HTW, part of Gestión Integral de Almacenes (GIA Group), has unveiled VITEC, an aerothermal water heater for residential and commercial use. The system can cut electricity consumption for domestic hot water by up to 75% compared with traditional electric heaters. VITEC has an A+ energy class, a COP of up to 4.19 and a SCOP of 3.94 in warm climates. These figures position it for properties seeking to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. A heat pump’s COP measures the heat delivered to water for each unit of electricity consumed. Actual savings vary with ambient temperature and household water-use patterns; temperature settings and auxiliary resistance-heater operation also affect results. The warm-climate SCOP should be read in the context of its test conditions.
The VITEC range comes with four tank capacities: 100, 150, 200 and 300 liters. That range suits installations from single-family homes to hotels and offices. An air-to-water heat pump extracts energy from ambient air and transfers it to the storage tank. A high-efficiency microchannel heat exchanger supports this process, maximizing thermal transfer per unit volume and contributing to the system's overall performance. High-temperature heat pumps typically supply water at 60-80°C. Technical literature reports that R290 systems can reach around 75°C under suitable conditions, though capacity and efficiency can decline as delivery temperatures rise.
Durability and low maintenance are basic to the VITEC design. The storage tank is made from vitrified steel, with walls between 1.8 and 2.5 mm thick. Its dual anti-corrosion system combines an electronic anode, which needs no regular replacement, with a magnesium anode that provides backup protection during power outages. The natural refrigerant R290 aligns the product with Europe's shift away from fluorinated gases with high global-warming potential. Propane has a global warming potential of approximately 3, but its A3 classification means it is highly flammable. Correct siting and installation matter. Servicing must also account for required clearances and potential ignition sources. Standards including EN 378 and IEC 60335-2-40 address safety requirements for refrigeration systems and heat pumps.
VITEC is listed with Keymark, CE, ERP, REACH and RoHS. The designations have different purposes. CE marking represents the manufacturer's declaration that applicable EU harmonised legislation has been met. REACH and RoHS address chemicals and hazardous substances, while Keymark is a third-party certification scheme. None is interchangeable with another or amounts to a general guarantee of product quality. The European Union’s revised F-gas Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2024/573, also restricts certain heat-pump and air-conditioning equipment that uses refrigerants above specified global-warming-potential thresholds. For certain equipment up to 12 kW, a 150-GWP threshold is scheduled from 1 January 2027, reinforcing the market shift toward lower-impact refrigerants.
Remote management comes built in. Standard Wi-Fi connectivity lets users control the system through the GiApp application. Modbus communication supports integration with building automation or technical management systems. Smart Grid Ready operation allows the unit to run during lower-cost energy periods. An automatic defrost cycle helps maintain stable performance even at low outdoor temperatures.
All VITEC models are compatible with photovoltaic energy. The 200- and 300-liter versions can also connect to solar thermal systems. The technical design includes an electronic expansion valve and a hydrophilic fin evaporator. It also uses a four-way solenoid valve. A Highly compressor and microchannel condenser complete the system. The tank has 50 mm of polyurethane foam insulation to minimize heat loss. An anti-legionella cycle heats water to 70°C to maintain hygiene. Designed for indoor installation, the system can operate as quietly as 42 dB. Installation requires a solid, well-ventilated base, with optional air ducting (Ø 160 mm); the unit supports water pressures from 0.15 to 0.8 MPa. The package includes a safety valve. It also comes with drainage components and a photovoltaic cable to suit different hot water setups.
In Spain, adoption of aerothermal technology has accelerated in recent years, driven by rising energy costs and stricter efficiency regulations. Systems like VITEC are increasingly favored in new builds and renovations, particularly where renewable energy integration is a priority. R290's wider uptake reflects efforts to reduce the climate impact of refrigerants. Its A3 flammability classification, but, means those environmental benefits depend on installation and maintenance that meet applicable safety requirements. VITEC combines connectivity with solar energy compatibility and anti-corrosion protection for property owners seeking to modernize hot water infrastructure while controlling long-term costs.
