Typically, a heat pump consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, just as is common with air conditioners. However, these two separate units can also be combined into one and the same device. Such a monoblock exists in both indoor and outdoor versions. How about that?
In a monoblock heat pump, all the necessary components are combined in the same unit. Such as the evaporator, compressor, condenser and the expansion valve. There are two variants of this air-to-water heat pump, and they both use outside air for cooling or heating.
Outdoor monoblock heat pump
An outdoor monoblock, precisely because it is a single unit, is placed as close as possible to the house or building. This minimizes the loss of cooling or heating capacity and thus provides the highest efficiency. This unit is much larger than the outdoor unit of a split heat pump, which consists of two much smaller parts. Logically, there is much more in this one housing. You have to find a suitable place for it close to the facade. At the same time, inside the device itself there is often extra space available for a larger fan. The advantage is that a larger fan can run more slowly, thus reducing noise.
Monoblock indoor heat pump
An indoor monoblock will hang next to the existing central heating boiler or replace it, depending on whether it is a hybrid heat pump or an all-electric heat pump. Again, this unit is a lot larger than if it is a split-unit heat pump. In addition, a number of ducts must be installed for the supply and return of air. This can be done through the roof or through the facade. A mechanical ventilation system can also be used, as can a combination of ventilation air and outside air. An indoor monoblock can be a convenient solution when a (separate) outdoor unit is not an option, because of possible noise nuisance for the resident or the environment, because of lack of space, or if an outdoor unit is not desired or allowed because of, for example, the appearance of the facade.
Hybrid or all-electric
As briefly touched upon, both types of monoblock heat pumps exist in both hybrid and all-electric versions. A hybrid indoor heat pump works closely with the existing central heating boiler. So there must be enough space to add this larger unit. With all-electric, the indoor heat pump is even larger, as the hot water storage tank is also integrated. Of course, this unit replaces the old boiler.
A hybrid outdoor heat pump always requires some space indoors as well, because a heat exchanger must be installed to transfer the heat to the heating system. With all-electric, you again need more space inside the house, because additionally a storage tank for hot tap water must be installed. If space is at a premium, this could be placed in an extension, shed or garage. In that case, insulation of the pipes leading into the house is especially important to prevent heat loss. In addition, you do not want to run the risk of frozen pipes.
