Monoblock vs Split

Monoblock heat pumps are the type we have decided to offer and install. Combined with the modern refrigerant R290, they are a clear trend today.

This type of heat pump is manufactured and assembled as a whole, or rather all components of the cooling system are part of one compact device. This means that the fan, evaporator, compressor, expansion valve and condenser are hermetically sealed in the device and undergo a leak test during production.

The cooling system is part of the outdoor unit, so there is no risk of refrigerant leakage indoors.

Advantages over split design

• Perfect tuning of the refrigeration circuit already at the factory.
• Fewer evaporator defrosts, approx. 4-6 times a day (thanks to the 0.8 mm spacing of the evaporator fins).
• Lower costs, because up to 0 °C, passive defrosting of the evaporator using ambient air can be expected.
• Defrosting by reversing the heat pump.
• Lower noise thanks to a larger fan (therefore, the speed is lower).
• Higher outlet temperature for water heating
• Longer service life thanks to innovative rotary compressor technology.
• Higher compressor efficiency even at lower outdoor temperatures.
• Possibility of placing the outdoor unit on the ground, thus preventing vibrations through the house structure.

Disadvantages compared to split design

• The diameters of the connecting pipes are larger.
• A common argument against the monoblock solution is the possibility of the heat pump freezing during a long-term power outage. However, such a phenomenon is very rare. However, if it does occur, there is no need to worry. 90% of households have their home insured, and this insurance also covers the heat pump equipment.

In this case, the cooling system components are not part of a single device, but are divided between an outdoor and indoor unit. This eliminates the need for production control, as the complete design of the device is only possible during assembly.

Therefore, the system tuning is not guaranteed in advance. This means that in addition to a heating engineer, a refrigeration engineer is also required for installation.

Advantages over monoblock design

• Freezing cannot occur during a power outage.
• Smaller diameters of connecting pipes.

Disadvantages compared to monoblock design

• It is not possible to check the cooling system during production.
• More frequent defrosting of the evaporator, approximately 10-14 times a day (due to the 0.4 mm spacing of the evaporator fins).
• Defrosting of the evaporator is done electrically, which also means higher electricity consumption.
• Higher noise compared to a monoblock heat pump (the fan is small).
• Lower outlet temperature – an electric coil helps to heat hot water.
• Shorter lifespan, as the device uses outdated piston compressor technology.
• Compressor efficiency is only higher at higher outdoor temperatures.
• The outdoor unit must be hung on a perimeter wall, at least one meter from the ground - it can transmit vibrations into the living space.