The discussion about modern heating systems has been much more intense in recent years than before. Legal requirements, rising energy prices and a growing awareness of long-term investment security have led to heat pumps moving from a niche market to the centre of building technology.
The focus is not only on pure efficiency, but also on issues such as delivery capability, system integration, control concepts and suitability for everyday use. This is precisely where Samsung's new R290 heat pump comes in, specifically designed to meet these requirements. Heat pumps with natural refrigerants are currently considered one of the most important technological developments on the market. Propane, also known as R290, is increasingly seen as a sustainable alternative to synthetic refrigerants. Not only is it significantly more environmentally friendly, it also enables higher flow temperatures, which is a decisive factor, especially in existing buildings.
The R290 heat pump is available in several power ratings, covering a wide range of applications. The smaller versions with five and eight kilowatts are primarily aimed at single-family homes with moderate heating requirements, while the larger versions with twelve and sixteen kilowatts are increasingly interesting for larger residential buildings. A striking feature is the comparatively compact housing, which does not require oversized dimensions despite the natural refrigerant. A key feature of this heat pump is its design quality. The outdoor unit has won a design award, which is by no means a matter of course in the technical field of heating systems. Appearance is playing an increasingly important role, especially in densely built-up residential areas or when installed in a visible outdoor location.
A key issue in modern heating technology is the question of control. The R290 heat pump can be operated either via an integrated control unit in conjunction with the Samsung app or integrated into an on-site control concept. This opens up a high degree of flexibility for different planning approaches. In addition to pure operation, the main focus is on integration into existing systems. The heat pump can be operated with the manufacturer's own storage tank or with storage tanks provided by the customer. In these cases, a separate control unit is available that allows access to the heat pump independently of the storage system used. This avoids the need for builders or planners to commit to a rigid system architecture.
An often underestimated aspect in the evaluation of heating systems is the manufacturer's industrial depth. Samsung benefits here from an exceptionally high level of vertical integration. Almost all central components are developed and produced within the company's own group. This applies not only to housings and control technology, but also to central components such as compressors and electronic components. This independence from external suppliers has proven to be a strategic advantage, particularly in recent years. While other suppliers struggled with delivery bottlenecks, Samsung remained able to deliver in many cases. For tradespeople and builders, this is a factor that should not be underestimated, as planning reliability and availability are often more important in everyday life than theoretical efficiency values.
The R290 heat pump is designed for high flow temperatures and is therefore also suitable for existing buildings where traditional radiators are still in use. At the same time, it achieves a high level of efficiency, which makes it suitable for use in both new buildings and renovations. The combination of performance and natural refrigerant makes the system regulatory-compliant in the long term. Typical areas of application can be summarised as follows:
Another relevant point is eligibility for subsidies. The R290 heat pump is listed in the relevant subsidy lists and can therefore be included in government subsidy programmes. Depending on the initial situation, subsidy rates are available that can cover a significant proportion of the investment costs. For many builders, this is a key argument when deciding on a particular system. In addition, support is often offered in processing subsidies, so that technical planning and formal requirements are interlinked. This can significantly simplify the decision-making process, especially for more complex renovation projects.
The heat pump market is currently undergoing significant change. New manufacturers are entering the market, existing suppliers are expanding their portfolios, and regulatory requirements are continuously changing the framework conditions. In this environment, the combination of technology, industrial stability and system openness is playing an increasingly important role. Samsung's R290 heat pump is not positioned as an isolated individual product, but as part of a comprehensive system concept. Design, control, vertical integration and eligibility for subsidies are interlinked, addressing key issues that builders, planners and tradespeople are facing today. It is precisely this holistic approach that is likely to determine which systems will prevail in the market in the long term.