What is the difference between a split and monobloc heat ...

With a number of different options on the market, it can be difficult to know which type of air source heat pump is right for yours or your client&#;s project. Split or monobloc heat pumps are just one of those defining factors, and something we are increasingly asked about here at Freedom HP as the demand for renewable heating solutions grows.

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The terms &#;split&#; and &#;monobloc&#; refer to the system type itself.

Monobloc heat pumps

A monobloc heat pump is similar to a boiler in that it is a &#;one block&#; system, with all of its components (except the hot water cylinder which is inside the home) inside a single unit that sits outside the home. A Midea 4 Mono is an example of a great monobloc system.

They differ from split heat pumps because the components of the refrigeration cycle are in the outdoor unit. Only water connections need to be made to the back of the heat pump and there will be a wiring centre inside the house or in the outdoor unit for pumps etc. to wire back to.

Because they don&#;t require someone with F Gas qualifications to get involved with the use of refrigerants, monobloc heat pumps are a great way for heating installers to get involved with these renewable solutions. Through relevant heat pump training courses and with the support of a knowledgeable distributor such as Freedom HP, you can be well on your way to carrying out your own installations.

Benefits of monobloc

• Easy install

• All in one box

• Easy maintenance

Split heat pumps

In comparison, a split heat pump has both an outside unit (incorporating the heat exchanger and refrigerant) and an internal unit (containing circulation pumps, heat exchangers etc.) which is sometimes combined with the hot water cylinder.

Some split systems, such as the Hitachi Yutaki S-Combi, can combine the internal unit and hot water cylinder into one sleek unit.

Benefits of split

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• Can be installed further away from the property (up to 75 meters)

• No glycol / anti-freeze required

• Smaller and quieter

Which is right for your project?

Typically, most homes will require a monobloc heat pump. Split systems are an option for more complex installations as they can be installed up to 75 meters away from the home, which gives greater installation flexibility.

With heat pumps set to revolutionise the way we heat our homes, there is no better time to get involved. Give us a call on or to discuss your project and find out how we can support you.

Size variations between monobloc and split system air source heat pumps

The monobloc air source heat pump is a single unit that is placed on the outside of the residential dwelling as close to the water supply of the dwelling&#;s heating system as possible. The footprint of the monobloc unit is larger than that of the outdoor unit of a split system air source heat pump. However, a split system also requires internal space to be available for the indoor unit that is placed inside the dwelling.

Flexibility of monobloc and split system air source heat pumps

Although both types of air source heat pump have the same basic components, the split system connects its two units together with pipes that transfer refrigerant between them. The outdoor unit captures heat from the air, and the indoor unit transfers that heat to the heating system of the dwelling. By contrast, the monobloc unit has a closed-circuit system for the refrigerant and it connects in a similar way to a conventional gas boiler to the hot and cold-water supply of the dwelling.

This difference means that monobloc units are better situated as close to the heating system as possible to limit the length of pipe required. As the pipes carry water, they need to be insulated to prevent freezing in the winter and limit heat loss from the warm water generated by the monobloc air source heat pump. Also, as the systems containing water are outside the building, they need to be protected from frost damage by the addition of anti-freeze.

With a split system air source heat pump, freezing is not an issue as all the components that handle water are housed within the indoor unit. The two parts of the split system are connected by refrigerant pipes, rather than water pipes, and the connection can be several metres long if required, leading to greater flexibility when positioning the outdoor unit further away from the dwelling.

The same refrigerants can be used in both monobloc and split system air source heat pumps, however, there are several types that are available for use. Always seek advice from the heat pump manufacturers on any health and safety issues with the refrigerant and check its global warming potential (GWP) for it impact on the environment.

Want more information on Monobloc Heat Pump? Feel free to contact us.