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?
This was true when the pro launched. At the time, the pro's 49 dB(A) beat the plus's 51 dB(A) (5 kW) and 53 dB(A) (7 kW). Vaillant has since updated the plus: the current generation runs at 44.3 dB(A) and 46.8 dB(A) at those sizes, quieter than the pro. If noise is the deciding factor, check the plus's current spec sheet rather than assume the pro still wins here.
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 pro also has a smaller footprint than the plus at the top of the range. All three pro sizes, the 5 kW, 7 kW, and 11 kW, use a single fan. The plus moves to a twin-fan casing at 10 kW and 12 kW, which takes up more space. If you're already nervous about the visual impact of an outdoor unit, the pro's single-fan design across its full range is a genuine reassurance.
Our view
The pro remains a strong default for most new installations, but it's always down to what the homeowner wants and what the heat loss assessment shows. It costs less through Heat Geek and stays on a single fan right up to 11 kW. Since Vaillant updated the plus, it now matches the pro on Flexible Space Function, finish, and noise, and it carries a longer guarantee through Heat Geek, so the two sit closer together than they did at launch, and guarantee length is worth weighing too.
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.
