Monobloc or split heat pump: which system fits your home?

When you want to heat with an air source heat pump, you are faced with an important decision right at the start: Monobloc or split heat pump?

With a monobloc heat pump, most of the components are in one unit, whereas with a split heat pump they are distributed over two elements, which you can see in this animation:

Whether you choose a monobloc or split heat pump depends on the conditions of your house and your preferences. But generally speaking Monobloc heat pumps are ideal for those seeking simple installation and low maintenance.

Split heat pumps provide greater installation flexibility. However, they require more installation and maintenance effort. Both technologies are similar when it comes to efficiency, ensuring you get the best performance for your investment. Moreover, both construction designs are suitable for new building or modernisation projects. Let's look at both options in detail.

When installing a monobloc heat pump, it is crucial to maintain appropriate spacing for the outdoor unit and comply with relevant regulations, including minimum distance requirements from walls and neighboring properties. Additionally, monobloc systems may pose a risk of freezing of the heat exchanger or external pipes. However, our accessories are designed to minimize this risk, ensuring reliable operation even in colder conditions. It's also important to note that these systems require larger wall openings in your home. Be sure to discuss these topics with your installer when preparing your quote.

A monobloc heat pump combines all relevant components in a single unit which is responsible for the entire heat generation process: the evaporator, the compressor, the condenser and the expansion valve.

The appliance extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it to the water in the heating system. The refrigerant inside the heat pump absorbs energy from the outside air, causing it to evaporate into gas. The compressor then increases the pressure and thus the temperature of the refrigerant gas. The gas becomes liquid in the condensing heat exchanger and thereby transfers the heat energy to the water which circulates through the building's heating system and provides warmth.

Considering an installation of a split heat pump, you should take into account that the split heat pump is more complex to install as the components are distributed across two appliances. Also, your installer needs a refrigerant certificate to install the system.

In principle, the split heat pump works in exactly the same way as the monobloc variant. However, unlike a monobloc heat pump, a split heat pump divides the refrigerant circuit, and therefore the heat generation process, into two units.

The outdoor unit usually contains the evaporator and compressor, where the heat generation takes place. The indoor unit, on the other hand, is equipped with the condensing heat exchanger. The two units are connected by refrigerant pipes, which is why the installation must only be carried out by refrigerant specialists.

In principle, the split heat pump works in exactly the same way as the monobloc variant. However, unlike a monobloc heat pump, a split heat pump divides the refrigerant circuit, and therefore the heat generation process, into two units.

The outdoor unit usually contains the evaporator and compressor, where the heat generation takes place. The indoor unit, on the other hand, is equipped with the condensing heat exchanger. The two units are connected by refrigerant pipes, which is why the installation must only be carried out by refrigerant specialists.