Air-to-Water Heat Pumps

An air-to-water heat pump uses energy from outdoor air to heat or chill water for radiant floors, fan coils, air handlers, tanks, and other compatible hydronic equipment.

No. Both can heat water for a hydronic system, but they produce heat differently. A boiler burns fuel or uses electric resistance, while an air-to-water heat pump transfers heat from outdoor air into the water loop. A heat pump can also provide cooling through compatible fan coils or air handlers. Whether it can replace a boiler depends on the building load, climate, emitters, and required water temperature.

The best air-to-water heat pump system is the one that matches the building's heating and cooling loads, local design temperature, required water temperature, electrical service, and indoor distribution. Condition-specific output, cold-climate performance, controls, warranty, technical documentation, and system support matter more than choosing the largest capacity or highest advertised efficiency.

Yes. Air-to-water heat pumps can be used for residential and light-commercial hydronic systems in the USA. Equipment selection and installation must account for local climate, electrical service, building codes, permits, and utility requirements. MBTEK ships APOLLO systems in the United States and can help plan compatible equipment for a project.

Yes. It can send chilled water to compatible fan coils or air handlers, which are better suited than radiant floors for cooling and dehumidification.

Yes. Radiant floor heating is one of the most common hydronic applications for air-to-water heat pumps. The system sends heated water through tubing installed under the floor to provide even, comfortable heat.

Yes. Fan coils can use hot or chilled water from the heat pump system to provide room-by-room heating and cooling. They are often used when a project needs both heating and air conditioning from a hydronic system.

Yes, when paired with the correct domestic hot water tank, controls, and system design.

Most APOLLO systems use an indirect tank to heat and store household hot water. A buffer tank may also be needed to add water volume, keep water moving correctly between the heat pump and heating zones, and prevent frequent on-and-off cycling when little heating or cooling is needed. MBTEK can confirm which tanks your system requires.

APOLLO and APOLLO MAX models range from 2 to 6 tons, depending on the series. Final selection should follow the building load, climate, insulation, water temperature, and indoor distribution.

Air-to-water heat pumps can be used in cold climates when the system is designed correctly. For more demanding cold-climate projects, MBTEK can help determine whether a standard APOLLO model or an APOLLO MAX model is the better fit.

Yes, pool heating can be part of a hydronic system when the correct heat exchanger, controls, and system design are used. Pool heating should be planned as an optional application, not assumed by default.

The total cost depends on the heat pump size, Hydro Smart Station, tank, indoor distribution, accessories, controls, and installation requirements. The best way to estimate the system cost is to choose the main equipment and confirm the project layout with a specialist.

A DHW indirect tank stores domestic hot water for household use, heating it through a heat exchanger connected to the heat pump loop. A buffer tank adds water volume to the system loop itself — it does not store domestic hot water. Some hydronic systems use both: a DHW tank for hot water and a buffer tank on the heating and cooling distribution side. MBTEK can help determine which combination fits your project.