Atlantic Alféa Extensa Duo : Review of this Split Inverter Heat Pump

Atlantic, a Vendée-based brand since 1968, emphasizes a strong French identity and a marked interest in local production (Made in France). The brand has 13 sites (factories) spread across France, mainly on the Lille-Paris axis, as well as in the Grand-Est, Rhône-Alpes and, of course, the Vendée.

Atlantic is an innovative brand, filing dozens of patents a year. Indeed, with around 250 people working in R&D at Atlantic, there's plenty of brainpower to innovate. The company is evolving with the French thermal comfort market. Starting with water convectors, it moved on to electric radiators, for which it is omnipresent in France, then to oil-fired boilers towards the end of the 90s, and finally to heat pumps since 2008, with a host of models to choose from.

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This brand does not specialize in heat pumps, but in absolutely all types of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Whether for single-family homes, apartment buildings or offices, Atlantic is present in both new-build and renovation projects.

Here, we're going to take a look at the Atlantic Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. model (R32 or not). It's a long name that we're going to describe in detail and give our opinion on.

As Atlantic is a French manufacturer, the majority of these Alféa Extensa Duo AI heat pumps are available on the French market. But Atlantic is also a major player in several European countries, including Belgium, Poland, Bulgaria and Italy, as well as Moscow and Vietnam.

The Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. is an Air/Water Split Inverter heat pump with integrated domestic hot water (DHW) tank. This means it takes calories from the outside air, and redistributes them to the home's hot water network (in radiators or underfloor heating). Split means that there is a separation between the unit that collects the calories from the outside air (outdoor unit) and the unit that redistributes them to the water in the house network (indoor unit, or hydraulic module).

Split is the opposite of "Monobloc", meaning that there is a refrigerant link between the indoor and outdoor units. Finally, the word "Inverter" indicates that the compressor works adaptively, modulating its power according to heating requirements, thus consuming less electricity.

Finally, Duo means that this model has an integrated hot water cylinder. This is why the interior module is so large. If it's not Duo, then it's heating only, so the inner module is much smaller (only 847mm high), as you'll have to provide the hot water cylinder yourself in this case.

You'll also notice that the outside group is marked Atlantic Fujitsu, or even Fujitsu Atlantic. Why is this? Well, since January 1, 2020, the Atlantic group has become the exclusive distributor for the Japanese giant Fujitsu (or, to be more precise, for one of the group's brands: General). So Atlantic manufactures in France, but when it comes to outside groups, they rely on a big name in the field, supplying the whole planet.

Aesthetics

• The appearance is uncluttered. The white color blends in well with modern surroundings. The outdoor unit, like most others, isn't exactly beautiful. It's the wart that needs to be hidden behind a bush, a wall or a heat pump cover.
• There is an effort on the interior group whose line seems quite modern, although it does not really matter if it is in a technical room or in the garage.

Performance

This split Inverter heat pump with integrated DHW (Duo) is available in 4 different models, or 4 heating outputs. All 4 run on R410A refrigerant, which is widely used in heat pumps. As of January 1, 2025, R410A will be banned in systems with less than 3kg of refrigerant charge. Another fluid, R32, is gradually replacing it, and as we shall see, Atlantic has been on the case since 2017.

Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. 5

On paper, the smallest model in the range delivers 4.5 kW with a COP of 4.52, all for an outside air temperature of +7°C (slightly higher than the annual average) and a water outlet temperature of 35°C, i.e. for underfloor heating.
This may not be enough for a 100m2 house, for example, unless the house is new, but for a slightly smaller surface or a 65m2 apartment, for example, it may be enough. At -7°C in the outside air, 35°C in the floor, power drops from 10% to around 4.1kW and a COP of 2.79.

If we look at the power developed in an extreme case, -7°C in the outside air, and +55°C in the radiators, then we come down to 3.70 kW with a COP of 1.68, which means you produce 1.68 kWh of heating energy per kWh consumed.

Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. 6

This is the 2nd model, only slightly more powerful than the first, and therefore quite similar. Depending on your heating capacity calculation, you may need to select this one. The -7 / 35°C power rating is 4.6kW for a COP of 2.64.. But for radiators and in the extreme winter case, we'll have a power output barely higher than model 5, i.e. 3.85kW and a COP of 1.65.

The power gain compared to Extensa Duo AI 5 is only relevant at low temperature, and only 10% is gained, while the power input (electricity consumed) increases by 20%.

Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. 8

For this third model, there's nothing new, except the power, COP and consumption figures have changed. The heat pump is designed to deliver 5.7 kW at -7/35°C, with a COP of 2.56. Let's not forget that -7°C is a very theoretical temperature. Of course, it's not unusual to have -7°C in certain regions of France, Switzerland or Belgium, but it's rare if you compare it with the rest of the year. On average, even in the coldest regions, the average temperature is rarely below +7°C. On average over the year, the figure of +7/35°C for underfloor heating is therefore relevant: i.e. 7.5kW and a COP of 4.08.

Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. 10

The largest model in the Alféa Extensa DUO AI range delivers 7.4 kW at -7/35°C and a COP of 2.49, so even in the middle of winter you'll consume 2.5 times less than with a pure electric radiator. And over the year, you'll have a COP of 4. 4kWh created for 1 kWh consumed. In the middle of winter, on older radiators, this won't be at its best, with a COP of 1.69.

Each of these models can be supplied with an electric booster, to provide backup if the temperature drops too low and the power delivered by the machine is no longer sufficient. For example, if you install the 10 in your home, on 55°C radiators, and your heating power requirement is 9kW, then if it's -7°C outside, you'll be 2kW short of your heating requirement. That's when the heater comes into play. But be careful how you regulate it: check how it works, how your installer regulates it. On more than one occasion, we've seen heaters running all year round without the owner knowing it, until the day he receives his electricity bill and wonders.

Here is a table that recalls all the powers and COP, for underfloor heating or old radiators

Split Inverter R410A	Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. 5	Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. 6	Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. 8	Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. 10
Power kW (-7/35°C) for underfloor heating [COP].	4.10 [2.79]	4.60 [2.64]	5.70 [2.56]	7.40 [2.49]
Power kW (+7/35°C) for underfloor heating [COP].	4.50 [4.52]	6.00 [4.26]	7.50 [4.08]	10.00 [4.02]
Power kW (-7/55°C) for old radiators [COP].	3.70 [1.68]	3.85 [1.65]	5.20 [1.56]	7.00 [1.69]

As mentioned above, R410A will soon be banned on new installations with less than 3kg of refrigerant charge, and this on January 1st 2025. This concerns these Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. units because their R410A fluid charge is around 1kg.

There is already the Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. R32 range, which uses R32 :

R32 has a GWP (global warming potential) 3 times lower than R410A, making it a more environmentally-friendly gas that contributes less to the greenhouse effect. The properties of the gas are virtually identical to those of R410A. Although R32 is known to be slightly more flammable than R410A, Atlantic's R&D teams have taken this into account.

Let's see how the table changes, if we take the model with R32 :

Split Inverter R32	Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. 5	Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. 6	Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. 8	Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. 10
Power kW (-7/35°C) for underfloor heating [COP].	4.40 [2.76]	5.00 [2.63]	5.70 [2.68]	8.90 [2.65]
Power kW (+7/35°C) for underfloor heating [COP].	4.50 [4.74]	5.50 [4.65]	7.50 [4.43]	9.50 [4.50]
Power kW (-7/55°C) for old radiators [COP].	3.90 [1.85]	4.25 [1.89]	5.3 [1.90]	8 [1.95]

COP values are 5 to 10% higher than for R410A, which suggests lower power consumption for equivalent heat pump output.

NB: in R32 there is a 5th model of size 3 for the smallest powers: 3.3kW A7/W35.

Acoustics

The noise level of the Alféa Extensa Duo A.I R410A or R32 is respectively 39dBA and 32dBA for the indoor module, which is low and won't be heard much. This is to be expected, as there's not a lot of noise inside. In fact, the compressor and fan are in the outdoor unit.

For the outdoor unit, the classic R410A version gives 41dBA for the two smallest models AI5 and AI8, and 47dBA for the two largest models AI8 and AI10. 47dBA at 5m from the point of emission (machine) and at 1.5m from the ground, and this considering that the heat pump is installed on land, in a garden for example. On a facade, reverberation would be more of a problem.

We can't guarantee that these values are right for your particular situation. It all depends on where you live, and how close you want the heat pump to be to your neighbor's first window. In France, theArticle R.1336-7 of the public health codeIn France, noise is considered legal if its "emergence" relative to ambient noise does not exceed a certain number of decibels. That is, 5 dBA during the day, and 3dBA at night. Beware: if your installer tells you it's up to standard or some other banality, you're not safe from a lawsuit from your neighbor if it's too much for him or if he's a pain in the ass, and you'll need an acoustic expertise in that case. So plan to put it as far away from your neighbor as possible.

The Alféa Extensa Duo AI R32 is quieter, with a sound pressure level at 5m of 35dBA for the smallest models, and 40dBA for the largest. That's 7dBA less on paper.

Summary table for noise

Outdoor module	Alfea Extensa Duo AI R410A	Alfea Extensa Duo AI R32
Sound pressure at 5m, 1.5m from the ground, in free field (garden)	41 to 47dBA depending on model (5 to 10)	35 to 40dBA depending on model (3 to 10)

Interior module	Alfea Extensa Duo AI R410A	Alfea Extensa Duo AI R32
Sound pressure at 1mat 1.5m from the ground, in the field free (middle of a room)	39dBA	32 to 34dBA depending on model (3 à 10)

Some notable technical features

The DHW tank has a water capacity of 190L, which is very good for a family of 4 or 5.

Fujitsu uses the DC Twin Rotary compressor which is able to modulate its power according to the load.

Atlantic uses one of its inventions in this heat pump model, namely the coaxial exchanger, which is placed in a buffer volume within the indoor module. But what is the coaxial exchanger?

When the refrigerant needs to return its calories to the water in the domestic network, it can't come into contact with the water, otherwise it would pollute it. It must therefore pass through an exchanger. The refrigerant arrives on one side, the water on the other, and heat is exchanged through the wall.

This is usually done by means of a plate heat exchanger, a classic in heat exchange. It looks like this:

The disadvantage of the plate heat exchanger is its low tolerance to impurities in the water. Every heating system is naturally impure. Sludge forms naturally from suspended particles and oxidation.

The Atlantic coaxial heat exchanger (patented) is much less sensitive to impurities and will clog much less, if at all, than the plate heat exchanger.

Atlantic also integrates its electric booster into this buffer volume, sliding conveniently onto the vertical axis. Here's a video that explains the key concept of this heat pump.

Price of an Atlantic Alféa Extensa Duo A.I. (R32)

The price of this heat pump, or installation, is between 6'000 and 10'000€.

You can find it everywhere:

• On ManoMano in size 10
• On the Comptoir des Energies in size 5
• And even at EDF in size 5, 6 or 8, with installation estimate as a bonus

If you decide to buy it yourself, opt for the more modern, more efficient R32 model.

A heat pump installation can cost you between €5000 and €15000 or more. It all depends on your region, and the claims of your installer.

Regulation

Of course, with all the engineers at Atlantic, you are entitled to the latest fashion in heat pump regulation. EASY Start function that allows you to start quickly with lightning parameterization of the heat pump.

Remote control via smartphone or other device using an app. The heat pump is connected via Cozytouch to Wifi. Be careful not to have your local network hacked, or you'll be too hot, or too cold!

Visualization of the consumption room by room to know which is the smart guy who forgets to close his windows in the middle of winter.

Look at this perfect couple so happy thanks to Cozytouch (okay I'm overdoing it lol)

Footprint

Interior module: The interior block is similar to a fridge. 1.86m high and approx. 650 * 650mm wide and deep. It can be placed in an unused corner or the corner of a technical room.

As for the outdoor unit, it is 900mm wide on the smaller models and 632mm high. This means it fits neatly under a window, for example. The mid-range model is higher at 710mm, and the largest power unit requires a height of around 1m. Not to mention any anti-vibration feet, also known as big feet.

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SEE ALFEA EXTENSA DUO AI R410A DATA SHEET

SEE ALFEA EXTENSA DUO AI R32 DATA SHEET

Overall on the Atlantic Alféa Extensa Duo AI R410A or R32 (the name is always longer):

Atlantic, a French heating giant, has come up with a well-thought-out, innovative model featuring their own coaxial heat exchanger, combined with a very compact auxiliary heater. What's more, the Alféa Extensa Duo is evolving in line with legislation on refrigerant gases, since an R32 range now exists, which is a good sign for the longevity of this range over time: the desire to continue with this machine in the future is present. It's a model that's widely used throughout France, and as a result many installers, including yours, have already had to deal with it, and are familiar with breakdowns and how to repair them quickly.

The performance, and in particular the COP, is good with R410A and even better with R32 (+10% approx.), making it a very probably economical machine. It all depends on how it's installed and what it's connected to.

Beware of the noise level: on the largest models, the noise of the original Fujitsu unit may surprise you. Plan to install it at a distance from neighbors, and ask to visit a test installation near you with the same machine, during the heating season, and while the machine is running well to heat the tank, so that you can observe the maximum noise.

As standard, you have a 2-year warranty on parts. 1 year on parts and labor if the work is done by an Atlantic-approved after-sales service: Atlantic's friendly installers. And finally, you have a 5-year warranty on the compressor, the coaxial exchanger and the domestic hot water tank (this last point only if you have annual maintenance carried out by a qualified installer, such as an Atlantic-approved installer, or Qualipac or another label showing that he's a real PAC pro).

We hope that this article has been useful to you, and we look forward to seeing you in another article.

Interesting links:

Buy spare parts for Atlantic Alféa Extensa Duo

Nomenclature of the Alféa Extensa Duo heat pump

Alféa Extensa Duo installation instructions

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