In the Panasonic Aquarea range you choose between two popular families: High Performance and T-CAP. Both are air-to-water heat pumps, and the difference lies in cold-weather output and application. This summary is based on manufacturer data. Exact figures can differ by generation, so we also check the current datasheet before the final decision.
What does T-CAP mean?
T-CAP stands for Total Capacity. The output of conventional heat pumps drops as outdoor temperature falls, just when the building's heat demand rises. The T-CAP design solves this by maintaining its rated heating capacity down to an outdoor temperature of -15 degrees C, so no backup heating element is needed. This matters especially in less well insulated houses, with radiator systems and in colder locations with harsh winters.
High Performance: efficiency and price
The High Performance range is the ideal choice for well-insulated, low-temperature (underfloor-heated) houses. It offers high seasonal efficiency (SCOP) and is usually available at a lower price. In Hungary the winter design temperature is typically between -12 and -15 degrees C, so in most well-insulated houses High Performance is adequate, since the peak load rarely coincides with the coldest hours.
Sizing: 5, 7, 9, 12, 16 kW
The High Performance family typically comes in single- and three-phase 5, 7 and 9 kW versions, with 12 and 16 kW models for larger demands, while T-CAP is typically available in the larger 9, 12 and 16 kW range. Sizing is based on the building's calculated heat loss at design temperature, not square metres. Indicative values:
| House type | Heat loss (approx.) | Suggested output |
|---|---|---|
| Well-insulated, smaller house (80 to 110 m2) | 4 to 6 kW | 5 to 7 kW |
| Average family house (120 to 150 m2) | 7 to 9 kW | 9 kW |
| Poorly insulated, larger house | 10 to 12 kW | 12 kW, T-CAP |
| Large house, high-temperature radiator system | 13 to 16 kW | 16 kW, T-CAP |
Mono-bloc, bi-bloc or All in One?
- Mono-bloc: the hydraulics sit in the outdoor unit and only water enters the house, with no refrigerant lines. Installation is simpler, with no refrigeration work inside the building. However, freeze protection of the water on the outdoor section matters (glycol or the unit's frost protection function).
- Bi-bloc (split): an outdoor unit and an indoor hydro module connected by refrigerant lines. There is no freezing risk in the water circuit and lower piping losses, but installation needs refrigeration work.
- All in One: a bi-bloc design with a built-in hot water tank in the indoor unit. It saves space and installs quickly, with everything in one cabinet, so it is popular in new builds and renovations.
Which to choose?
- Well-insulated house, underfloor heating: High Performance, for lower price and excellent SCOP.
- Radiator house, earlier renovation, harsh winters: T-CAP, because there is no output loss in frost.
- Little space in the plant room: All in One.
- Simple, quick installation: mono-bloc.
With solar
Aquarea models can be matched to solar surplus through SG-ready control, while the buffer tank and hot water production use the midday output. We cover planning this combination in more detail in our article on combining heat pumps and solar.
The most common mistake is oversizing. A bigger machine costs more and is not necessarily more efficient. We therefore always start with a heat loss calculation and only then choose a model. Request a survey and we will tell you which version and output suit your house.
