First, consider which air source your home can accommodate. A water heater using extracted air requires a compatible centralised VMC system, while a model using indoor air cools the room it’s in and one using outdoor air needs ducting or an outdoor unit. If none of these arrangements is suitable, an electric storage water heater is another option to consider. In every case, check that the model’s capacity, dimensions, noise levels and installation requirements suit your household’s needs.
If you’re considering a water heater that uses extracted air, start by checking whether it can connect to your existing system. You shouldn’t need to alter the ventilation just to meet your hot water needs. ADEME describes this option as connecting directly to a centralised VMC system.
A utility room or laundry room may accommodate different setups, but you’ll need to check the space required and the model’s installation requirements. For a system that uses indoor air, France Rénov’ also recommends considering how it will cool the room.
In a small space, or near occupied rooms and neighbours, positioning matters just as much as the cylinder’s capacity. Check the dimensions, access for maintenance and noise data before choosing a unit.
Having a VMC system doesn’t automatically mean a water heater using extracted air will be compatible. According to ADEME, this option connects to a centralised ventilation system. The other options differ mainly in the air they use and the installation requirements they involve.
Consider this if: no suitable heat-pump air source is available for your planned installation.
Bear in mind: this cylinder doesn’t recover heat from the air, so you’ll need to match its capacity and electrical supply to your household’s usage.
Consider this if: the room meets the model’s requirements and can be cooled without significantly increasing the demand on your heating system.
Bear in mind: France Rénov’ notes that extracting heat cools the room and may increase its heating requirements.
Consider this if: you can incorporate a compatible centralised VMC system into your hot water installation.
Bear in mind: the ventilation system and water heater need to work together, without increasing airflow to produce more hot water.
Consider this if: ducting or an outdoor unit can be installed without cooling the indoor room.
Bear in mind: check the model’s positioning, noise levels and operating conditions at outdoor temperatures.
| Factor | What to check | Households concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation | Type of VMC system, compatibility with an extracted-air connection and the airflow specified for the model. | When replacing my cylinder without disrupting air circulation, I want to know whether my centralised system can accommodate the unit I’m considering. Around 33% of consumers might make this their top priority. |
| Air source | How a model using indoor air affects the room; the model’s operating conditions and electric backup. | If the room is heated, I don’t want to choose an air source without considering its impact on heating. This could be a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Hot water and space | Hot water capacity for your household’s needs; the dimensions and access required for maintenance. | When several people need hot water one after another and space is limited, I need to fit the cylinder in without overlooking my household’s needs. Around 27% of consumers might prioritise this balance. |
| Noise and maintenance | The model’s noise data and positioning; access to any ducting, filters or other relevant equipment. | Near living areas or neighbours, I want to be able to install and maintain the equipment without overlooking noise. This could be a priority for around 13% of consumers. |
This type of water heater requires a compatible centralised ventilation system. The system shouldn’t be made to extract more air just to meet your hot water needs.
Before getting a quote, ask someone to check the type of VMC system, the ducting, airflow and the requirements of the model you’re considering.
If the system isn’t compatible, you may need to reconsider the ducting, VMC system or planned position.
Two appliances with similar capacities can differ in the amount of hot water available, heating time, backup heating and the space needed for installation.
Start with your household’s needs, then compare the model specifications, dimensions and access required for maintenance.
According to France Rénov’, a heat-pump water heater using indoor air cools the room it draws heat from and may increase heating requirements.
Before choosing this air source, ask someone to assess its effect on the room.
Using the water heater in a heated room may increase the room’s heating requirements.
The stated noise level of a fan or outdoor unit doesn’t, on its own, tell you how disruptive it might be near a window or in an adjoining room.
Check the model’s noise data, consider vibration and find out about any requirements that apply to your planned location.
These ranges illustrate different ways of producing hot water. Their specifications don’t replace the instructions for the specific model or an assessment of your home.
Atlantic offers Aquacosy Evolution, which uses extracted air with integrated VMC, Égéo, which uses indoor air, and Calypso Split, which has an outdoor unit.
Aldes presents T.Flow Hygro+ and T.Flow Nano as solutions that combine ventilation with hot water production using extracted air.
Thermor offers monobloc and split heat-pump water heaters, depending on the air source and model.
Ariston offers heat-pump water heaters, including Nuos Plus WiFi.
Hitachi offers the Yutampo R32, with an indoor cylinder and outdoor unit, in 190 L and 270 L versions, according to its French specifications.
This electric storage water heater is worth considering if you want to produce hot water without drawing air from the VMC system. Its capacity and position still need to suit your household’s needs and the space available.
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Worth considering if you want to produce hot water without connecting the water heater to the VMC system’s extracted air.
The product title states a capacity of 50 L, Wi-Fi control and energy rating B. Check that the available hot water meets your household’s needs and that the dimensions and clearances suit the planned location.
If noise is a consideration for this location, check the model’s noise data. The product description specifies installation by a qualified plumber and electrician.
No. Only a system designed to use extracted air is suitable, and it requires a compatible centralised VMC system. ADEME describes this type of connection. Before replacing your cylinder, ask someone to check the system, its ducting, airflow and the model’s requirements. Don’t increase ventilation just to produce more hot water.
The room needs to meet the model’s installation requirements, and you’ll need to consider how it will be cooled. France Rénov’ notes that drawing heat from the room may increase heating requirements. Before choosing this location, ask someone to assess this effect, as well as the space, ventilation and access needed.
Arrange for a suitably qualified professional to carry out work appropriate to the model and its outdoor unit. Atlantic says that its split models must be commissioned by a professional. Also check the instructions and any qualifications required for work on the refrigerant pipework.
Check the model’s noise data and the actual position of the unit or air outlets in relation to occupied rooms and neighbours. Before ordering, ask someone to assess vibration and any requirements that apply to the location. A stated noise level alone can’t tell you how disruptive the unit will be in every situation.