Whether in mild or cold climates, for new builds or renovations, heat pumps represent a tangible solution for achieving European climate neutrality by 2050. 

In recent years, the European heat pump market has experienced a period of instability, with declining sales and uncertain consumers. The current scenario, however, is showing signs of stabilisation, with demand gradually increasing. The EU is expected to introduce new measures to support the transition to more sustainable solutions such as heat pumps. These are aimed at reducing the cost of electricity to accelerate the electrification of final consumption and introducing a carbon price on fossil fuels for heating buildings.

High efficiency, electrification, integration: the direction for reducing dependence on fossil fuels is clear and all stakeholders must be ready. 

CAREL’s solution for residential heat pumps

For both air/water and water/water heat pumps, CAREL’s customers can rely on high-performance solutions that comply with the latest regulations (F-GAS, Cybersecurity,..). The hardware components, the software for managing the refrigerant and hydronic circuits, and the intelligent control systems are optimally integrated from a smart home perspective. 
 
Among the CAREL products exhibited at MCE 26 is the new controller designed and optimised for residential heat pump manufacturers and installers. This STone-based controller brings numerous advantages, some of which make it unique:

• Compact size

• Scalability and flexibility 

• Extensive connectivity 

• Compliance with the latest cybersecurity standards 

The ready-to-use software, developed on the STone platform, ensures the best coordination of components and the highest operational efficiency. The management logic can moreover be customised, adding the manufacturer’s own know-how. The solution is modular and suitable for outdoor units (ODU), indoor units (IDU) and all-in-one units. 

To adapt to multiple climate zones and thermal loads, manufacturers are increasingly adopting high-efficiency systems. The PSD2 series inverters perfectly modulate variable-speed DC compressors. The final version of the three-phase inverter with an integrated active PFC stands out among these compressor drives. It is designed to meet the strictest EMC regulations, ensuring low THDi and a high power factor across the entire operating range (full compliance with IEC 61000-3-2 < 16 A). Another new addition that meets the needs of single-phase units is the 23 A inverter.

Completing the package is the E2V-K high-temperature hermetic electronic expansion valve, which ensures precise control of refrigerant flow at all times.

The screw-on or weld-on SPKT/SPKS sensors provide accurate pressure measurements at critical points in the circuit.

Various user terminals are available for commissioning, maintenance and diagnostics, from the semi-graphic pGDN to the 7-segment display with Bluetooth. The latter can be used with the APPLICA app to manage the unit from a smartphone, carry out guided troubleshooting and access numerous advanced functions. The pGDx colour graphic display completes the offering. 

With the new F-GAS regulation, the use of low-GWP natural refrigerants is now a reality; however, R-290 is classified as highly flammable (category A3). 

CAREL’s heat pump solution includes A3-ready, ATEX or hermetic products and therefore does not represent sources of ignition, even in the presence of flammable refrigerants. If all the components on the unit meet the same requirements, the leakage tests defined by EN 60335-2-40 can be omitted.
To increase unit safety, CAREL offers the GLD Mini sensor, capable of precisely detecting any refrigerant leaks using NDIR technology with dual alarm relays. 

Cooperation with selected partners

Alongside CAREL-branded products, a strategic role is played by cooperation with selected partners, allowing the rapid integration of ready-to-use new features.
In a context where homes are becoming increasingly smart and high-performance, CAREL can offer its customers a connected system for unit and zone supervision to efficiently manage energy, maximising indoor comfort. 

Enhance your solution by using digital twin technology

As part of the STone ecosystem, we find STone Virtual Loop. By using mathematical models, this tool allows users to emulate the behaviour of the unit's software on a PC from the design stage. This ensures that software bugs can be identified and corrected in advance, without the need for physical prototypes or laboratories. The result is a significant reduction in development time and costs, as well as superior final quality, which are key aspects in standing out in the market. Not to mention the reduction in maintenance costs for the existing unit range.

Don't miss our speech

Discover CAREL solutions at MCE 2026

Visit us at stand A01/B10, Hall 11 to discover how CAREL solutions can help you design residential heat pumps
that are efficient, safe and ready for the future.