Grant UK has announced the Aerona 290, its fifth generation air-to-water air source heat pump, which the company says will be available to order in October 20241. The range uses R290 refrigerant and will be sold alongside the existing Aerona³ models1.
The first units to be released are the 4kW, 6.5kW and 9kW outputs, with larger outputs of 12kW and 15.5kW coming in early 20251. Grant UK describes the Aerona 290 as a monobloc heat pump developed on three core pillars: design, performance and peace of mind1. The company says the units have an energy rating of A+++ at 35°C flow temperature, and that outputs have been rated at -5°C air temperature and 55°C water flow temperature1. The units have been tested to perform in temperatures from -25°C through to 35°C1.
On refrigerant, Grant UK says the Aerona 290 uses R290, a natural refrigerant and pure hydrocarbon with a Global Warming Potential of 31. The wider picture on refrigerants and the F-Gas rules is covered in our guide to heat pump refrigerants, and the differences between the two main options are set out in R290 vs R32 heat pumps.
Grant UK says the units have achieved Quiet Mark accreditation, with sound-reducing features including acoustic cotton insulation in the casing and anti-vibration feet1. The casing is powder coated black1. The heat pump is designed for use with the Aerona Smart Controller and can be monitored and managed remotely1. A 7-year guarantee is available when the unit is installed by a G1 Installer, with terms and conditions applying1.
Alongside the heat pumps, Grant UK is launching ancillary products for the Aerona 290 and Aerona³ ranges, including new models of QR Smart Pre-Plumbed cylinders featuring the Aerona Smart Controller, plus additional Smart heat pump controller kits and accessories1. The Aerona 290 sits within the company's wider Grant heat pumps: Aerona air source range, and Grant UK also supplies oil boilers1.
"The Aerona 290 has captured much interest since its soft launch at InstallerSHOW earlier this year. Our fifth generation of heat pump, the Aerona 290 is an exciting addition to our product portfolio and its availability comes as Grant Engineering celebrates fifteen years of being in the heat pump market."
Grant UK's Training Academy has released a free 1-day training course on the Aerona 290, held at its Swindon academy and being rolled out nationally to selected training venues from October1. The course covers operation, performance, installation and commissioning, plus training on R290 refrigerant and the safety requirements for installation1.
Why it matters for households
For a household weighing up a heat pump, the arrival of another R290 model widens the field of equipment that does not use an F-gas refrigerant. R290's Global Warming Potential of 3, as Grant UK gives it, is far below that of the fluorinated refrigerants traditionally used in heat pumps, which matters if a system ever leaks or is decommissioned1. The choice of refrigerant is one of the factors that shapes a home's overall environmental case for switching away from a fossil fuel boiler, alongside how the system is sized and how the house retains heat.
The output range is also relevant to which homes the range can serve. The 4kW to 9kW units arriving first suit smaller and moderately sized properties, while the 12kW and 15.5kW models due in early 2025 extend the range to larger or less well insulated homes1. Grant UK says the units are rated at -5°C air temperature and 55°C water flow temperature, and tested from -25°C to 35°C, which speaks to how the equipment is expected to perform in cold spells rather than only in mild conditions1.
The 7-year guarantee is conditional on installation by a G1 Installer, so the identity of the installer affects the cover a household can expect1. Grant UK says its in-house design team helps installers size systems, and its sales support engineers assist on site during setting and commissioning1. The free training course is aimed at the trade rather than householders1.
What happens next
Orders for the 4kW, 6.5kW and 9kW Aerona 290 units open in October 20241. The 12kW and 15.5kW outputs follow in early 20251. The free 1-day training course runs at Grant UK's Swindon academy and is being rolled out nationally to selected venues from October1. Pricing for the range has not been reported1.
Sources1 cited
- News release | GrantUK The Aerona 290, grantuk.com