Danfoss air source heat pump review

Danfoss has been in operation since the late 1970s, manufacturing a wide range of ground and air source heat pumps suitable for small to large homes. While Danfoss no longer manufactures heat pumps in-house, it still provides technology and components to Thermia, now owned by the Stiebel Eltron Group.

Danfoss designed and manufactured a number of air source heat pumps, including the DHP-iQ and DHP-AQ (Thermia Atec) models. We’ll look at them in this Danfoss air source heat pump review.

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DHP-iQ

The Danfoss DHP-iQ air source heat pump can save you money on your energy bills with its inverter technology. It never uses more energy than you need to heat your home and provide hot water. This model also features cooling functionality, keeping your home cool when the outdoor temperature is high.

The DHP-iQ operates with an ErP rating of A++ when used as the sole heat generator in your home, and A+++ when integrated with an existing system.

The outdoor heat pump is available in three different sizes with different outputs: 5kW, 9kW and 16kW.

The product consists of two parts: the outdoor heat pump and indoor unit. There are two different versions of the indoor unit to choose from: the Mini and Maxi. The Maxi features a 180-litre hot water tank and immersion heater.

DHP-AQ (Thermia Atec)

The DHP-AQ, now available as the Thermia Atec, has been designed with classic Scandinavian aesthetics and space savings in mind. It can provide your home with heating and hot water, integrating with several applications, including solar systems, hot water tanks, mixed heat distribution, and existing boilers powered by gas or oil. It features a unique acoustic design that ensures quiet operation.

This model can perform at temperatures as low as −20°C. It provides heating and cooling as well as domestic hot water, and can save up to 75% in energy costs compared to oil or gas heating systems.

The outdoor heat pump is available in three different sizes with outputs ranging from 6kW to 18kW.

There is also a choice of three different indoor units:

The Mini is the most compact and basic indoor unit for the DHP-AQ. The Midi features a reversing valve, circulation pump and auxiliary heater. The Maxi comes with a 180-litre hot water tank and a 60-litre buffer tank.

The DHP-AQ operates with an ErP rating of A++ when used as the sole heat generator in your home and when integrated with an existing system.

Danfoss air source heat pumps such as the DHP-iQ and DHP-AQ come in outputs ranging between 5kW to 18kW, with a maximum flow temperature of 60°C. There are several models available that offer highly efficient, reliable and cost-effective domestic heating.

The DHP-iQ can operate down to temperatures of –25°C, while the DHP-AQ can function well down to –20°C. Whichever model you select, you can be reassured it will keep operating in cold temperatures.

• Guarantee options: Three and five years
• Price range: £3,000–£5,000
• Efficiency: A++ to A+++
• Max power: 18kW

• Highlights: Danfoss has a long history of providing renewable heat pump technology and manufacturing ground and air source heat pumps.
• Key benefit: Some units can operate at temperatures as low as −25°C. Danfoss heat pumps feature a defrosting system that works to ensure efficiency is not affected during the winter months.
• Maximum flow temperature: 65°C
• Minimum temperature: Between –20°C, –25°C

Air source heat pumps are an expensive investment, and you need one that you can rely on even when the temperature drops. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of the Danfoss range.

Pros:

• Excellent seasonal performance: The Danfoss air source heat pump has one of the best seasonal performance values on the market and can supply heat at extremely low temperatures.
• Defrosting system: Danfoss air source heat pumps feature an innovative defrosting system, so efficiency is not affected during the winter months.
• Low noise: Noise levels are low, making these heat pumps suitable for properties with limited space, like flats or terraced houses.
• Easy installation: Danfoss air source heat pumps are much easier to install than ground source heat pumps, which require drilling and invasive installation processes.

Cons:

• Poor reviews: Danfoss holds a 2.0-star rating on Trustpilot, with customers complaining about the level of service they have received. However, you should note that there are only 166 reviews.
• Heat pumps are no longer manufactured in-house: Danfoss had been selling heat pumps via the Thermia brand, but this was divested to the Stiebel Eltron group in 2018.

Some Danfoss air source heat pumps have built-in hot water storage tanks. (Image credit: Danfoss)

Danfoss air source heat pumps work by collecting energy from the outside air. They can provide heat in your home via your radiators or underfloor heating, cooling when the outside temperature is high, and domestic hot water.

Danfoss has patented three technologies that set its heat pumps apart from other brands: Tap Water Stratification (TWS), Hot Gas Water (HGW) and Optimum Technology (OPTI).

TWS technology provides hot water rapidly by passing the hot water from the heat pump into a coil to the water that has to be heated. The water is separated in the heater so that it can be heated even faster. 

HGW leads hot water through an extra heat exchanger so that additional hot water can be stored for the winter months. 

OPTI can boost your pump’s seasonal performance by 10%. It does so by monitoring your system continuously and adjusting performance to match. This means the pump runs at a level that matches your current energy demands.

Danfoss air source heat pumps come in a range of different power outputs and operate at low temperatures, making them suitable for many residential properties. However, depending on your unique needs, another model may prove more suitable for your home.

The Daikin Altherma 3 is a good choice, especially for people whose properties are located in areas with colder climates. It can operate in temperatures as low as −25°C, one of the lowest operating temperatures we’ve seen across the market.

The Nibe F range features several products, including monobloc-stye air source heat pumps where you only need an outdoor unit. Nibe’s air source heat pumps are easy to install, sleek and attractive and come with generous outputs ranging from 8.7kW to 17.7kW.

If you’re looking for more power and greater heating capabilities, consider Vaillant’s flexoTHERM 400V. This is a highly adaptable heat pump with add-ons that enable you to obtain energy from different sources. We recommend the aroCOLLECT brine collector module, which obtains energy from the air with high-efficiency heat exchange and minimal heat loss. This product is available in capacities of 5kW to 19kW.

Danfoss offers some of the most affordable air source heat pumps on the market. Here’s how this range compares to heat pumps by other leading brands:

Danfoss air source heat pumps don’t require extensive maintenance, but it’s always a good idea to check the pump before cold weather sets in. You can prepare your heat pump for winter by cleaning the filters, coils and fans (if necessary) and checking that no debris has accumulated and impeded the flow of air. You should also switch off the unit and clean the fan blades if necessary.

If you notice that your Danfoss air source heat pump isn’t performing as expected, get in touch with a qualified and approved technician.

There are several available add-ons for your Danfoss air source heat pump that you can buy for an additional cost.

One such add-on is Danfoss OnLine, a system that enables you to control and monitor your heat pump online via a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Technicians can also access data from your heat pump remotely to help resolve issues.

You can also connect Danfoss Link to control the temperature in each room in your property and set timetables for separate areas, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency.

Another add-on is the Room Sensor Modbus. This device senses the current temperature in a room and adjusts the heat pump’s output accordingly.

Talk to your installer to find out which add-ons are available for your Danfoss heat pump.

While Danfoss no longer manufactures air source heat pumps, the company has offices around the world, including Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Image credit: Danfoss)

“Thanks to their defrosting system, Danfoss heat pumps’ efficiency is not affected during winter months. The defrosting system works only when needed and according to the household’s needs. The hot water provision is covered by a sole heat pump with no auxiliary devices needed, thanks to the TWS technology that allows it to heat up larger quantities of water much quicker. Noise levels are also kept very low, and the products vary both in terms of power and sizes so that they can easily fit different customers’ needs and properties.”

• Greenmatch

“I have been cooperating with Danfoss for many years. It is very important for me to have a reliable partner, one that introduces new solutions, sometimes ahead of market needs. In addition, the knowledge and competency of the local Danfoss technical team is invaluable. They provide me with excellent support in my daily work. If you choose solutions from Danfoss you will never regret it. Their products and accessories are of the highest quality, yet simple to install and operate. You can always count on the upmost professional support before, during and after the installation.”

• Robert Zbierański, Ro-instal

“No customer service. I send emails and FB messages, and no responses. . . .”

• Justin C, Trustpilot

“Terrible, they will help you with nothing; customer service is a joke, never buy anything from Danfoss; I wish I never did.”

SM Forte, Trustpilot

Danfoss offers excellent variety, flexibility and high efficiency with their range of air source heat pumps, even suitable for very cold climates. Installation and maintenance are extremely simple, and operating volumes are low.

Heat pumps are available in different specifications to suit every home, and the outdoor and indoor units come in a range of sizes and weights.

Homeowners have the option of making their heating system “smart” and controlling their heat pumps remotely via Danfoss apps, meaning little to no manual intervention is required. 

If you are on a budget and looking for an air source heat pump that is easy to install and maintain, you should strongly consider the Danfoss range of air source heat pumps. However, bear in mind that this brand no longer manufactures heat pumps in-house, so you will need to obtain them from a different provider.

In order to compile this Danfoss air source heat pump review with the greatest accuracy possible, we read customer reviews from sites like Trustpilot and Google, consulted professional forums and technical documentation, and reviewed several media articles. 

We then compiled a scoring system, with a maximum of 100 points, to score Danfoss air source heat pumps against. This scoring system included:

• The warranty period offered by the brand, for a total of 10 points;
• The overall reputation of the brand based on online reviews, for a total of 15 points;
• Trustpilot reviews, for a total of five points;
• Awards and accolades (eg, Which? Best Buy Awards), for a total of five points;
• Customer service performance, for a total of 10 points;
• The price range, for a total of 15 points;
• Efficiency ratings, for a total of 15 points;
• Installation and maintenance network and reviews, for a total of 15 points; and
• The total warranty period, for a total of 10 points.

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