Taco recently came out with an air-to-water heat pump and premiered it at the AHR Expo in Atlanta on 2.6.2023. I had the pleasure of visiting the booth and checking it out. Here is a quick review of this cool heat pump.

The Series M heat pump by Taco Comfort is a cutting-edge solution for heating, cooling and domestic hot water. This innovative unit boasts a 44,000 BTU/h heating capacity and a 3-1/2 ton cooling capacity, making it perfect for homes up to 2,100 SF.  The Series M heat pump also has a maximum Coefficient of Performance (COP) greater than 4, which is 20% greater than code minimum and means you can expect to save on energy costs compared to traditional heating and cooling systems.

The Series M heat pump is powered by an inverter-driven, variable speed scroll compressor with a wide operation range.  Heating functions in ambient temperatures from -7°F and cooling operates up to 113°F.  These operating ranges make the System M suitable for most locations in the US.

Functionally, the heat pump system consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit (Hydrobox).  The outdoor unit rejects or absorbs heat from the ambient environment.  Then the indoor unit generates hot and cold water.  There are many different ways the heat pump can be used but some examples include:

• Radiant floor heating
• Domestic hot water 
• Air handler with hydronic heating and/or cooling coil
• Chilled Beam
• Snowmelt

Heat Pump

The heat pump is installed outside a house and luckily the heat pump is quiet at only 29 dB(A) so it can be installed adjacent to a bedroom without producing too much noise. The heat pump has a inverter-driven variable speed scroll compressor. The advantage of an inverter-driven variable speed scroll compressor is that it provides a more efficient and precise way to regulate the heating and cooling output of a heat pump system. Traditional heat pumps operate at a fixed speed, which means they are either fully on or off, and they cycle on and off to maintain the desired temperature. This can lead to temperature swings and inefficient use of energy.

In contrast, an inverter-driven compressor can adjust its speed based on the heating or cooling demand of the space, which means it can ramp up or down to maintain the temperature more precisely and continuously. This results in a more consistent and efficient use of energy, which can lead to energy savings and lower operating costs over time. Additionally, the ability to adjust the speed of the compressor based on the demand can lead to a more comfortable indoor environment, as the system can respond more quickly to changes in temperature or humidity.

Another improvement is that the thermal circuit between the heat pump and the hydrobox is done with a water loop. This means that all the refrigerant is contained inside the heat pump and that a refrigerant license is not required.

HydroBox

One standout feature is that Taco can provide an optional 85 gallon indirect hot water tank.  The tank is stainless steel, includes 2” of R-12 insulation and has an integrated immersion heater as a back-up heat source.

Additionally, the hydrobox comes with many accessories not typically provided by manufacturers but that are necessary for efficient operation.  This includes an integrated buffer tank to reduce compressor cycling, a variable speed ECM circulator, air elimination, isolation valves and expansion tank.  Having all these devices included in the indoor unit significantly reduces space requirements and installation time.  Taco even claims that by having these accessories factory installed reduces installation time by 50%.

The Series M heat pump is also internet ready, which means you can simply plug it into your home’s router and enjoy all the benefits of a connected unit. The intuitive touch screen display and multi-tier control access make it easy to monitor and adjust your system, and software updates ensure that you always have the latest features and upgrades. Additionally, a commissioning report is generated upon system start-up, and all changes made to system settings are tracked, so you always have a complete record of your unit’s performance.

Installation Requirements:

• 240v / 2 phase 30 amp service for heat pump
• 120v / 1 phase 15 amp circuit for hydrobox
• Heat pump measures 66 tall, 33” wide and 24” long
  • Requires a housekeeping pad 42”x32”x6” deep
  • Clearance from back of unit is 1.3’, each side requires 1.6’ clearance and the front requires 3.3’ clearance
• Hydrobox measures 67” tall. 30: wide and 27” long
  • Requires 24” clearance on each side and 30” clearance in the front
• Hydrobox has 1” piping connections
• Heat pump has 1-¼” piping connections
• 100’ Maximum piping length between heat pump and hydrobox

The Taco System M has a heating capacity of 44,000 BTU/h and a cooling capacity of 3-1/2 tons. A general rule of thumb is that houses require 20 BTU per square foot. So the System M is a great size for a 1,800 – 2,400 SF house. If the house is larger than multiple System M can be installed. To get a precise sizing a detailed load calculation, or Manual J, is necessary. To learn more about how to conduct a Manual J see this blog post: A Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Manual J Load Calculation for Your Residential House

In conclusion, the Series M heat pump by Taco Comfort is an innovative and efficient heating and cooling solution that offers a wide range of features to meet the needs of both residential and commercial users. With its high heating and cooling capacity, quiet operation, and wide operating range, this unit is a great choice for anyone looking to save on energy costs while still enjoying the benefits of a comfortable indoor environment. Additionally, the numerous accessories and internet connectivity make installation and monitoring a breeze, while the optional hot water tank adds another layer of convenience. Overall, the Series M heat pump is an excellent investment for those looking to upgrade their HVAC system and enjoy the latest in heating and cooling technology.

For other equipment reviews check out the review page here: Reviews.

If you’re interested in a heat pump that can switch between electricity and gas you can check out review of the Mitsubishi Intella-Heat duel fuel heat pump