About the Viessman Brand

Viessmann is a German company with over 100 years of technological innovation in the heating industry. Today, they are one of the largest manufacturers of heating systems in the world and have a comprehensive product range that includes gas, oil and solid fuel boilers, solar thermal systems, ventilation systems, controls and accessories.

Viessman Heat Pumps

One of the most innovative and energy efficient products in Viessmann's range are their heat pumps. There are three main types of heat pump – air source, ground source and water source – and each has its own unique set of benefits.

Viessmann air source heat pumps are some of the most advanced on the market and are suitable for a wide range of applications. In the following, we'll break down their most popular models and explain the pros and cons of each.

Vitocal 100-A

The Vitocal 100-A heat pump is the first of six popular products in Viessman's air-source lineup. It is a single monobloc unit designed for outdoor installation and offers users a maximum flow temperature up to 60°C. Units can be purchased in 6kW, 8kW, 10kW, 12kW, 14kW or 16kW outputs and multiple size configurations.

Characterised by compactness, this heat pump is extremely functional and convenient for a range of applications. Its simplicity and efficiency are great for new build projects and property modernisations, and its simple installation process means it's an incredibly accessible solution to take advantage of.

Featuring a corrosion-resistant, gold-plated heat exchanger, the Vitocal 100-A has been crafted and tested to remain resilient in the harshest of climates and conditions. It boasts an incredibly high energy efficiency class of A+++ and is both MCS approved and listed.

Pros

The the Vitocal 100-A is one of Viessman's most popular air source heat pumps for several reasons, including:

• Easy-to-use controls. Equipped with a modern LCD touchscreen, the Vitocal 100-A is very easy to understand and operate.
• Long-lasting. Thanks to its rigid design, the Vitocal 100-A is a great bet for those who are looking for a heat pump that will stand the tests of time and inclement weather.
• Easy to install. Being a single unit, this heat pump is both simple to install and manage.

Cons

While it does have many strengths, the Vitocal 100-A can have its drawbacks. These include:

• Outdoor-only. As an outdoor-only product, this heat pump might not be suited to homes with limited or no outdoor space.
• LCD touchscreen. While this is seen as an easy-to-use control by some, others might prefer more traditional buttons and switches.

Vitocal 150-A

An incredibly modern, compact and environmentally-friendly heat pump, the Viessman Vitocal 150-A is an augmentation from the 100-A in many ways. It's a split product with an indoor and outdoor unit, which affords it a bit more installation flexibility. Additionally, this heat pump is able to achieve temperatures of up to 70°C - making it ideal for those who need a bit more heating power.

The Vitocal 150-A was specifically designed with renovation projects in mind. It's compatible with existing radiators and doesn't require underfloor heating to work.  

One of this heat pump's greatest features is its energy efficiency; at a rating of A+++, the 150-A is one of the cheapest units to operate on the market. It's also incredibly environmentally-conscious - natural and ecological propane R290 refrigerant help keep this unit's carbon footprint to a minimum.

And when it comes to convenience, the Vitocal 150-A has plenty to offer. Its compact build allows for space savings of up to 60% when compared to conventional boilers. It's also very simple to use, with a user-friendly LCD touchscreen display and integration with Viessman's ViCare app.

Pros

People love the Vitocal 150-A for many reasons, including:

• Powerful output. Offering an impressive 70°C maximum temperature, the Vitocal 150-A is perfect for those who need a heat pump with a bit more oomph.
• Modern. The Vitocal 150-A is the embodiment of a modern heat pump. From a sleek, metallic design to 7" Colour Touch display, it's got everything a twenty-first century homeowner could want.
• Good for the planet. With an extremely low GWP100 (global warming potential over 100 years) of 0.02, this heat pump is one of the most eco-friendly models on the market.

Cons

No product is perfect, and the Vitocal 150-A is no exception. Its drawbacks include:

• More expensive than some models. While still very affordable, the Vitocal 150-A might not be the best option for those working with a tight budget.
• Potential for errors. Some owners of the Vitocal 150-A have reported experiencing a common 'Fault F7' sensor error, which while fixable, can be inconvenient to deal with.

Vitocal 151-A

The Vitocal 151-A is a slightly larger and higher capacity iteration of the 150-A. It too is a split indoor and outdoor heat pump, but unlike its counterpart, is designed with a massive 190-litre hot water tank. Capable of reaching flow temperatures of up to 70°C, the 151-A can meet the hot water needs of even the largest families.

This model is also one of the most energy-efficient on the market, with an A+++ rating. And like the 150-A, it uses natural and ecological propane R290 refrigerant to keep its carbon footprint minimal.

The Vitocal 151-A shares many features with the 150-A, chief among them being a user-friendly LCD touchscreen display and integration with Viessman's ViCare app. It also has the same sleek, metallic design scheme.

Pros

What are the advantages to investing in the Vitocal 151-A? Let's take a look:

• Hydro AutoControl. Hydro AutoControl is a unique feature that enables the heat pump to automatically adjust its settings based on the water demand. This results in significant energy savings and improved performance.
• Advanced tech. With a built-in WiFi module, the Vitocal 151-A can be controlled and monitored from anywhere in the world using Viessman's ViCare app.
• Highly efficient. An A+++ rating and GWP100 of 0.02 make the Vitocal 151-A one of the most environmentally-friendly heat pumps on the market.

Cons

The Vitocal 151-A, like everything in life, has its drawbacks. Here are a couple of the most important to be aware of:

• Installation can be tricky. The installation process for the Vitocal 151-A can be quite complex, and is best left to a professional.
• Bulkier than other models. While its large water tank can be a good thing, the Vitocal 151-A has a larger interior unit than other heat pumps on the market, making it less than ideal for smaller homes.

Vitocal 200-A

The next step up in Viessman's collection of air source heat pumps, the Vitocal 200-A has a lot to offer in terms of both functionality and value. As a split unit, it gives homeowners the ability to place the outdoor compressor where it's most convenient, while the indoor portion takes up very little space. A unique characteristic of this model, the Vitocal 200-A's monobloc is available in both heating (AWO-M) and heating and cooling (AWO-M-E-AC) configurations.

What's more, it's compatible with existing home heating systems. You can easily install the 200-A as an additional heat source to cover the majority of demand while your old system offers support for peak loads. Although, with an incredibly high capacity and maximum flow temperature of 60°C, the 200-A can likely handle all of your home's hot water needs on its own.

As with other models in Viessman's range, this heat pump is notably cost-effective and environmentally-friendly to operate. Not only that, but its wall-mounted indoor unit is built with the brand's signature Advanced Acoustic Design (AAD) technology, making it so quiet that you'll barely notice it's there.

Pros

There are tons of benefits to opting for the Vitocal 200-A air source heat pump. Here are just a few:

• Heating and cooling capabilities. The 200-A is available in both heating (AWO-M) and heating and cooling (AWO-M-E-AC) configurations, making it a versatile choice for any home.
• Whisper quiet. With Viessman's AAD technology, the 200-A is one of the quietest heat pumps on the market.
• Versatile. Being compatible with existing home heating systems, the Vitocal 200-A can be used in a range of circumstances.

Cons

What are some of the potential downsides to choosing the 200-A? Let's take a look:

• Less advanced controls. Unlike many other heat pumps in Viessman's collection, the Vitocal 200-A comes with the standard user controls of plain text and a graphic display. Integration with the brand's ViCare app is possible, but as an upgrade.
• Slightly lower energy efficiency. While many models within the 200-A family are rated A+++ for energy efficiency, it's worth noting that both the A04 and A06 sit at A ++.

Vitocal 222-A

Viessman's Vitocal 222-A is a top of the range air source heat pump, and it shows in both its price tag and its long list of features. As with the 200-A, the 222-A is available with both heating and cooling capabilities, meaning it can be used all year round to keep your home comfortable.

This model is particularly notable for its large water tank. With a capacity of 220 litres, the 222-A can provide an ample supply of hot water for even the most demanding households. What's more, the tank is designed with a highly efficient all-in-one circuit system, allowing for shorter heating times and reduced energy consumption.

The Vitocal 222-A heat pump embodies a sleek and modern design similar to that of its smaller cousins. Its indoor unit is freestanding and comes with a plain text and graphic display, while the outdoor compressor can be placed wherever is most convenient.

Pros

Why might the Vitocal 222-A be the right heat pump for you? Consider these Pros:

• Large water tank. With a capacity of 220 litres, the 222-A can provide an ample supply of hot water for even the most demanding households.
• Sleek design. The Vitocal 222-A heat pump embodies a sleek and modern design.
• Heating and cooling capabilities. Thanks to a reversible circuit, the 222-A is able to seamlessly switch between heating and cooling mode in one unit.

Cons

What are some of the possible drawbacks of going for the 222-A heat pump?

• Less energy efficient. With a general energy efficiency rating of  A++, the 222-A is not as efficient as some of the other models in Viessman's range.
• Large. Because of its large water tank, the 222-A heat pump is one of the bigger models on the market. This could be a problem if you're tight on space.

Vitocal 350-A

Extremely sophisticated and sleek, the Vitocal 350-A is one of Viessman's latest and most advanced heat pumps. Featuring digital scroll technology and an electronic bi-flow expansion valve, the 350-A has a particularly high Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.5 (air 2°C / water 35°C). This, in turn, results in lower running costs and a heat supply much more reliable than that of less recent models.

The 350-A is also unique in its ability to be installed either indoors or outdoors. This makes it much more versatile than most other heat pumps on the market, as well as giving you the option to choose the most aesthetically pleasing installation for your home.

Pros

Why go for the Vitocal 300-A? Here are a few of the advantages:

• Connectivity. The Vitotronic 200 makes it easy to operate this heat pump via a smartphone app any time.
• Super quiet. Even in standard mode, the 350-A heat pump runs very quietly. At night, the fan noise is further reduced by a low speed setting.
• Powerful. The 350-A heat pump has a particularly high Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.5 (air 2°C / water 35°C) and can come in outputs as high as 18.5 kW.

Cons

There are some potential downsides to owning the 300-A, such as:

• Not as energy efficient. The Vitocal 300-A comes with a lower standard energy efficiency rating of A++ across all its models.
• Complex. While some might consider this a good thing, the 300-A's many features and options can make it quite complex to use for those who are not tech-savvy.

How Much Do Viessman Heat Pumps Cost?

When it comes to the cost of a Viessman heat pump, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The price you'll pay will depend on a number of factors, including the specific model you choose, the size and output of the unit, and whether you need to pay for installation.

However, as a general guide, you can expect to pay anywhere from around £4,000 for a small and basic model to upwards of £10,000 for a top-of-the-range unit with all the bells and whistles.

If you're thinking of investing in a Viessman heat pump, be sure to get several quotes from different suppliers before making your final decision. This will help you to get the best possible price. Also look into whether the product you're considering qualifies for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, as this could help to offset the initial cost.

How To Choose The Right Viessman Heat Pump For Your Needs

Stuck on which Viessman heat pump model to choose? Here are a few things to consider that will help you to narrow down your options:

Your Budget

First and foremost, you'll need to consider your budget. As we mentioned above, Viessman heat pumps can range in price from around £4,000 to over £10,000. So, it's important to have a good idea of how much you're willing to spend before beginning your search. Price will often equate to features and quality, so be sure to keep this in mind.

The Size of Your Home

Next, take into account the size of your home. If you live in a small flat or bungalow, you won't need a heat pump as powerful as someone who lives in a large house. It's important to choose a model that's the right size for your needs, as an oversized unit will be less efficient and could end up costing you more money in the long run.

Your Heating and Hot Water Requirements

Another thing to think about are your heating and hot water requirements. Do you need a heat pump that can provide both, or would you be happy with a unit that just handles your heating?

This is something you'll need to decide before beginning your search, as it will help to narrow down the range of options.

Your Climate

It's also worth taking your climate into account. If you live in an area with long, hot summers and mild winters, you'll need a heat pump that can cope with both extremes. However, if you live somewhere with cooler temperatures all year round, you might be able to get away with a less powerful model.

The Features You Need

Last but not least, consider the features you need. Viessman heat pumps come with a range of different features, from basic models that just provide heating and hot water to more advanced units with built-in WiFi and smart controls.

Think about which features are most important to you and look for models that offer them. This will help to ensure you're happy with your purchase in the long run.

Now that you know a little more about Viessman heat pumps, you're well equipped to find the right model for your needs. Regardless of which you choose however, going with Viessman is sure to provide you with a high-quality, reliable product that will keep your home warm for years to come.