{"id":57293,"date":"2026-09-29T16:08:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T15:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/?p=57293"},"modified":"2026-09-29T16:08:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T15:08:15","slug":"air-source-heat-pumps-in-small-apartments-and-penthouses-no-renovation-solutions-and-maximum-efficiency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/en\/news\/air-source-heat-pumps-in-small-apartments-and-penthouses-no-renovation-solutions-and-maximum-efficiency\/","title":{"rendered":"Air-source heat pumps in small apartments and penthouses: no-renovation solutions and maximum efficiency"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Usable space in urban areas is becoming increasingly valuable. In small apartments, studios and penthouses, where every square metre counts and invasive renovation work is impractical or excessively disruptive for residents, efficient heating and cooling has become a key priority<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditionally, air-source heat pumps<\/strong> were assumed to be reserved exclusively for detached homes with large gardens or dedicated plant rooms. However, advances in monobloc heat pumps<\/strong> and the use of natural refrigerants<\/strong> such as propane (R290) make it possible to enjoy heating, cooling and domestic hot water (DHW) with air-source heat pumps in small apartments<\/strong> in a compact, quiet way and, above all, without complex renovation work<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The challenge of urban heating and cooling: Why adapt air-source heat pumps to small apartments and penthouses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When replacing the heating system in an urban apartment or penthouse, homeowners face three main obstacles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Severely limited indoor space:<\/strong> No plant room or boiler room.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Regulations and appearance of fa\u00e7ades and terraces:<\/strong> The difficulty or impossibility of routing complex refrigerant pipework between the fa\u00e7ade and the interior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Avoiding invasive renovations:<\/strong> The desire to avoid digging up floors or replacing the existing heat distribution system (such as conventional radiators).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Unlike traditional combustion-based systems such as gas or oil heating, air-source heat pumps extract up to 80% of their energy from the outdoor air, delivering 3, 4 or even 5 times the electricity they consume as useful heat (COP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For detailed information on estimated investment by property size, see our in-depth analysis of air-source heat pump prices for houses and apartments by square metre<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. How do you install an air-source heat pump in an apartment or penthouse without renovation work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The key to installing an air-source heat pump in a small apartment without altering the structure of the home lies in two technologies: monobloc<\/strong> design and high-temperature units<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Monobloc heat pumps: No indoor refrigerant pipework<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Unlike split systems, a monobloc air-source heat pump<\/strong> houses the entire refrigeration circuit and compressor in a single outdoor unit. Only hydraulic pipes (carrying water) run from the terrace, balcony or penthouse roof into the home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n