Best air source heat pump for Cold Climates in Hampshire 2024

When selecting the Best air source heat pump for Cold Climates in 2024 it is important to remember there is no size fits all when it comes to air source heat pumps. There are many factors to consider such as budget, usability, and efficiency. 

Although we have a comprehensive list of heat pumps here, a heat pump installer can find you exactly what you need.

In this article, we dive into the pros and cons of our selection of favorite air source heat pumps in 2024.

Clivet Evo Edge 

The EDGE EVO 2.0 – EXC features advanced connectivity via a Smart Home App or Modbus port with Control4 NRG standard. It’s designed for outdoor installation, eliminating the need for an indoor unit. The system performs well in harsh climates and can include auxiliary heaters from 3 to 9 kW. It can simultaneously produce domestic hot water and cooling/heating in its hybrid version and can combine up to 6 units in cascade for capacities up to 180 kW.

Pros	Cons
A very high-quality budget option quite possibly the best-value heat pump on the market	Max flow temperature of 60C
Exclusive 10-year warranty available when installed by SL Energy	Hot water sterilization required once a week using an immersion heater
Quiet operation	Slower recovery times for hot water
Versatile – Has the ability for hybrid operation, can heat swimming pools, and all system controls wire back to the unit.	Lower efficiency at higher flow temperatures
R32 refrigerant unit – Less regulation around where the unit can be sited.	Controller operation is not so user-friendly
High efficiencies at lower flow temperatures when compared to R290 units	Basic heat pump app
Built-in Wifi as standard	Higher global warming potential (GWP) (657)
Excellent size range from 4.8-27kW	–
Monobloc unit – All parts installed within the unit meaning no need for additional internal space	–

Panasonic Aquarea 

Aquarea captures up to 80% of the heat energy required from the ambient air, transferring it to heat water for your home’s heating, domestic hot water, and even cooling needs.

Pros	Cons
High quality budget option	Max flow temperature of 60C
Exclusive 10-year warranty available when installed by SL Energy	Hot water sterilization is required once a week using an immersion heater
Quiet operation	Slower recovery times for hot water
High-quality budget option	Slower start up procedure
R32 refrigerant unit – Less regulation around where the unit can be sited.	Lower efficiency at higher flow temperatures when compared to R290 units
High efficiencies at lower flow temperatures when compared to R290 units	No built in WiFi – an additional item must be purchased for internet connectivity
Monobloc unit – All parts installed within the unit meaning no need for additional internal space	Higher global warming potential (GWP) (657)

Samsung Gen7 R290

Samsung Air Source Heat Pumps are an energy-efficient solution that utilizes heat from the ambient air for heating and hot water. By transferring this heat into the home through a hydronic system, like underfloor heating, these heat pumps require less power input and provide greater power output than conventional boilers.

Pros	Cons
Premium product	Lower efficiency at lower flow temperatures when compared to R230 units
R290 refrigerant unit gives it the ability to run at higher flow temperatures – up to 75C	No built in WiFi – an additional item must be purchased for internet connectivity
No need to use an immersion heater for hot water sterilisation	More expensive purchase price
Fast recovery times for hot water	Additional wiring centre needs to be purchased alongside the unit
Higher efficiencies at higher flow temperatures compared to R32 units	Lower efficiency at higher flow temperatures when compared to R290 units
Quiet operation	No built in WiFi – an additional item must be purchased for internet connectivity
New improved controller and app	–
Low global warming potential (GWP) (3)	–
Monobloc unit – All parts installed within the unit meaning no need for additional internal space	–

Viessmann Vitocal 150-A

The Vitocal 150-A is a modern, compact heat pump designed for efficient heating and cooling. With a flow temperature up to 70°C, it’s ideal for retrofit installations and can potentially work with existing radiators when system design adheres to industry standards. It offers high energy efficiency, app-based control, and sustainable operation, all in an attractive design.

Pros	Cons
Premium product	Lower efficiency at lower flow temperatures when compared to R230 units
R290 refrigerant unit gives it the ability to run at higher flow temperatures – up to 75C	No built in WiFi – an additional item must be purchased for internet connectivity
No need to use an immersion heater for hot water sterilisation	More expensive purchase price
Fast recovery times for hot water	Hydraulic split system meaning that the heat pump has an indoor unit that houses the system hydraulics and the wiring centre. This means more internal space is often needed however an all on one space saving hydraulic box and cylinder is available
Faster start up procedure	–
Higher efficiencies at higher flow temperatures compared to R32 units	–
Quiet operation	–
Excellent, user-friendly app	–
Low global warming potential (GWP) (3	–

Vaillant aroTHERM plus 

The aroTHERM plus Air Source Heat Pump offers a low-carbon solution for heating and hot water with advanced technology using natural refrigerants to reduce your carbon footprint. It boasts high energy efficiency, making it suitable for both retro-fit and new buildings. The unit is compact, super quiet, and built for outstanding quality and durability. It is also eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant in England and Wales.

Pros	Cons
Premium product	Lower efficiency at lower flow temperatures when compared to R230 units
R290 refrigerant unit gives it the ability to run at higher flow temperatures – up to 75C	No built in WiFi – an additional item must be purchased for internet connectivity
No need to use an immersion heater for hot water sterilisation	More expensive purchase price
Fast recovery times for hot water	Additional wiring centre needs to be purchased alongside the unit
Faster start up procedure	–
Higher efficiencies at higher flow temperatures compared to R32 units	–
Quiet operation	–
Excellent, user-friendly app	–
Low global warming potential (GWP) (3	–

Conclusion: 

As above there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to selecting a heat pump. If you are limited on space for a hot water cylinder you may require faster hot water recovery, heat pumps such as the Vaillant aroTHERM plus may be your best option. Or you might have a tighter budget but you still would like a high quality heat pump, then you may want to look at the Clivet Evo Edge or the Panasonic Aquarea.  We have however selected our choice of a budget option, premium option and best all rounder.

Which Heat Pumps Should I Choose?

Best premium option: Viessmann Vitocal-150A 

• Excellent premium product 
• Great technical assistance 
• Excellent user friendly app 
• Fast hot water recovery 

Best budget option and all rounder: Clivet Evo Edge

• Competitively priced 
• Versatile 
• Easy to install 
• No additional wiring centre required and WiFi comes built in as standard 
• No additional space required internally

If you have any doubt at all about selecting the right heat pump for you it is best to consult with a professional installer. Let them know your requirements and they will help you select the right heat pump for your home.