Each part perfected: our heat pump system.

Intro

Main components of a heat pump system

The building blocks of heat pump technology: key components explained.

Heat GeneratorThis is the heart of the heat pump system, responsible for extracting heat from the environment - be it air, water, or ground.
Heat storageHeat storage is essential in many heat pump systems, particularly for the provision of domestic hot water but also for the heating of larger applications.
Smart control systemOur smart controls not only optimize the performance of your heat pumps but also offer remote control to you and remote diagnosis to your installer, ensuring error prevention and efficient handling.
Distribution systemThe distribution system delivers conditioned air or heated water throughout the building, utilizing ductwork for air or piping for hydronic systems.

Infographic showing air, water and ground as possible energy sources for heat pumps

The impact of energy sources on your heat pump system.

The energy source you choose significantly impacts your heat pump system's setup. Air-source heat pumps draw energy from the ambient air. Ground-source heat pumps tap into the stable temperatures of the earth, involving underground loops that ensure consistent performance year-round. Water-source heat pumps utilise the heat found within the ground water offering exceptional efficiency.

Learn more about heat pump technology here.

Exemplary air source heat pump system

Benchmark efficiency: harness energy from the air with one of our heat pump systems.

Air source heat pumps are the most common type of heat pump, because they are versatile enough to fit most housing situations, whether for new builds or modernization projects and require less installation effort.
Our air-water heat pump systems include following main components: an outdoor unit, an indoor unit and a control. These main pillars can be complemented by further elements like a storage or an internet gateway.

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Air-to-water heat pump
aroTHERM plus
Our most efficient air/water heat pump reduces operating costs.
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Efficiency in its most flexible form.
Our most efficient air/water heat pump reduces operating costs.
Our quietest air/water heat pump with 28 dB(A) for a peaceful neighbourhood
Maximum freedom of positioning thanks to uniquely minimal protective zones.
Elegant design in black grey
Including free 5-year guarantee
The new standard: Our new aroTHERM plus heat pump always finds its place. This is because our safety concept, which is unique in the industry and minimises the necessary distances. Equipped with the natural refrigerant R290, it is our most efficient air-to-water heat pump and generates up to five parts heat* from one part electricity. Available in output sizes from 3 to 12 kW, it is ideal for one-family houses - even with existing radiators, of course.
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Domestic hot water cylinder
uniSTOR plus
Hot water cylinder for different requirements.
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Hot water cylinder for different requirements.
Flexible: The right choice for many applications
Can be combined with heat pumps, boilers and solar
Efficient hot water comfort
Hot water volumes for families of 3 to 10 people
Reliable and durable cylinder made in Germany
It doesn't matter whether you're talking about detached houses, apartment buildings or commercial premises: The uniSTOR plus VIH domestic hot water cylinder with a capacity of 200 to 500 litres is the solution you're looking for. It fits perfectly with various heat sources such as heat pumps, gas condensing boilers and solar thermal systems. Hot water production is efficient because the cylinder's heat exchanger is matched to the characteristics of the connected heat generator, thus maximising its performance. In addition, the cylinder insulation is firmly connected to the cylinder, reducing heat loss. And last but not least, the high-quality materials ensure safe operation over a long period of time.
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Weather-Compensated Control
sensoCOMFORT
Our most refined control, ready for the most advanced systems.
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Our most refined control, ready for the most advanced systems.
Easy handling of the whole heating system for perfect individual comfort
Ready for smart home integration with different voice assistants
Effortless integration of renewables from heat pumps to ventilation
Full control over complex systems with our sensoCOMFORT
Modern control design perfectly blends into today's living spaces
The best thing about our ever more advanced heating systems? Their increasingly simple handling – with sensoCOMFORT: Our most elaborate weather-compensating system control for easy management of up to 9 heating circuits, hot water production, photovoltaics, solar thermal and ventilation.
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Have we sparked your interest in a Vaillant heat pump?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? We have the answers.

Is a heat pump suitable for modernising old buildings?

Yes, heat pumps can work efficiently in older buildings. Especially if they have been renovated to optimise energy efficiency and have underfloor heating. As a general rule: the higher the degree of modernisation, the more we recommend the use of a heat pump. A good first step into the world of renewable heating can also be a hybrid system in which the heat pump and gas condensing boiler work hand in hand.

Which heat pump types can be used for your modernisation?

We distinguish heat pumps according to the type of energy source used.

The most commonly used heat pump in modernisation projects is the air source heat pump. It uses heat from the ambient air. This type is so popular because they are easy to install and fit to a wide variety of houses and living situations.

Ground source heat pumps achieve superior efficiency by tapping into the earth's natural warmth. Often referred to as geothermal or brine-to-water heat pumps, these systems use collectors or probes to harness geothermal energy, providing dependable heating and hot water. Though installation involves more excavation compared to air-source heat pumps, the result is exceptional efficiency for your home.

Water source heat pumps provide outstanding efficiency and eco-friendly advantages by utilising solar-heated ground water. Known as ground-water heat pumps, they feature the highest annual performance factor among heat pump systems. Installation involves drilling and requires approval from local water authorities, but these pumps deliver exceptional efficiency, making them an excellent choice for your home.

What is the COP and what is the SCOP?

COP (coefficient of performance) and SCOP (seasonal coefficient of performance) show how efficiently a heat pump works. They are the most important ratios for the efficiency of a heat pump. And are calculated based on the thermal energy generated by the heat pump divided by the electric power used for the heat pump operation.

For instance, if your heat pump provides 12 kW output and consumes 3 kW current to do so, your COP will be 12 / 3 = 4. The COP results from a highly simplified calculation with assumed values. This ratio is used to compare the efficiency of different heat pumps. The higher the COP is, the lower is the electric power consumption of the heat pump.

The SCOP follows the same principle. However, it considers the entire year with all existing temperature variations. Therefore, it can be calculated only in retrospect. Your installed heat pump will show a different SCOP for every year – depending on your usage pattern and the weather conditions. A mild winter, for example, will result in a significantly better SCOP than a long and hard winter with many cold days and temperatures below 0°C.

Which subsidies are available for the installation of a heat pump?

Dive deeper into efficient heating.

Each part perfected: our heat pump system.

The building blocks of heat pump technology: key components explained.

The impact of energy sources on your heat pump system.

Benchmark efficiency: harness energy from the air with one of our heat pump systems.

Efficiency in its most flexible form.

Hot water cylinder for different requirements.

Our most refined control, ready for the most advanced systems.