What is a monobloc heat pump and what are their pros and ...

Understanding Monobloc Heat Pumps: Benefits and Drawbacks

What exactly is a monobloc heat pump? With a multitude of heat pumps available today, it can be challenging to determine which type best fits your specific requirements and project needs.

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As you begin your exploration of heat pumps, you will quickly encounter various types and categories. Your initial findings will likely lead you to ground source and air source heat pumps. However, upon further investigation, you will discover that air source heat pumps come in different varieties as well.

These heat pump systems can either deliver warmth to air (often termed air conditioning) or provide heat to water, which is typically utilized in residential central heating systems and hot water cylinders. Further investigation reveals more variations of air-to-water heat pumps.

What Exactly Is a Monobloc Heat Pump?

So, how do these heat pumps operate? Monobloc heat pumps are designed with all refrigerant components situated within the outdoor unit. The refrigerant lines are pre-assembled at the factory and hermetically sealed.

There are two main configurations of monobloc heat pumps: one where the pump, expansion, and control elements are integrated into the external casing, and another where these components are installed indoors.

The first design promotes simpler installation since it occupies less room indoors. However, it requires more electrical wiring to connect to the outside unit and may have limitations based on the included pumps and sensors.

Importantly, the piping for all monobloc units remains outside the heated area of the home, enabling the heat pump to safeguard itself by maintaining minimum heat in the water, even in absence of heating needs.

Are Monobloc Heat Pumps Suitable for the UK?

Monobloc heat pumps require only electrical wiring and two water pipes for connections to the outdoor unit, making them particularly well-suited for the generally moist UK climate.

In colder regions, such as much of mainland Europe, a split system often performs better, as refrigerants can freeze under low temperatures. When a monobloc system is installed in colder areas, there is a risk of frozen pipes which can damage the heat pump, unless treated with antifreeze solutions or equipped with antifreeze valves.

There are two types of glycol: Ethylene Glycol (toxic) and Propylene Glycol, which is more prevalent. Glycol prevents water from freezing, with an approximate 25% glycol mix protecting against freezing down to -10°C. However, this mix reduces the solution's heat retention capabilities, decreasing heat capacity by about 10%. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure appropriately sized pipework is in place to maintain adequate heat flow.

Although anti-freeze valves can mitigate this issue by releasing water when temperatures drop, this scenario generally arises only during power outages paired with frigid external temperatures. Your installer should provide guidance for maintaining water levels if such an event occurs.

Distinct Features of Monobloc Compared to Split Heat Pumps

Split systems consist of two components, with one half located outside and the other inside the building, linked by refrigerant lines. These configurations can be more advantageous in colder climates or when the outdoor fan unit is positioned at a distance from the building.

A significant benefit of monobloc heat pumps is that they do not require a refrigeration specialist for installation, allowing plumbers and electricians to complete the setup. This simplification generally results in lower installation costs when compared to split systems.

Additionally, as all components are housed in the external unit, monobloc heat pumps typically occupy less indoor space compared to their split counterparts.

What Drawbacks Should Be Considered for Monobloc Heat Pumps?

While monobloc heat pumps offer many advantages, it is essential to recognize their potential limitations and downsides for informed decision-making. For instance, in highly energy-efficient homes, like those adhering to Passive House standards, these systems could consume excess energy for self-heating when the home’s heating requirement is low. This scenario may necessitate special design precautions, potentially involving glycol or split systems, to optimize efficiency.

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