AC-to-heat pump giant Daikin has stated its intention to grow in the heating sector, launching a new version of its popular Altherma heat pump - the first air-to-water heat pump to use the lower-GWP refrigerant R32 - alongside a new compact condensing boiler, claimed to be the smallest volume such boiler on the market.
The manufacturer said that its intention in launching the D2CND boiler was not to pit itself against the big three boiler makers, but instead to offer potential installers a range of options for customers and increasing their chances of work at times when heat pump opportunities are thinner on the ground.
Daikin is selling the boilers, available in 24 kW, 28 kW and 35 kW options, direct to its installer network, rather than going via merchants.
Iain Bevan, Commercial Director for Heating and Renewables at Daikin UK said: “A good heating company needs to be able to access a rane of options.”
He said that the boiler, which at a volume of 0.06 cu m, claims to be the smallest combi on the UK market, nevertheless offer high efficiency. “End users will enjoy low operating costs due to its high efficiency whilst our installers are assured of a plug-and-play replacement with easy connections for simple installation – we believe it’s a win-win for everyone.”
The Altherma 3, thanks largely to its use of R32, claims high COPs of up to 5.4 and a hot water COP of 3.3, with a water leaving temperature of up to 65 deg. It is available in 4 kW, 6 kW and 8 kW versions.
Among the innovations are a completely redesigned indoor unit, styled like a boiler, to appeal to domestic customers; integrated magnetic filter; and a software-adjustable backup heater, providing up to 6 kW.
