A2A heat pump: split or monobloc?

Reed_Richards

I have been looking to install an air-to-air heat pump as a heater for a workshop room at the back of our (detached) garage.  I need about 12000 BTU and Appliances Direct sell split systems for about £600.  But most of these require an f-gas certified installer and the few that don't presumably still need someone with equipment like a vacuum pump in order to pump-out the connecting tubes.  I am struggling to find an f-gas installer in my rural locale and I am told that if I could find one they might charge well over £1000 in labour.

But I can buy a monobloc unit for about £900 which could be installed by any electrician, who surely wouldn't charge more than a few hundred pounds in labour.  Is this really the money-saving option that it seems to be, or am I missing something?  

zxzxzx

Noise?, which may or may not be an issue in a workshop.

Monoblock	50 to 70	Comparable to a quiet restaurant (50 dB) to a busy street (70 dB)
Split	30 to 55	Quieter, with the compressor located outside

QrizB

Agreed that noise is the drawback of these monobloc systems.

A split puts the noisiest part outside.

matelodave

It depends on how much noise you are prepared to put-up with as all the gubbins will be inside the building including the compressor. That may be OK for a garage/workshop or even a conservatory or kitchen but it may well be intrusive in a lounge and even more so in a bedroom where the background is fairly quiet

We have a Meaco dehumidifier which is rated at 40-42db and although its in the hall its obvious when its running and Mrs Matelo says it keeps her awake at night, so gets turned off.

I dont find it particularly irritating but the monobloc through wall units seem to be around 50-70db which is quite a bit louder. I'd suggest that you go and have a listen to one before taking the plunge as it will require one or more big holes in the wall to install it. https://www.appliancesdirect.co.uk/p/iqool-smart12hp/electriq-iqoolsmart12hp-air-conditioner

wrf12345

Probably best to find an F-gas engineer who can supply and install the unit, £750-1500 depending on where you live, with London the most expensive. If monoblock then make sure it is an inverter type or it won't work in really cold weather, you may not need an electrician if it is 13amp or less as can just be plugged in but will need two large holes in the wall (unless you are going for the cheapo stuff with a pipe you stick out of the window that is not installed on the internal wall), £800-1000 depending on what offers are available.

Assume there is a database of F-gas engineers somewhere in the system, I found one on Facebook Marketplace who seemed reasonably priced. Or go via the likes of Mitsibushi who should be able to recommend an installer. One man operations are the only way you are going to get  a good deal, I'd say.