LINUO RITTER Launches New Upgraded R290 Heat Pumps – 24kW, 28kW & 32kW for Commercial Heating, Cooling & Hot Water

New Upgraded R290 Heat Pump: What’s New and Why It Matters

Our new upgraded R290 heat pump series is now in production. Based on our practical experience manufacturing renewable energy systems for over 60 countries, this upgrade focuses on three things customers ask for most: lower environmental impact, simpler control, and lower running costs.

The new series is available in 24kW, 28kW, and 32kW capacities and handles space heating, space cooling, and domestic hot water from one unit. The first finished units have rolled off our production line – the factory photos below show the upgraded cabinet with dual fans and the R290 label clearly visible.

If you are specifying a heat pump for a hotel, hospital, apartment block, or industrial facility, this article explains what changed, what it does, and how to evaluate it for your project. You can also browse our full Heat Pump Product Range for related models.

Why the Upgrade to R290 Refrigerant?

The most important change in this new series is the refrigerant. R290 is propane – a natural refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 3. By comparison, R410A has a GWP of 2,088 and R32 has a GWP of 675.

According to the European Commission’s F-Gas Regulation, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) face significant phasedown in the coming years. R290 sits outside that restriction because it is natural. For deeper technical background, see the UNEP R290 Refrigerant Information.

The practical benefits of the upgrade for your project:

• Future-proof compliance – no exposure to HFC bans or quotas

• Higher efficiency at high temperatures – produces hot water up to 75°C

• Better cold-climate performance – stable heating output at low ambient temperatures

• Lower refrigerant charge – reduced cost and lower impact if a leak occurs

For consultants and building owners, the upgraded R290 heat pump is a technology choice that meets tomorrow’s rules today.

New Product Overview: 24kW, 28kW, and 32kW

The upgraded series is built for commercial and large residential applications. One cabinet delivers:

• Space heating – with dual-zone control

• Space cooling – for year-round comfort

• Domestic hot water (DHW) – with optional recirculation

The cabinet uses a compact vertical design with dual fans. The unit ships on a wooden pallet, ready for installation.

Note: Final technical parameters are confirmed in the unit’s nameplate and installation manual. For sizing assistance, Contact Our Sales Team.

Upgraded Wired Controller: Clear, Multi-Language, Easy to Operate

The upgraded wired controller is designed so installers and end users can operate the system without a steep learning curve. On first power-on, the screen asks you to select a language – 13 options are available, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Dutch, Swedish, Portuguese, and Turkish.

Separate Home Pages for Each Mode

The controller presents dedicated home pages for Heating, Cooling, and DHW. Switch between them using the on-screen arrows. Each page shows the current water temperature and allows adjustment two ways:

• Slide the temperature bar for quick changes

• Tap “+” or “−” for precise one-degree adjustment

With the dual-zone function enabled, separate Zone 1 and Zone 2 pages appear – useful when different areas of a building need different temperatures.

One-Button Control for All Functions

Press the main switch to turn all active modes on or off together. A confirmation pop-up appears the first time; select “No more reminders” to skip it in future.

Upgraded Energy-Saving Functions That Cut Running Costs

A commercial heat pump only delivers value if it keeps operating costs down. The upgraded controller includes several functions aimed at exactly that.

DHW OffPeak Timer

Where electricity tariffs have peak and off-peak periods, this function heats water during cheap hours – for example, 0:00 to 8:00 – then stops during expensive daytime hours. A “keep warm” period can maintain minimum comfort at lower cost.

ECO Mode

ECO mode adjusts operation for maximum energy efficiency. It can be scheduled by time period and by day of the week, so weekday and weekend settings can differ.

Weather Curve

The Weather Curve automatically adjusts outlet water temperature based on outdoor conditions. When it is warmer outside, the unit lowers water temperature; when colder, it raises it. An offset allows fine-tuning between energy saving and comfort.

Silence Function

For installations near bedrooms or offices, the Silence Function reduces fan and compressor speed. Two levels are available – Level 2 is quieter but reduces capacity further. This trade-off should be understood before setting it.

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Upgraded Real-World Functions for Commercial Buildings

Holiday Away Function – When a building is empty, the unit shuts down automatically on the start date. On the last day of the holiday at 0:00, it turns back on so the building is comfortable when occupants return. Disinfection can be scheduled to run before the holiday ends.

Fast DHW – If a hotel suddenly needs a large volume of hot water, this function pauses heating or cooling and switches to strong DHW operation. It runs once and exits automatically when the set temperature is reached.

Large DHW – For sustained high hot water demand, this function raises the set temperature to maximum and runs in powerful mode. The operating period is configurable, defaulting to 24 hours.

Disinfection – Scheduled thermal disinfection helps prevent Legionella growth in the hot water tank. Set the start time and choose a frequency – a specific day, every day, or once every 5, 10, or 15 days.

Upgraded Smart Life App: Remote Control and OTA Updates

The built-in WiFi module connects the upgraded heat pump to the Smart Life app, available for iOS on the App Store and Android on Google Play. After pairing – which requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth on your phone – you can:

• Monitor heating, cooling, and DHW status in real time

• Adjust temperature settings from anywhere

• Set schedules and holiday periods

• Receive fault notifications

The app also supports OTA (Over-the-Air) updates for the controller program, main control board program, and parameter program. During an update, do not power off the unit or operate the controller.

Installation and Documentation

Installation instructions for the wired controller are covered in the Installation & Owner’s Manual supplied with each unit. The manual also contains the full menu structure for end-user settings, including:

• Space operation mode

• Parameters setting (DHW OffPeak Timer, Disinfection, DHW Recirculation)

• General setting (language, time & date, screen lock, brightness)

• Connection (WiFi setup and reset)

• Information (unit information, service information, error information, energy consumption)

Installation should be carried out by a qualified installer, and the commissioning checklist in the manual should be completed before handover. For further details, visit About LINUO RITTER or browse our Solar Water Heater Solutions.

About LINUO RITTER

LINUO RITTER is a Sino-German joint venture established in April 2001 between Linuo Group Holdings Co., Ltd. (China) and Ritter Energie-und Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co. KG (Germany). The company manufactures solar thermal systems, air-source heat pumps, and hybrid energy solutions, with products exported to over 60 countries.

Our certifications include European Solar Keymark, US SRCC, German TUV, SASO, and DCL. In May 2025, we launched the world’s first solar-powered “lights-out factory” for flat plate collectors, achieving 100% automation and an annual output of one million collectors. Learn more on our official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is new about the upgraded R290 heat pump?
The upgrade centres on the R290 natural refrigerant, an improved wired controller with 13 languages, expanded energy-saving functions, and OTA update capability through the Smart Life app.

What is an R290 heat pump?
It is a heat pump using propane (R290) as refrigerant instead of synthetic gases. R290 has a GWP of 3, far lower than R410A or R32.

What capacities are available?
The upgraded series includes 24kW, 28kW, and 32kW models for commercial and large residential projects.

Can one unit provide heating, cooling, and hot water?
Yes. The system handles space heating, space cooling, and domestic hot water from a single cabinet.

What is the maximum hot water temperature?
The unit delivers domestic hot water up to 75°C, supporting both domestic use and radiator systems.

Does it work with underfloor heating and fan coils?
Yes. The controller supports multiple emitter types, including underfloor loops, fan coils, and radiators.

How do I control the system remotely?
Through the Smart Life app using the built-in WiFi module. The app supports monitoring, scheduling, and OTA firmware updates.

Is the unit suitable for cold climates?
R290 heat pumps maintain stable heating output at low ambient temperatures, making them suitable for a wide range of climates.

How noisy is the unit?
The Silence Function reduces fan and compressor speed. Level 2 is quieter but reduces heating or cooling capacity.

How often should disinfection run?
Frequency depends on hot water usage and local regulations. The controller allows daily, weekly, or interval-based scheduling.

Where can I get technical support?
Contact Our Sales Team for documentation, sizing assistance, and after-sales support.