World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Panasonic to launch R32 Aquarea heat pump

GERMANY: Panasonic is to highlight its latest Aquarea J Generation heat pump running on R32 at next week’s ISH show in Frankfurt.

In addition to using the lower GWP R32 refrigerant, Panasonic says the Aquarea J Generation of air-to-water heat pump features an improved heating efficiency compared with the previous generation, achieving a COP of 5.33 on the WH-UD03JE5 model and a DHW COP of up to 3.30. Available from September 2019, the models will be rated A+++ in low temperature operation, the highest energy class, according to the new Energy Labelling Directive 2010/30/EC.

Aquarea J Generation can reach an output water temperature of 60˚C. With a sensor selector switch, the user has the option of setting the hot water supply so that Aquarea works with the best possible COP for DHW production. If a larger amount of hot water is needed, the controller optimises the unit for maximum bulk output.

In addition, the J Generation can cool down to 10°C and control the indoor comfort conditions via surface heating or a fan convector, more effectively. A special PV function also opens up the possibility of utilising free solar power for cooling of the building.

For intelligent maintenance support, Aquarea Service Cloud is available as part of the Aquarea Smart Cloud control system, which allows users to operate the Aquarea remotely via a smartphone. Aquarea Service Cloud saves time and installer visits by connecting Aquarea to the cloud to monitor remote error codes.

Latest News

10th October 2026

Solstice plans $49m investment in refrigerant R&D

USA: Refrigerant manufacturer Solstice has announced plans to invest $49m in an expansion of R&D capabilities at its Buffalo, New York, facility.
10th October 2026

US AC and HP shipments up 11.4%

USA: US shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps totalled 756,739 units in August, an increase of 11.4% on August 2025.
9th October 2026

Hybrid heat pumps – the new Dutch standard

NETHERLANDS: The Dutch government wants homeowners to switch to a smart and hybrid heat pump from 2029 when replacing their central heating boiler.
9th October 2026

Beijer Ref completes Refra purchase

SWEDEN/LITHUANIA: Beijer Ref has completed the acquisition of Lithuanian HVACR equipment manufacturer Refra.
9th October 2026

Canada pledges CAD2bn for heat pump installs

CANADA: The Canadian government is pledging CAD2bn (€1.25bn) over eight years to boost the installation of heat pumps.
9th October 2026

Cattell to become VP of Beijer Ref UK and Ireland

UK: Hayley Cattell, MD of Beijer Ref UK and Ireland, is to take on the additional role of vice-president of the Swedish wholesaler’s UK and Ireland subsidiary from January 1.