Ecoforest Launches the First Air-Source Heat Pump with Desuperheater: DHW up to 80ºC at No Additional Cost

Ecoforest has introduced a groundbreaking advancement in heat pump technology by integrating its exclusive High Temperature Recovery (HTR) system, previously only available in its ground-source heat pumps, in the ecoAIR⁺ 6-24 PRO, one of the most versatile units on the market.

With this innovation, the model can now simultaneously produce heating or cooling together with domestic hot water (DHW), or even heat a swimming pool, at virtually no extra cost, thanks to the use of waste heat from the compressor.

A leap in efficiency and comfort

HTR is Ecoforest’s proprietary desuperheater technology, designed to recover excess heat from the compressor discharge. While traditionally used in industrial processes, Ecoforest is the first to successfully adapt this system for air-source heat pumps. This innovation allows for:

• Simultaneous production of heating or cooling alongside DHW or pool heating.
• DHW temperatures up to 80ºC without electrical resistance, drastically reducing energy consumption.
• Enhanced overall efficiency, especially in temperate climates or radiator/fan coil systems.
• Fewer compressor start/stop cycles, extending system life.
• Consistent thermal comfort through balanced energy delivery.

Until now, Ecoforest’s High Temperature Recovery technology has only been incorporated into geothermal or water-to-water heat pumps, where it has already demonstrated its ability to multiply the efficiency of installations at minimum operational cost.

How HTR Works 

The HTR system captures high discharge temperatures from the compressor and uses them to raise the DHW tank temperature. This means the ecoAIR^⁺ 6-24 PRO can heat water while simultaneously cooling a space, without impacting energy bills.

For example:

• In heating mode, with an outdoor temperature of 5 ºC and a supply temperature of 55 ºC, the system can heat DHW to 80 ºC using recovered heat, at virtually no cost.
• In cooling mode, even with an outdoor temperature of 30 °C, the unit can maintain a supply temperature of 7 °C for cooling while simultaneously producing domestic hot water at 80 °C virtually free of charge, thanks to the recovered thermal surplus.

This dual functionality boosts overall system performance and significantly lowers total energy consumption, ideal for both retrofits and new construction.

The most versatile air-source heat pump, now even more efficient 

The model ecoAIR⁺ 6-24 PRO was already known for: 

• A 6–24 kW power range, scalable to 144 kW in cascade.
• Most of the hydraulic components are built into the unit.
• Exclusive DDC dynamic defrost system.
• Fully in-built compatibility with PV systems.

The incorporation of HTR makes this unit an ideal solution for refurbishment and new construction projects that seek efficiency without compromising comfort.

Technology Rooted in R&D

‘Being able to transfer this technology from our range of water-to-water heat pumps to the new ecoAIR⁺ 6-24 PRO HTR makes it possible to significantly improve the efficiency of air-to-water heat pumps—especially enhancing their suitability for refurbishment projects,’ stresses Ecoforest’s R&D director, Francisco Uhía.

The incorporation of HTR technology in the ecoAIR⁺ 6-24 PRO models is the result of Ecoforest’s in-house R&D team, dedicated to developing new products and continuously improving heat pump and biomass equipment from the company’s headquarters in the Porto do Molle industrial estate (Nigrán).

Ecoforest

Founded in 1959, Ecoforest is a family-owned pioneer in renewable HVAC systems. In 1992, it became Europe’s first manufacturer of pellet stoves. Today, it leads the market with a full range of biomass and heat pump products.

In 2020, it launched the first ground-source heat pump with R290 suitable for indoor installation, the ecoGEO⁺ 1-6 PRO. In 2024, it completed its air-source and ground-source ranges with R290 with the new ecoGEO⁺ LITE 1-6 PRO and ecoAIR⁺ 6-24 PRO models. The factory located in Nigrán (Pontevedra) employs more than 200 people and has its own R&D department.