Case Study: Reliable R290 Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Domestic Hot Water in Italy
Europe’s Push for Electrification and Green Heating
Across Europe, the conversation about energy is shifting rapidly. Cities are setting ambitious net-zero targets, governments are tightening F-Gas regulations, and developers are under pressure to electrify heating and hot water systems. The days of relying on fossil fuel boilers are numbered.
In their place, air-to-water heat pumps (ATW HPs) are stepping up as the most promising solution. They combine renewable energy use with high efficiency, making them ideal for both residential and commercial buildings.
But not all heat pumps are created equal. To truly meet Europe’s expectations, products must be efficient, quiet, and above all reliable in real-world conditions. That’s where Exinda’s R290 air-to-water heat pumps come in.
Why Europe Needs R290 Heat Pumps
R290 (propane) is a natural refrigerant with one of the lowest global warming potentials (GWP ≈ 3) on the market today. This makes it a future-proof choice for Europe, where F-Gas regulations are phasing down high-GWP refrigerants like R410A.
Exinda’s R290 series is designed specifically for energy-conscious projects in Europe, offering:
- High efficiency (SCOP > 4.0) for lower operating costs
- Low environmental impact with ultra-low GWP
- Stable performance even in cold climates (down to –25 °C)
- Compliance with European standards including CE, KEYMARK, MCS, and ERP
By choosing R290, developers and homeowners can future-proof their buildings while improving comfort and reducing carbon footprints.
Project Spotlight: Serenio Residential Complex, Milan
📍 Location: Via Meucci 6, 22063 Cantù, Milan, Italy
🏢 Project: Serenio Modern Residential Complex
⚡ System: 2 × Exinda Eliàn 22 kW R290 Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
💧 Application: Centralized Domestic Hot Water (DHW)
The Challenge
The Serenio project is more than just another apartment block. It was designed as a modern, sustainable housing community that blends architecture with environmental responsibility. The developer’s brief was clear:
- Deliver reliable domestic hot water for 20 families
- Ensure the entire building runs on 100% electricity
- Avoid fossil fuels while keeping running costs low
The Solution
The engineering team, in partnership with Exinda and our Italian distributor Rheon, proposed a centralized system using just two Exinda 22 kW R290 heat pumps.
This compact but powerful setup provides domestic hot water for the entire 20-unit building — an impressive demonstration of energy efficiency and system design.
The Results
- ✅ Energy efficiency – Two units are enough to supply hot water for 20 households
- 🌱 Sustainability – Natural refrigerant R290 ensures ultra-low carbon impact
- ⚡ Full electrification – No gas boilers, safer and greener living
- 🔒 Reliability – Consistent hot water supply year-round
- 🤫 Quiet operation – Residents enjoy comfort without noise disruption
This project proves that R290 heat pumps are not just viable, but ideal for multi-family housing in Europe.
The Results
- ✅ Energy efficiency – Two units are enough to supply hot water for 20 households
- 🌱 Sustainability – Natural refrigerant R290 ensures ultra-low carbon impact
- ⚡ Full electrification – No gas boilers, safer and greener living
- 🔒 Reliability – Consistent hot water supply year-round
- 🤫 Quiet operation – Residents enjoy comfort without noise disruption
This project proves that R290 heat pumps are not just viable, but ideal for multi-family housing in Europe.
Beyond Domestic Hot Water: Versatile Applications
While the Serenio project focused on domestic hot water, Exinda’s R290 air-to-water heat pumps are built for flexibility. They can be applied to:
- Heating and Cooling – Through fan coils, underfloor radiant systems, or air handling units (AHUs)
- Commercial buildings – Offices, hotels, schools, and hospitals needing scalable hydronic systems
- VRF replacement – Safer, greener hydronic networks that avoid refrigerant leaks in occupied spaces
This versatility means one product line can meet multiple needs across Europe’s diverse building stock.
Reliability Backed by R&D
One of Exinda’s greatest strengths is its commitment to research, development, and testing. Reliability isn’t left to chance — it’s engineered into every unit.
- 🔬 Advanced labs – Including China’s only CSA439-18-compliant ERV lab and climate simulation facilities
- ❄ Extreme testing – Commercial models are run at –25 °C to prove cold-climate performance
- ✅ Certifications – CE, UL, AHRI, CSA, KEYMARK, MCS, ERP
- 🏭 Full factory testing – Every unit undergoes 100% inspection before shipping
This level of R&D investment means European partners can trust Exinda products to deliver on performance claims.
Why This Matters for Europe
The Serenio project is just one example, but the implications are much larger. With the EU’s push for electrification, projects like this demonstrate:
- Electrification is possible today – Even for multi-family housing
- R290 is the future – Meeting sustainability goals without compromising comfort
- Partnership is key – Success comes from combining global innovation with local expertise
By working with distributors like Rheon, Exinda is able to support projects across Europe with confidence, speed, and reliability.
Conclusion: Building the Future, Together
The Serenio residential complex shows what’s possible when technology, sustainability, and partnership come together. With just two Exinda Eliàn 22 kW R290 heat pumps, 20 families now enjoy reliable domestic hot water — without gas, without compromise.
As Europe moves toward carbon neutrality, Exinda is ready with products that meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s regulations. And with partners like Rheon, we ensure every project is supported from design to after-sales service.
👉 Learn more about Exinda’s sustainable HVAC solutions: www.exindagroup.com
👉 Meet our Italian distributor: Rheon
