Airwell heat pumps: reviews and prices (2024)

Airwell has been in the market for over 75 years and is a French brand specializing in heating, cooling and ventilation solutions. After dominating its industry and shining with R&D prowess in the last quarter of the last century, the company experienced major financial difficulties in the 2010s.

Today, the Airwell group seems to have found its way back to growth and continues to offer reliable, robust and attractively priced heat pumps. In this practical guide, we offer you a review of the Airwell brand's range of air-to-water and air-to-air heat pumps to help you make an informed choice.

Airwell, a French brand founded 75 years ago

Founded in 1947 in the Paris region, Airwell quickly adopted an unstoppable business strategy: to bring a technology from the United States that had never been used in Europe: residential air conditioning! In the early 1950s, the company developed and launched mass production of the first "Window", a single-piece indoor air conditioning unit for the European and African markets. In the 1970s, Airwell developed split units by splitting the Window unit into two parts, thus becoming the European pioneer of this type of air conditioning equipment. This decade saw the establishment of the brand's historic factory in Tillières-sur-Avre in the Eure region of Normandy.

The year 1982 marked a turning point in the air conditioning, heating and ventilation sector, with the release of the first wall-mounted units equipped with a remote control, tangential turbines and silent, economical rotary compressors... and they were signed Airwell. This innovation will make the French brand one of the top three manufacturers of air conditioning solutions in France, but also in North Africa.

In 1998, the brand acquired new production facilities in China, in the Shenzhen region. In 2014, Airwell launched the Airwell Academy, a center offering technical and qualification training for the network of installers and maintainers. The brand launched an online ordering service in 2015, and then expanded internationally to the Middle East and Latin America. In 2021, Airwell becomes Airwell Group following the acquisition of Airwell Residential by Airwell Distribution. At the same time, the group launches its new energy leasing offer and its "My Hybrid Home" range.

Note: the brand went through legal setbacks in the 2010s, with a series of buyouts and financial difficulties. Today, the company seems to have returned to growth. The brand operates in 80 countries, mainly in Europe, Asia and West Africa. It has 6,500 references in stock and generates annual sales of 45 million euros.

Presentation of Airwell heat pumps

Unlike its competitors, Airwell has focused more on air-to-air heat pumps, with a much wider range than air-to-water heat pumps. As a reminder:

• The air-to-air heat pump draws cold air from outside and transforms it into warm air which it diffuses inside via fan coil units;
• The air-water heat pump also draws cold air from the outside while capturing the calories in the air to heat the water. The hot water then supplies the radiators, fan coil units, underfloor heating and ducts of the home. The heat pump air - water can also be coupled with a system of domestic hot water production (DHW).

The advantages of Airwell heat pumps

• Over 75 years of experience in heating, air conditioning and ventilation solutions;
• A French brand that produces most of its references in France, in the historic factory of Tillières-sur-Avre, in the Eure region of Normandy;
• The brand is certified ISO 9001 (quality management) and Eurovent (products rigorously tested to guarantee optimal performance);
• Airwell's air-to-water heat pumps are Keymark certified. This demanding European certification guarantees the quality and performance of the brand's heat pumps;
• Airwell heat pumps are in line with the latest innovations for the user: consumption control, connected device, "I Feel" function, self-cleaning, self-diagnosis, etc. ;
• Airwell delivers spare parts for its equipment within 48 hours;
• Responsive and personalized customer service;
• Good quality-price ratio.

The disadvantages of Airwell heat pumps

• Thermal performance slightly below the market average;
• A random design, with sometimes disappointing finishes;
• Some heat pumps are noisier than the market average, which can be a problem in dense residential areas;
• The cooling performance of reversible appliances is sometimes mixed;
• Installers do not always master the settings of Airwell heat pumps. If you are in this situation, do not hesitate to contact the brand's support service, which is well aware of this problem and will do what is necessary;
• Airwell heat pumps have trouble when the outside temperature drops below -3°C.

The Airwell air-to-water heat pump range

Airwell offers a limited range of air-to-water heat pumps, a surprising choice considering that this is the most popular type of heat pump on the French and European residential market. Air-to-water heat pumps are also eligible for more financial aid from the government and local authorities than air-to-air heat pumps, as they result in greater energy savings. Airwell offers two models of air-to-water heat pumps: the Wellea Monobloc and the Wellea Split.

#1 The Wellea Monobloc air-to-water heat pump

Airwell's Wellea Monobloc air-to-water heat pump is a monobloc model designed for heating and cooling individual homes and small commercial buildings. This model has been designed for temperate climates, although the manufacturer promises satisfactory performance in a wide heat range from -25° C to +46° C.

Airwell's Wellea Monobloc heat pump is equipped with an inverter compressor that allows you to adjust the power of the pump according to the heating and cooling needs of the home. It also features an aluminum heat exchanger for energy efficiency. The model can be combined with a variety of indoor units, including radiators, underfloor heating and fan coil units. On the user experience side, there are some comfort features such as humidity control, weekly programming and Wi-Fi connectivity that allows for remote temperature control via smartphone (AirHome app).

This air-to-water heat pump is available in several power ratings, from 4 kW to 16 kW 3 ph. Here is a summary of the technical characteristics of this model on 5 power levels.

Power	4 kW	8 kW	12 kW 1 ph	14 kW 1 ph	16 kW 3 ph
Cooling power (A35/W18)	4.5	8.3	12	13.5	13.5
EER (A35/W18)	5.5	5.05	3.95	3.6	3.6
Heating power (A7/W35)	4.2	8.4	12.1	14.5	14.5
COP A7/W35	5.1	5.15	4.95	4.6	4.6
Sound pressure at 1 meter in db(A) (external unit)	45	49	53	54	54
Sound power in db(A)	55	59	65	65	65
Power supply (phase)	Single-phase	Single-phase	Single-phase	Single-phase	Three-phase
Energy class (heating)	A+++	A+++	A+++	A+++	A+++

#2 The Wellea Split air-to-water heat pump

It is simply the split or bibloc model of the model presented above, with an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. It has the same comfort features, but with a more interesting energy efficiency.

Power	4 kW	8 kW	12 kW 1 ph	14 kW 1 ph	16 kW 3 ph
Cooling power (A35/W18)	4.5	8.4	12	13.5	14.9
EER (A35/W18)	5.55	5.05	4	3.6	3.4
Heating power (A7/W35)	4.25	8.3	12.1	14.5	16
COP A7/W35	5.2	5.2	4.95	4.6	4.5
Sound pressure at 1 meter in db(A) (external unit)	44	46	50	54	55
Sound power in db(A)	56	59	64	65	68
Power supply (phase)	Single-phase	Single-phase	Single-phase	Single-phase	Three-phase
Energy class (heating)	A+++	A+++	A+++	A+++	A+++

The Airwell air-to-air heat pump range

Airwell's range of air-to-air heat pumps is one of the most extensive on the market. It includes :

• A range of wall-mounted air-to-air heat pumps, with the Harmonia, Aura and Horus models;
• A range of air-to-air heat pumps of the "console" type, with the Hemera model;
• A range of built-in air-to-air heat pumps, with the Wellzone model;
• A range of mobile or auxiliary air-to-air heat pumps, with the Maui model.

#1 Airwell's Harmonia wall-mounted air-to-air unit

This air-to-air heat pump is available in four power ratings, from 2.8 kW to 7.3 kW. It has an interesting SCOP of 4.6 in a temperate climate (for the 2.8 and 3.5 kW models), with a sound pressure at 1 meter exceeding 55 db(A), which can be a problem in dense residential areas. As for the design, it remains a classic design, with no lack of taste but no flashiness, either on the indoor unit or the outdoor unit. The "4D" airflow technology guarantees an even distribution of air throughout the room.

Note: this model uses R32, a new generation refrigerant gas that is more economical and slightly more efficient than R410A.

Power	2.8 kW	3.5 kW	5.2 kW	7.3 kW
Nominal cooling power	2.64	3.51	5.27	7.03
SEER	9.3	8.5	7	6.5
Energy class (cooling)	A+++	A+++	A++	A++
Rated power (heating)	2.92	3.81	5.57	7.33
SCOP temperate climate (heating)	4.6	4.6	4	4
Energy class (heating)	A++	A++	A+	A+
Sound pressure (int) in db(A) at 1 m	29	33	33.5	41.5
Sound pressure (ext) in db(A) at 1 m	55	51	53	55
Phase	Single-phase	Single-phase	Single-phase	Single-phase

#2 The Hemera XDLF air-to-air heat pump from Airwell

This is a "console" type heat pump that fits into any interior thanks to its ultra-compact size. This model is positioned in the same place as a conventional radiator, with an efficiency up to 4 times higher. This model is equipped with an automatic start-up function, a daily programming mode and a key lock, and includes an antibacterial filter. The double flow diffusion allows a homogeneous distribution of the air.

Here is a summary of the technical characteristics of this air-to-air heat pump signed Airwell:

• Installation: wall-mounted;
• Type: split ;
• Energy class: A++ ;
• Cooling capacity: from 0.7 kW to 6.6 kW;
• Heating power: up to 7 kW ;
• Noise level: from 58 to 65 dB(A).

Price of an Airwell heat pump

Air-to-air heat pumps from Airwell are available at prices ranging from €525 for add-on models to almost €3,000 for the top models, not including the cost of installation. Air-to-water heat pumps are priced at an average of €7,000, with a range from €4,500 to over €10,000, not including installation costs. Adding accessories and options can increase the price.

Where to buy an Airwell heat pump?

Airwell heat pumps are available through the brand's network of distributors. You can explore the nearest stores in the dynamic directory provided by Airwell here. Airwell heat pumps are also available in most specialized supermarkets and on online sales sites: ManoMano, Leroy Merlin, Espace Aubade, Cdiscount, etc.

We advise you to use the services of a professional installer. He will be able to advise you according to your needs, your thermal comfort preferences, your budget and your home, while benefiting from an attractive rate.

What kind of financial aid is available for the purchase of an Airwell heat pump?

The heat pump is an economical, environmentally friendly equipment that meets the thermal comfort requirements of households. To encourage households to take the plunge and launch energy optimization work, the State and local authorities offer several grants and financial incentives to finance the work and the purchase of equipment:

• MyRenovationPrimeMaPrimeRénov' is an aid granted by the Agence Nationale de l'Habitat. MaPrimeRénov' is subject to household resource conditions, and its value is between 3,000 and 5,000 €;
• The boiler conversion premium (CEE bonus). This bonus applies to the replacement of an old boiler (oil, coal, gas except condensation) and is not subject to resource conditions. The CEE bonus is offered in the form of a check, transfer or voucher worth between €2,500 and €4,000;
• The zero interest eco-loan (eco-PTZ). Interest-free loan repayable over a maximum of 20 years. Granted subject to acceptance of the file by the bank. Can cover up to 50 000 € of energy work;
• Local government assistance. Check with your department and/or region.

Reviews of Airwell heat pumps

Overall, the opinions of consumers who have tested Airwell heat pumps over time are positive. Here are some examples to help you make an informed choice.

Responding to a consumer request to consider an Airwell air-to-water heat pump, user "NLC78" explains, " I installed an Airwell heat pump a few months ago. For the noise, everything is relative. Personally, I don't have any neighbors, so no problem. On the other hand, in a residence, where the houses are right next to each other, beware [...]. I can't hear the unit at all inside the house and the installation makes much less noise than the old oil boiler. ".

Still in the same discussion topic, a user seems satisfied, even if his Airwell heat pump does not reach the performance of Japanese equipment, which is logical considering the price difference: " It's not a Hitachi, but nobody's perfect! ".

The same goes for "Gege10", who seems to have found a solution to the noise of Airwell heat pumps: " I have a 14.1 kW Airwell heat pump + R12: it is not very noisy, mounted on 2 Silent Blocks in cellular rubber ".

Finally, this consumer once again emphasizes the importance of using a qualified, competent and experienced installer. especially who masters the model you have chosen: " Following the installation of an Airwell heat pump, I encountered numerous problems which turned out to be related to the incompetence and lack of training of the heating engineer. I would like to underline the professionalism of Airwell in this matter which had started so badly, knowing that all the expenses were taken care of by this company. ".

What are the alternatives to Airwell heat pumps?

The market for air-to-air and especially air-to-water heat pumps is particularly competitive. If you want to stay on the Made in Franceyou can choose brands like Saunier Duval, Auer (Intuis), Chaffoteaux (Ariston) or Arkteos. If you want to go upmarket, you should go for safe values such as Bosch, Toshiba or even Mitsubishi. The brands Daikin or Atlantic are in the same price range.