Discover our CAIROX heat pump and air conditioning range

Reversible heat pumps provide heating in winter and air conditioning in summer – combining two features in the same appliance. They are highly energy efficient, with a high coefficient of performance (COP), resulting in reduced heating costs compared to traditional systems. As it uses renewable energy (air, water, solar), it reduces your CO₂ emissions and helps to support the energy transition. Its long lifespan and streamlined maintenance make it more durable than standard boilers. It also allows you to qualify for various forms of financial assistance (different countries have different systems in place for this), which reduce the initial cost of installation. Finally, it can be adapted to suit a wide range of systems and makes it easier to comply with modern building and environmental standards.

In order to install an R-AQUA heat pump, you need an outdoor unit to extract calories from the air to heat or cool the water in the system. An indoor unit (hydraulic module) transfers this heat to the heating circuit or domestic hot water production circuit. The liquid refrigerant circuit connects the outdoor and indoor units to ensure energy is transported. Heat emitters, such as low temperature radiators or underfloor heating, distribute heat throughout living areas. A controller and a thermostat are used to precisely control the indoor temperature.

Inverter technology adjusts the compressor speed of AC systems, thereby varying the power as needed. This keeps the temperature stable, reduces energy use by up to 30% and reduces component wear and tear by avoiding short cycling. The inverter allows for rapid start-up to reach the target temperature, and is quieter and more durable than traditional systems.

An air-to-water heat pump extracts calories from the outside air to heat water, which is then used in a central heating system (radiators or underfloor heating) and sometimes to produce domestic hot water. By contrast, an air-to-air heat pump heats the inside air directly without using water to do so. It does this by blowing hot air into rooms via indoor units. Air-to-water heat pumps are compatible with existing water systems, while air-to-air heat pumps are easier to install and are best suited to heating the air.

Yes, it is possible to install an air-to-water heat pump in an existing house. This type of pump may be integrated into the existing central heating system, such as a radiator network or an underfloor heating system. However, the installation may require adjustments to be made to ensure compatibility with the heat emitters (such as low-temperature radiators). Minor work may also be needed in order to install the outdoor unit, but overall this solution is a highly effective way to improve your energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.

It is essential to take into account a range of factors when calculating how much power your heat pump will need, including insulation, ceiling height and specific heating requirements. In general, it is estimated that the heat pump will need around 80 to 100 watts per square metre for a well-insulated building, but this figure may change depending on the house’s characteristics. We recommend that you perform a thermal loss calculation in order to assess your exact needs, or consult a specialist who can carry out a thermal analysis to determine the ideal power required to ensure optimal comfort and maximum energy efficiency. To help you choose the right heat pump for you, Cairox has provided an online calculator here: link to C-R AQUA

Yes, a reversible heat pump can be used as a main heating system in a house, and will provide heating in winter and air conditioning in summer, provided that there is enough power and the house is sufficiently insulated.