Thinking about changing how you heat your home? A heat pump can provide heating and hot water using energy from the outside air. The right choice depends on the building and the existing system.
* A home needing 10,000 kWh of heat per season, electricity at 11 cents/kWh, underfloor heating (efficiency 4.8). Technical figures: Samsung.
How does a heat pump work?
An air-to-water heat pump takes energy from the outside air and transfers it to the water that circulates through underfloor heating, radiators or a hot-water tank. Some systems can also cool, if the equipment and installation are designed for it.
From outside air to warmth inside.
A simplified view of how energy moves in an air-to-water system.
Concept diagram. Equipment, connections and functions vary by project.
What goes outside and what goes inside.
With a monobloc heat pump, the refrigerant part stays outside. Only water pipes are connected inside: to the hot-water tank, the radiators or the underfloor heating.
Simplified sketch. The buffer tank, valves, circulation pump and electrical protection are set in the project.
Price
Samsung EHS Mono R290 12 kW, unit only. Installation is not included and is priced separately for each project.
The total price depends on the installation, the capacity needed, hot water and adapting the existing system. Mono is a monobloc: the whole refrigerant part is in the outdoor unit, with no indoor unit. Contact the team to confirm the current price and a full quote.
What does installation usually include?
- A base or brackets for the outdoor unit, and placing it.
- Insulated water pipes, valves, a filter and filling the system.
- A hot-water tank and, if needed, a buffer tank.
- A three-phase electrical connection with its own protection.
- The controller, sensors, and commissioning with testing.
That is why the full quote comes after a visit: two homes with the same heat pump can need very different work.
How many kW does your home need?
The capacity depends on the home’s heat loss, not only on its size. The table gives a first idea; the exact calculation follows EN 12831 during the visit.
| Floor area | Good insulation ~50 W/m² |
Average insulation ~80 W/m² |
Poor insulation ~120 W/m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 m² | 4 kW | 6.4 kW | 9.6 kW |
| 120 m² | 6 kW | 9.6 kW | 14.4 kW |
| 150 m² | 7.5 kW | 12 kW | 18 kW |
| 200 m² | 10 kW | 16 kW | 24 kW |
Approximate values for heating in a Kosovo winter. A 12 kW heat pump usually covers a home of about 120–150 m² with average insulation. Larger or uninsulated homes may need two units or extra insulation.
Savings
In this illustrative example, the home needs 10,000 kWh of heat from October to March. We assume a price of €0.11/kWh for all systems; this is not necessarily your tariff.
How much could the bill change?
A comparison with the same heat demand and an assumed energy price.
| Month | Demand | Electric 1.0 | Heat pump, underfloor 4.8 | Heat pump, radiators 3.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 700 kWh | €77.00 | €16.04 | €22.00 |
| November | 1,500 kWh | €165.00 | €34.38 | €47.14 |
| December | 2,200 kWh | €242.00 | €50.42 | €69.14 |
| January | 2,500 kWh | €275.00 | €57.29 | €78.57 |
| February | 1,900 kWh | €209.00 | €43.54 | €59.71 |
| March | 1,200 kWh | €132.00 | €27.50 | €37.71 |
| Total | 10,000 kWh | €1,100.00 | €229.17 | €314.29 |
Formula: heat demand ÷ efficiency × €0.11. With underfloor heating (4.8) you save about €871 per season; with radiators (3.5) about €786. Calculate for your home ↗
An illustrative example, not a current tariff or a promised saving. The monthly split and efficiencies are assumptions; they leave out hot water, auxiliary equipment, block tariffs and other costs. Real bills and savings depend on the building, the weather, the system and the tariff.
Water temperature matters a lot
A heat pump works more efficiently when the water it sends out is less hot. Underfloor heating needs only 35°C; older radiators may need 55–65°C. That is why the same heat pump can cost noticeably different amounts to run in two homes.
The lower the water temperature, the cheaper the heating.
Seasonal efficiency (SCOP) for the Samsung EHS Mono R290 12 kW from the MCS table reported here; Heat Pump Keymark values are SCOP 4.90 at 35°C and 3.65 at 55°C. In the calculator we use 4.8 for underfloor heating (Samsung’s COP) and 3.5 for radiators.
How quickly does it pay back?
The more expensive electricity is, the faster the unit pays back.
The saving is compared with electric heating for 10,000 kWh of heat per season. Installation is not included, so the real payback takes longer; a subsidy shortens it.
PRODUCT EXAMPLE · SAMSUNG EHS
Mono R290: a concrete example.
The Samsung EHS Mono R290 is an air-to-water heat pump for heating and cooling. The model shown by Samsung, AE120CXYDGK/EU, has a nominal capacity of 12 kW and a three-phase supply. Whether it suits you depends on the building and the installation.
Samsung specifies heating water up to 75°C at outdoor temperatures from −10°C to 35°C. Hot-water temperature from the tank and real-world performance depend on conditions and the system.
COP 4.80 is a declared value under specific test conditions; it is not a guaranteed efficiency over the whole season.
See the specs and conditions at Samsung ↗
We also offer the Samsung EHS Mono HT Quiet (R32), with water up to 70°C and a quiet mode down to 35 dB(A). The team can help you choose between the two models.
Key specifications: Samsung EHS Mono R290 12 kW
| Model | AE120CXYDGK/EU · three-phase |
|---|---|
| Heating / cooling capacity | 12.0 kW / 12.0 kW |
| Heating COP / cooling EER | 4.80 / 4.0 (test conditions) |
| Energy class | A+++ at 35°C · A++ at 55°C |
| Heating operation | outdoor −25°C to 35°C |
| Heating water | 15°C to 75°C |
| Hot tap water | works at outdoor −25°C to 43°C |
| Noise | sound pressure 47 dB(A) · sound power 60 dB(A) |
| Refrigerant | R290 (propane, GWP 3) · 1.25 kg |
| Size / weight | 1270 × 1018 × 530 mm · 140 kg |
Source: Samsung product page. For a project, values are confirmed against the current datasheet.
Noise and where the unit goes
The outdoor unit has a sound pressure of about 47 dB(A) according to Samsung, roughly a quiet conversation, and it has a quiet mode too. The right spot makes it even less noticeable:
- Away from bedroom windows, yours and the neighbours’.
- On a stable base, with room for airflow and for ice to melt in winter.
- Not in closed corners, where sound bounces and air circulates poorly.
- With easy access for the yearly service.
Does it work with existing radiators?
Sometimes yes. The radiators must be able to heat the rooms at the water temperature the heat pump can supply efficiently. Checking the heat loss and the radiators shows whether changes are needed.
What to check before choosing
- The building’s insulation and heat loss.
- The capacity and temperature each room needs.
- Your hot-water needs and whether you want cooling.
- Where the outdoor unit goes and what maintenance it needs.
- What the quote and the warranty include.
Heat pump or boiler?
All three heat the home; the difference is in running cost, effort and comfort.
| Heat pump | Pellet boiler | Electric boiler | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment | higher | medium | lower |
| Cost per season* | ~€229 underfloor · ~€314 radiators | depends on the pellet price | ~€1,100 |
| Daily effort | none | refilling, ash cleaning | none |
| Space | unit outside | boiler room + pellet store | small |
| Summer cooling | yes, with fan coils (optional) | no | no |
| Smoke and ash | no | yes | no |
* 10,000 kWh of heat, electricity at 11 cents/kWh; heat pump efficiency 4.8 (underfloor) or 3.5 (radiators). Compare the pellet boiler with the current pellet price in your area.
Are there subsidies?
Calls and criteria change. The Ministry of Economy announced the close of the call for efficient equipment in October 2024. Check the Ministry of Economy and e-Kosova for current announcements and conditions before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Does a heat pump work in winter?
Yes, air-to-water models can work at low temperatures, but the limits and capacity depend on the model and conditions. The system must be sized for the building.
Can I use my existing radiators?
Sometimes yes. A professional should check the radiators, the heat loss and the water temperature needed.
Is installation included in the €4,500?
No. The price is for the Samsung EHS Mono R290 12 kW unit only; installation is quoted separately.
Does the Mono need an indoor unit?
No. The Samsung EHS Mono is a monobloc: only water pipes are connected inside the home. A hot-water tank is usually added.
How many kW does my home need?
It depends on the heat loss. As a guide, a 120–150 m² home with average insulation usually needs about 10–12 kW; the exact value is calculated during the visit.
Does a heat pump work at −20°C?
Yes. The Samsung EHS Mono R290 heats at outdoor temperatures down to −25°C. On the coldest days capacity and efficiency drop, so the heat pump is sized with a margin for the Kosovo winter.
Our experience
Install Engineering has completed more than 1,000 projects, from homes to commercial projects such as Prishtina Mall. See our projects, Samsung solutions and heating systems.
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