Air-to-air water heat pump operating principle

06.09.2026
Find out what the air heat pump principle is, how it heats the house even on -25°C island and how to choose power to reduce heating costs.
Air-to-air water heat pump operating principle

TL;DR: The air-water heat pump generates heat from outside air by using a compressor and refrigerant to heat the domestic water heating system even -25 °C on the island.

  • The system shall maintain its operating capacity to -25 °C using refrigerants with a particularly low boiling point.
  • Without annual maintenance, unrecovered heat exchangers can increase electricity consumption by 20 percent.
  • Suitable solution for family houses with water heating, choosing capacity according to the building's thermal insulation level.
  • According to the FEMP report of 2024, efficiency falls on a large island by automatically connecting an electric heater. Air water (air-water heat pump) takes away heat from the outdoor air and delivers it to the water heating system of the dwelling by means of a compressor. Modern equipment can provide a stable heat supply and high efficiency (efficiency coefficient) even in the notorious islands of Latvia -15 °C to -25 °C. This principle of operation (the thermodynamic cycle) allows for a significant reduction of heating costs. The decision on the equipment is based on three questions: what capacity is suitable for the insulation of your building, how the system holds in winter cons, and what are the costs of consumption and maintenance in the long term.

What power fits 3 types of dwelling without overpayment

The energy efficiency level of the building determines how powerful air water your house will need. Precise calculation prevents overpayment for excess capacity and maintains a stable functioning.

Typical situations and practical recommendations:

  • new high insulation building: a low-temperature model that feeds warm floors with moderate turbulent temperatures;
  • partially insulated, renovated house: medium temperature heat pump (heat generator), which maintains comfort also in cold days;
  • older, unheated building with large losses: a high-temperature model that prepares hotter water for radiators.

Low temperature suitable for new densely insulated structures Air-water heat pump. In such buildings, efficiency is high and the machine works quietly, without any unnecessary load.

The heat pump is suitable for partially insulated buildings. It maintains stable heat in winter and is a logical choice for renovated houses, where part of the structures are still passing through the cold.

Older, unheated homes need a high-temperature model with a clearly harmonised operating principle. It is able to provide hoter water in radiators, which is the right decision for buildings with high heat losses. In the summer, switching to cooling (reverse valve) is useful.

The choice of the appropriate option allows you to achieve a high zone efficiency (SCOP) score. Get a power calculation before ordering so that the machine is neither strong nor weak.

What is the air-water heat pump and how does it "recover" heat?

The machine takes heat from outside the air and delivers it to the heating system of the house. The process is similar to that of a refrigerator, only in the opposite direction: the compressor compresses the refrigerant and significantly increases its temperature.

Even under changing winter conditions, air can keep the house warm. Heat pump Heat is transferred from a less heated environment to a warmer body using additional mechanical energy. The heat transferor then transfers the resulting temperature to the water circulating in the radiators or warm floor, and it achieves high efficiency. Air-water heat pump from Mitsubishi Hydrolution series Take care of comfort also in cold weather.

Comparing the brand alone does not replace understanding the principle of operation. Kommodus expert emphasizes that precise calculated capacity guarantees the heating of the dwelling without any unnecessary electricity consumption, therefore technical facts are a more reliable basis for decision than just the brand's story.

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Tip: The choice device for the (source) refrigerant shall remain efficient without the supplementary heater being switched on.

How can the air-water heat pump work in winter when there are negatives outside?

Modern air is also capable of heating up to minus 25 degrees in cold. Inside the equipment is circulating a refrigerant that boils at very low temperatures and absorbs heat from outdoor air even if the air seems cold. The compressor compresses this gas by increasing its temperature for home heating.

The heat does not disappear in the air in a strong island. Air-water heat pump √ Daikin series efficiently transfer this energy to the premises. The system generates heat from the environment rather than relying on only burning electricity, as the thermodynamic cycle works against simple tene heating.

The efficiency of the equipment decreases when the outdoor temperature falls rapidly. US Department of Energy FEMP 2024 Report, heat pump technologies provide significant energy savings, but their performance varies depending on the climatic conditions. When the thermometer column falls itinerary low, the heat generator (heat pump) automatically switches on the built-in electric heating element for additional power.

Seasonal efficiency (SCOP) shows the average of the whole heating season. This solution is suitable for homes that want stable heat without fuel supplies; ask for the model SCOP for your climate area.

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3 Types of heat pumps for housing: differences and benefits

The choice of the most suitable heat pump depends on your home area, current heating system and planned construction costs. The specifics of the building determines which solution will provide stable comfort and efficient operation in the long term.

Air water system acts as a heat pump that heats the water contour. CTC air-water heat pumps heating also domestic hot water. By contrast, air-air systems heat and cool air in certain rooms. Land solutions use ground heat and require more extensive excavation works.

  • Heat pump type: Air-air; Heat source: Outdoor air; Main advantage: Fast installation and cooling function
  • Heat pump type: Air-water; Heat source: Outdoor air; Main advantage: Provides both heating and hot water
  • Type of heat pump: Earth-water; Heat source: Ground or water; Main advantage: Very stable efficiency all year round

High seasonal efficiency (SCOP) helps to reduce monthly electricity consumption. If you need cooler air in summer, you use a switch to cooling. Air-air often fits smaller apartments, air-water family houses with water heating, but the ground system for large properties with a place for the collector. Compare the contour type with your existing system before final choice.

4 Installation requirements that prevent expensive assembly errors

Before installation, the technical parameters and location of the building should be carefully assessed. Proper preparation prevents expensive errors and saves time on the site.

  1. Position of the outboard unit: Choose a stable base where air water can circulate freely.
  2. Indoor compatibility: check that the old heating system meets the requirements for heat supply.
  3. Electricity connection: Make sure that the power grid is sufficient to operate the device.
  4. Automatic setting: Adjust the control unit to maintain a high efficiency principle.

Information about the choice of equipment is uneven, therefore, before the decision, it is worth basing itself on reliable basic data and measurements of the object. This approach ensures that the selected heat pump will work stable and without any unnecessary modification.

How to forecast long-term consumption and maintenance costs

The annual heating costs are mostly influenced by the heat resistance of the building and the quality of installation of the equipment, rather than by the efficiency indicated by the manufacturer.

Situation: incorrect configuration and delayed maintenance. Solution: adjusted air water setting and regular annual service. Result: avoids the increase in current consumption, as unrecovered heat exchangers and low pressure in the system can increase the current consumption by up to twenty percent. Kommodus masters often see in practice that preventive testing prevents expensive damage and maintains the performance of the principle.

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The incorrect set-up of the room temperature schedule creates unnecessary peak current consumption and directly increases monthly bills.

Maintenance expenditure consists of two main items:

  • electrical bill for the current consumed;
  • annual technological maintenance.

The final expenses depend on the chosen capacity and the size of the building. You can get an exact calculation and offer by contacting Kommodus specialists.

Frequently asked questions

What is a heat pump?

The heat pump is a modern equipment that takes away heat from the environment and delivers it to your home. Such systems give you a useful heating with high value, transferring the environmental heat to the building contour.

What is the principle of heat pump operation?

Its principle of operation is based on the flow of the refrigerant in a closed system where it evaporates and condensates. The compressor compresses the gas, significantly increasing its temperature, and the heat is transferred to the heating system of the dwelling, ensuring continuous heating of the heat transferor.

How to choose a heat pump installer?

Choose certified specialists with considerable experience and positive customer feedback. A reliable company provides full service and official warranty, and the specialists perform precise power calculations before installation.

What is air - water heat pump?

It is air water that generates heat from outside air and transfers it to the water heating system. The installation heat radiators, warm floors and hot water; efficiency remains high also in cold weather.

How does an air-water heat pump work?

The air-water system takes heat from outside the air and passes it through the heat exchanger to the water contour of the house. Even at very low temperatures, air contains usable heat. In the summer, switching to cooling is possible, so microclimate can be regulated throughout the year.

Housing heating solution in 2026

The principle of functional air water helps to answer the starting questions about power, winter operation and costs to choose the equipment that fits the building. Expert Kommodus will help you to calculate the heat pump power needed for your home precisely and will recommend an appropriate model for efficient heating. Contact Commodus.lv and get an individual offer.

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