German manufacturer Viessmann Group has launched two monobloc air-source heat pumps using “future-proof” propane (R290), aiming to enable easy replacement of domestic boilers in the UK’s existing housing stock.
Both the wall-mounted Vitocall 150-A and the floor-standing Vitocal 151-A, which have been available in the U.K. since May, are said to be “exceptionally easy to install,” according to a recent statement from the manufacturer. The two models have a high maximum flow temperature (70°C/158°F) and can use existing radiators rather than requiring the installation of under-floor heating.
According to Viessmann, the integration of previously separated system elements into a monobloc indoor unit (IDU) makes both models easier to set up, saving around two hours on installation time. Viessmann also claims that the IDUs take up 60% less space in the home compared to other heat pumps on the market due to their compact design.
The Vitocal 150-A and 151-A heat pumps have a COP of 4.9-5.0 and are available with heating capacities of 10, 13 and 16kW (2.8, 3.7 and 4.5 TR).
“When the time comes for homeowners to replace their boilers, more are now looking for renewable alternatives,” said Darren McMahon, Viessmann’s Marketing Director. “The Vitocal 150-A and 151-A air source heat pumps help answer this growing need.”
“The end-user gets an efficient, environmentally-friendly solution that delivers heat like a boiler [and] the engineer gets a unit that’s much easier and faster to install,” McMahon added.
“The need for a European industrial heat pump policy”
Climate-friendly products such as the Vitocal 150-A and 151-A heat pumps, as well as Viessmann’s other propane-based heat pumps, will not only help the company meet its own emissions targets, but they also play an important role in Europe’s decarbonization.
In a recent op-ed for EURACTIV, Viessmann’s Vice President for Global Public Affairs and Sustainability, Alix Chambris, discussed the importance of sustainable heat pumps for the REPowerEU plan and called for the development of a European industrial heat pump policy.
“The heating sector clearly holds a key to success when cutting fossil dependencies,” said Chambris. “Reducing gas in heating via an even faster rollout of green and efficient solutions [like heat pumps] is a must.”
“The heating sector clearly holds a key to success when cutting fossil dependencies. Reducing gas in heating via an even faster rollout of green and efficient solutions [like heat pumps] is a must.”
Alix Chambris, Viessmann
Despite dubbing Europe’s decarbonization as both an “exponential transformation” and a “colossal challenge”, Chambris remains optimistic, highlighting that Europe’s heating sector is “a force for innovation and local value creation.”
To support this transformation, Viessmann recently announced its plan to invest €1 billion (US$1.05 billion) over the next three years in boosting its green solutions portfolio, especially heat pumps. In doing so, Viessmann hopes to “strengthen Europe’s geopolitical energy independence.”
In addition to calling for a “super-fast” rollout of heat pumps and other green solutions, Chambris emphasized the importance of adopting natural refrigerants, calling it “an opportunity not to be missed.”
“The task ahead is the challenge of a century,” said Chambris. “Let’s work together to make this a triple-win for energy security, the climate and European competitiveness!”
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