Applying Air to Water Heat Pumps in Hydronic Systems

Hydronic heating and cooling distribution systems can be supplied from a variety of heat pumps. One specific type is called an air-to-water heat pump. In 2016 there were over two million air-to-water heat pumps installed worldwide, but only a small portion of those were installed in North America. That statistic is expected to change significantly during 2020 and beyond. Air-to-water heat pumps can now challenge geothermal heat pumps based on their return on investment. They are an ideal match for modern hydronic distribution systems. If you’re involved with modern hydronics technology, this category of heat pump represents a growing market opportunity.
A favorite to the webinar series, John Siegenthaler, P.E. will present information on how these heat pumps are installed and how they perform in such applications.
You'll learn:
→ Can an air-to-water heat pump perform as well as a geothermal heat pump?
→ What are the key factors that allow air-to-water heat pumps to perform well?
→ Can you name at least six companies that now offer air-to-water heat pumps in North America?
→ What water temperature range is within the capability of an air-to-water heat pump?
→ Is a buffer tank always necessary with an air-to-water heat pump?
→ What is the capacity modulation range of a typical “inverter” air-to-water heat pump?
→ Can an air-to-water heat pump provide domestic hot water as well as space heating and cooling?
A seasoned industry leader and passionate teacher, John shares his over 35 years’ experience in the understanding and proper application of water-based engineering principles with our audience. He is the principal of Appropriate Designs and a regular contributor to industry publications.

[@nerijusgydra8223]

These webinars are great for learning about Hydronic Systems. Thank You.

[@mnhvacguy9788]

Great material as usual, and it's fantastic that Caleffi produces this training for free, and I say thank you for that.
Electro Industries here in Monticello MN also sells a split air to water heat pump system. Of course it interfaces with their modulating electric boilers to supplement the heat pump or take over 100% of the heat and DHW load if the heat pump goes down. I've talked to a couple of customers about them but most don't bite because natural gas is so abundant and cheap in my area

[@CaleffiHydronicSolutions]

We appreciate your feedback and your comments regarding air-to-water heat pump systems. All the best!!

[@stevenjohnson626]

Great video
Thank you!

[@brianbean7024]

Thanks for your teaching. We are in Nevada and switching out our old boiler for a air to water heat pump. You have been helpful in the decision making process. Not much info on this technology around here.

[@CaleffiHydronicSolutions]

Cool to hear that! Glad we managed to help out! Keep following us ;)

[@Polyester_Avalanche]

Very helpful video thank you!

[@CaleffiHydronicSolutions]

We thank you for your comment! Keep watching us :)

[@khalidothman6560]

Thank you very much to all especially to Mr. John,
How can I communicate with the instructor ?
Is there another video for the water to water heat pumps ?
Thank you in advance.

[@CaleffiHydronicSolutions]

Thanks, Khalid, for your comments. Mr. Siegenthaler can be reached at: [e-mail]. As well, you may find that the 9th edition of idronics may be helpful for you in understanding water-to-water heat pump applications. Here's the link to an eVersion of the content: Geo-Hydronic Systems - www.caleffi.com/sites/default/files/coll_attach_file/idronics_9_0.pdf

[@mtgentry]

In regards the the slides at the end - is it easier to use zoned air handlers for cooling? Why not run everything through the pipes?

[@CaleffiHydronicSolutions]

It is possible to use zoned air handlers supplied from a chilled water buffer tank. However, not all buildings need zoned cooling. Many houses are well suited to single zone cooling. This can be done with a single air handler and may eliminate the need to maintain a chilled buffer tank (if the heat pump can modulate its cooling capacity). Single zone cooling with ducted deliver also allows for whole house air circulation and possible tie in with heat recovery ventilation. Finally, single zone cooling is definitely less expensive to install compared to multiple zone cooling