We're one of the first to install the Vaillant aroTHERM pro heat pump
The Vaillant aroTHERM pro is a genuinely useful addition to the market. The Flexible Space Function solves a real problem for UK properties in terms of where you can put it and the anthracite finish is a significant bonus for many. With the right pricing through Heat Geek, this is now a great option for many people looking to get a heat pump.
Heat Geek installers are among the first in the UK to fit the Vaillant aroTHERM pro. Here's what the launch of the new aroTHERM actually means for homeowners.
Why this launch matters
The new aroTHERM pro is a big step for Vaillant in the UK with some significant feature changes that will directly benefit homeowners.
The Flexible Space Function is the thing that stands out. R290 heat pumps have always come with exclusion zone requirements that can create real headaches for UK properties. One metre of clear space in every direction, free from ignition sources. This can rule out a surprising number of otherwise sensible installation spots.
The pro changes that by running its fan continuously at low speed in standby. That keeps any potential refrigerant leak dispersed, which means the exclusion zone shrinks to just the area directly below and behind the unit, and in some cases back into a corner if installed near one. Corners, tight side returns, spots close to fences: locations that used to be off the table are now viable.
That's not a small thing. Having a unit that genuinely opens up more options makes a practical difference to what we can offer homeowners. This is a particular win especially for terraced houses and smaller properties with less outdoor space.
What it's like to install
The installation process is familiar to anyone who's worked on the aroTHERM plus. The indoor connections, the commissioning sequence, the sensoCOMFORT setup: all recognisable. The Flexible Space Function adds a step to commissioning, but it's a straightforward one, activated through the installer wizard on the unit's interface.
The base skirting kit is a nice detail. It hides the feet and gives the finished installation a cleaner look at ground level. Small thing, but homeowners notice it.
Wall mounting works for all sizes up to 135 kg, which covers the 11 kW. Useful for properties where the ground-level options are limited.
Is there anything we'd flag?
The pro is actually quieter than the aroTHERM plus. The 5 kW and 7 kW both measure 49 dB(A) sound power, against 51 and 53 dB(A) respectively for the equivalent plus models. The plus has a strong reputation for quiet operation, so this was a pleasant surprise. For noise-sensitive installations it's a genuine advantage.
If the Flexible Space Function is active, the outdoor unit needs to stay powered on at all times. That's simple enough to explain at handover, but it's an important point. Homeowners sometimes switch outdoor units off at the isolator over summer. With FSF active, that's not the right approach.
The aroTHERM pro also has a smaller physical footprint than the plus. All three sizes, the 5 kW, 7 kW, and 11 kW, use a single fan. The aroTHERM plus moves to a twin-fan unit at 10 and 12 kW, which means a significantly larger casing. For homeowners who are already nervous about the visual impact of an outdoor unit, the pro's single-fan design across the full size range is a genuine reassurance.
Our view
The aroTHERM pro may become our default recommendation for most new installations, but it's always down to what the homeowner wants. It does everything the plus does, costs less through Heat Geek and fits in more spaces.
If you're considering a heat pump and want to know whether the aroTHERM pro is right for your property, a Heat Geek Design Consultation will give you a clear answer. We'll assess your space, size the system properly, and tell you exactly what to expect.
