Written on: March 10, 2025 by ICM
Weil-McLain, a manufacturer of hydronic comfort heating solutions, has introduced the ECO HP Air-to-Water Heat Pump, an electric heat pump designed for residential and light commercial applications. This new system is a key component of the ECO Hybrid Dual-Fuel Hydronic System, combining the efficiency of a heat pump with the reliability of a traditional gas boiler to deliver energy-efficient gains, consistent comfort, year-round domestic hot water capabilities and reduced carbon emissions.
The ECO HP operates efficiently in milder temperatures, seamlessly transitioning to the boiler during extreme cold to ensure consistent warmth, hot water production and reduced energy consumption year-round.
“This hybrid dual-fuel hydronic system is engineered to provide the best of both worlds—utilizing the heat pump’s high efficiency and decarbonization potential while leveraging the boiler’s dependability as a backup when needed,” said Elliott Willey, Director of Product Management & Climate Conscious with Weil-McLain.
The ECO Hybrid System integrates the ECO HP within a traditional gas boiler hydronic heating system, providing an adaptable, dual-fuel solution. This setup enables homes to remain warm even in the coldest climates by leveraging the heat pump’s efficiency during milder temperatures and the boiler’s reliability as a backup.
The ECO Hybrid System is designed for flexibility, allowing for phased installation, which could be beneficial when replacing a failed boiler in the cold of winter. “We designed the ECO Hybrid System for phased installation, allowing contractors to quickly restore heat with a heat-pump-ready boiler during winter, and add the outdoor heat pump in warmer months to maximize efficiency without interrupting home comfort,” said Willey.
Engineered with noise reduction technology, the ECO HP operates at a quiet sound due to a bionic fan design and enhancements in its twin-rotor compressor. These features make it suitable for residential settings where noise reduction is a priority.
Unlike forced-air heating systems that distribute heat through the air, the ECO HP uses hot water in a closed-loop system to provide radiant and convective heat, offering improved indoor air quality by reducing the spread of dust, allergens and airborne pollutants.
In addition to heating, the ECO HP is designed to deliver domestic hot water year-round, providing a reliable and energy-efficient solution for all seasons.
As part of the dual-fuel solution, the ECO HP ensures consistent comfort, extends equipment life expectancy and delivers significant energy savings across all climates. The system operates with an eco-friendly R32 refrigerant, offering up to three times greater efficiency compared to traditional heating methods.
To optimize these benefits, Weil-McLain has developed the ECO Calc Application Sizing Tool. This tool aids in properly sizing the application by analyzing data on the home’s heating load, heat pump capacity, localized weather data and utility rates and more, ensuring the system performs at its best in every installation.
To learn more about the ECO HP, visit www.weil-mclain.com/eco-hybrid-heat-pump-system.
