.
• Daikin is a Japanese manufacturer operating since 1924. The brand's products have spread to most countries of the world. The company produces large volumes of advanced heating/heating equipment. Its product range includes many efficient pump models.
• Cooper&Hunter is a company created as a result of the merger of three small manufacturers of air conditioning equipment in 1916. At the moment, the products of the American brand are recognized throughout the world: the devices are used to equip thermal systems in domestic, office, and industrial premises.
• Gree Electric is the largest manufacturer of air conditioning and heating equipment in China. Manufactures goods of all types, from household to industrial. Known for the production of multifunctional devices that provide efficient and economical heating.
• Mitsubishi is a Japanese conglomerate with more than a century and a half history. It includes several companies producing high-tech solutions for various spheres of life; it is known for the production of cars. But besides them, a huge variety of other equipment is also manufactured.
• Fairland is a company founded in 1999. It very quickly gained worldwide fame thanks to the production of heating, air conditioning, and swimming pool equipment with the introduction of innovative technical and design solutions.
• Kitano is a relatively young manufacturer, whose products appeared on the Russian market only in 2013. Manufactures air-water heat pumps designed for long-term use. The devices are able to maintain a comfortable temperature even in the coldest conditions.
• Hitachi is a company that produces many technologically advanced models of heating and air conditioning equipment. It produces universal devices that can work effectively in any type of premises.
• Panasonic is a large Japanese engineering corporation that has been in business since 1918. It is considered one of the largest manufacturers of household appliances with electronic devices for the home. Among the various products you can find high quality heating equipment.

Nutrition

220 V – connects to a single-phase (household) network. This power supply is most often used in models with power consumption up to 3.5 kW.

380 V - connects to a three-phase network, which is usually used in industry. For domestic needs, a similar line is laid separately. In practice, three-phase power supply is more economical than single-phase power supply (with the same power of a constantly operating VT).

220 V + 380 V - a combined option that allows you to power the heat engine from a single-phase or three-phase network.

Heat pump rating

When compiling the rating, the VyborExpert team comprehensively analyzed several important factors at once. The main attention was paid to reviews of heat pumps written by ordinary users who tried the devices in practice and formed an objective impression of them. In addition, the opinion of professional builders who use pumps to equip heating systems in various types of buildings was also taken into account.

In addition to the opinions of users, experts studied the technical parameters of the devices. The most popular models were tested for compliance with the basic criteria required for comfortable and efficient operation of the heating system. The following characteristics were taken into account:

• Power;
• Structure;
• The volume of resources spent on heating;
• Dimensions;
• Efficiency;
• Effective service life.

After a scrupulous analysis of the most popular devices, a list of the highest quality and most efficient pumps was identified, the installation of which will ensure efficient heating inside the building. A total of 10 devices were collected that performed well when assessed according to the described criteria. The selection is divided into several blocks, which present devices with different types of functionality.

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Heat conversion coefficient

Heat conversion coefficient (COP, KPT) is a figure expressing the relationship between the thermal and power consumption of a heat pump. This parameter is used to evaluate the performance of a heat engine.

KPT shows how much thermal energy the device moves, expending 1 kW of electricity. The higher the COP, the more efficient the heat pump is. Modern models generate 4-5 kW or more of heat per 1 kW of electricity (COP – 4-5).

Important: COP is affected by the ambient temperature and the temperature of the coolant at the outlet of the heat pump (supply temperature). As the difference between them increases, the conversion factor decreases. Therefore, for a more accurate characterization of the heat engine, manufacturers indicate the CPT for specific temperatures.

Do not confuse CPT and efficiency (coefficient of performance). Unlike COP, efficiency is always less than 1.

Best Geothermal Heat Pumps

The operating principle of such pumps is to collect thermal energy from soil or water and then transfer it to the heating system of the building. This is an efficient heating method preferred by most builders. At the same time, savings are ensured, since the operation does not require the use of natural gas.

Stiebel Eltron WPW 13 Set

Geothermal heat pump for the home, which consists of an indoor unit. Capable of heating water up to 60 degrees, which ensures a comfortable room temperature even in severe frost conditions. Water/soil is used as a heat source. The functionality only includes heating mode. Support for water heating is provided. Dimensions are as follows: height – 1319 mm, width – 598 mm, depth – 658 mm. The delivery kit includes the pump itself, a heat exchange station, and MEG coolant concentrate 10 liters.

Advantages

• Convenient shape;
• Heats up the room quickly;
• Simple operation;
• It has a comfortable shape with a pleasant design;
• Warms well even in extreme cold.

Flaws

• Difficult to install.

Having studied user reviews, you can see that most buyers recommend buying it only for home use. The model is capable of heating small houses or apartments well. Owners are pleased with the ease of use and the fact that the device can quickly heat the room even after it has not been heated for a long time.

Daikin EGSQH10S18A9W

The device consists of an indoor unit, which provides water heating with domestic hot water. There is only 1 operating mode – heating. There is a built-in storage tank that can hold up to 180 liters of water. Water and soil are used to generate thermal energy. The maximum heating temperature is 60 degrees. You can heat water up to 65 degrees if you use a backup heater. The device weighs 210 kilograms. Dimensions are as follows: height – 1732 mm, width – 600 mm, depth – 728 mm.

Advantages

• Maintains warmth even in severe frosts;
• Convenient storage tank with good water heating;
• Quickly warms up a house or apartment;
• Easy to control;
• Does not require large amounts of electricity.

Flaws

• Large size and weight.

Buyers write that this is a fairly large, very powerful device that easily provides heat even in large buildings. It is often noted that there is a convenient tank that constantly has a lot of warm water. The device is also unpretentious and does not require large amounts of energy to operate.

Pros and cons of the device

Thermal systems have their advantages:

• sufficient power;
• easy maintenance;
• average price.

But the equipment also has disadvantages. Thus, the disadvantages include a greater dependence on the temperature of the environment for heat intake. In this regard, it is necessary to use additional equipment at -30°C and below.

The best air source heat pumps

This type of device heats the room using thermal energy accumulated from the environment. The devices are easy to use, and installation does not require a lot of effort and time. Another significant advantage of such pumps is cooling of rooms in hot weather. These are multifunctional, effective solutions for any building.

Cooper&Hunter Ch-S09ftxla-Ng Arctic Inverter

The heat pump for the home has been adapted specifically for use in northern regions with cold climates. Capable of warming up a room to +24 degrees in 25-degree frost conditions. Equipped with a special operating algorithm that uninterruptedly provides optimal heating depending on the climatic conditions of the environment. There are several operating modes, including standard heating, as well as protecting the house from freezing with minimal energy consumption. Weighs 9 kilograms, dimensions: height – 275 mm, width – 790 mm, depth – 200 mm.

Advantages

• Warms up rooms well;
• Small size;
• Doesn't waste a lot of electricity;
• Has many useful operating modes;
• Easy to install.

Flaws

• A large number of functions can sometimes confuse the user.

The owners of the pump speak positively about it, noting that the device can effectively heat a house/apartment. At the same time, it will be useful in the summer, as it provides good cooling.

The device has a lot of functions, once you understand them, you can constantly maintain a comfortable atmosphere in the rooms.

Gree U-Crown Dc Inverter Gwh09ub-K3dna4f

The model is equipped with advanced functionality. The use of innovative technologies has significantly increased the energy efficiency of the device. It is able to operate effectively in extreme temperature ranges from -30 to +54 degrees. In such conditions, it maintains a comfortable room temperature. There are many useful modes for both heating and cooling. The device weighs 47.5 kilograms.

Advantages

• Wide operating temperature range;
• Stylish, comfortable design;
• Constant flow of following air;
• Many useful functions;
• Large selection of operating modes.

Flaws

• High price.

Users who bought this heat pump for air-to-air heating note that although it is expensive, it is definitely worth the money. It offers many operating modes, which allows you to use the pump effectively in any conditions. Additional functions are also provided, of which air circulation is most often highlighted.

Mitsubishi Electric Mfz-Kj35ve2 / Mufz-Kj35vehz Zubadan

The model is a floor-standing type. It is intended for rooms in which it is not possible to install wall blocks. Suitable for use in any premises. The device is small in size with a convenient design that looks stylish and fits well in any room. The device operates effectively in the temperature range from -25 to +46 degrees, heating or cooling the room. It is equipped with a high-quality filter that filters the air well and improves its overall quality. The model weighs 15 kilograms. Dimensions: height – 600 mm, width – 750 mm, depth – 215 mm.

Advantages

• Doesn't take up much space;
• Conveniently controlled by remote control;
• Warms the room well in the cold season;
• Has a nice design;
• Capable of working in several modes that can be easily switched.

Flaws

• High price.

Reviews about the pump note that it is unpretentious: you just need to press a couple of buttons on the remote control. The device is economical because it does not consume much energy. However, these savings are offset by the high price of the branded model. The cost is justified, since the device is really convenient and effective.

Purpose

Heating is the main function of heat pumps. However, not every model is capable of providing the necessary thermal power for full heating.

Cooling – provided in most air models. But many ground devices are not capable of cooling without additional equipment, which is purchased separately. Vertical heat pumps provide better cooling than horizontal heat engines.

Hot water supply (DHW) - implemented through a built-in water heater or the possibility of connecting to an external boiler. Such pumps are of the air type and are rare.

Heating and hot water supply are a combination of two modes. A universal option.

Which heat pump is better

You can choose a pump by studying your own needs. It is enough to simply analyze under what conditions the device will be used. Specialists of the VyborExpert portal have selected models for various use cases. More details about the purpose of each of them:

• Stiebel Eltron WPW 13 Set – suitable for use in small residential buildings.
• Daikin EGSQH10S18A9W is a large and powerful device capable of maintaining heat in large buildings.
• Cooper&Hunter Ch-S09ftxla-Ng Arctic Inverter is a unit for homes that maintains comfort at any time of the year.
• Gree U-Crown Dc Inverter Gwh09ub-K3dna4f is a multifunctional model that allows you to flexibly adjust indoor conditions.
• Fairland AHP10A is a noisy but very powerful device for large buildings.
• Kitano KSF-Genso-12E is a large, expensive model that is designed for heating large objects.
• Hitachi RAS-2WHVNP is a small pump for home use with a cooling function.
• Panasonic WH-SQC12H9E8 is a convenient, quiet option for residential buildings.
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries HMS140V1 is a powerful device for homes located in regions with cold climates.

After carefully studying the most popular models of heating equipment, the best heat pumps were selected. Each of them is excellent for use in certain conditions, which allows the buyer to choose the right device for themselves.

Instead of an epilogue

Currently, the market for the units under consideration is quite wide and it is difficult to identify a specific leader in it. But the trends are such that for heating swimming pools the buyer prefers a Western manufacturer, for heating small areas - Asian models are excellent, and for home use (heating large areas of private houses) Russian models are also quite suitable. In turn, most supplier companies offer, in addition to the purchase of equipment directly, their services for installation supervision. They are usually provided at a significant discount, so it’s not a sin to take advantage of them. You can purchase heat pumps in retail chains and online sites.

Refrigerant

TN very rarely uses R22 freon, which is distinguished by its low price and operating pressure, as well as its homogeneous composition (makes it easier to refill the system in case of leaks). Disadvantage: danger to the ozone layer.

The less toxic R134A refrigerant, with similar homogeneity, is more demanding in terms of operating conditions, in particular, it requires the use of polyester oils.

Refrigerants of the R407C and R410A brands are the safest for the environment. But due to the high operating pressure, such freons are used in expensive equipment, and they themselves are not cheap. R410A compares favorably with R407C in its homogeneity of composition. But if R407C leaks, it is completely replaced.

LG HU163.U33 + HN1639 NK3 - 16kW (3F)

Reliable “small” – for comfort in the home.

Product from the rating

Heat pump LG HU163.U33 + HN1639 NK3 – 16kW (3F)

To order

Are you looking for an economical way to heat and prepare hot water for household and household needs? We offer you a modern solution - a unit from a well-known brand.

We are talking about LG HU163.U33 + HN1639 NK3 - 16kW (3F). The device operates on the principle of an inverter air conditioner: it “extracts” heat from the air outside the building and transfers it to the coolant. LG brand installation can successfully generate energy for:

• radiator heating;
• "warm floor";
• heating water;
• air conditioning.

The product line includes modifications that connect to a single- or three-phase electrical network.

Understanding the question of which heat pump is better, we reviewed the technical characteristics of many models. And we came to the conclusion that this split system must necessarily complement the list of top units. The model is impressive in terms of energy efficiency.

The device does not emit harmful compounds, as it operates on standard R-410A freon.

Engineers from South Korea have added a number of useful options - the LG heat pump can boast of:

• New remote control - premium design, intuitive interface.
• Automatic control - the device changes the heating temperature, focusing on external parameters.
• Energy consumption control.
• Recording work history.

The device operates efficiently for heating down to -20°C. SCOP (heat conversion coefficient) is 4.45, which is much higher compared to other models.

Expert comment: the advantages of the equipment include the ability to install a special SmartThinQ application on a smartphone for remote control.

Compare the equipment with other representatives of the LG HU16 line. A wide range of models allows you to choose a unit without an extra “margin of safety”. The range includes varieties with a power of 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16 kW.