Heat pumps work best at low flow temperatures. Underfloor heating is the natural emitter, but in renovations (existing tile floors, listed buildings, time and budget constraints) a different solution is needed. Heat-pump convectors fill that gap.
1. The HPC family in 2026
Daikin offers three form factors:
- FWXV (floor): radiator-format, 10-18 cm depth. Easiest replacement for an existing radiator.
- FWXT (wall): high on the wall, cassette-style. Frees up floor space.
- FWXM (built-in): ducted, hidden in ceiling or soffit. Highest aesthetic, most installation work.
2. SCOP impact
Convectors enable a heat pump to operate at 35 °C flow instead of 55 °C — typically lifting the seasonal SCOP by 0.5 to 0.8. On a yearly basis that converts to roughly 10-15 % lower electricity consumption versus radiator-only.
3. Sound — the unsung win
At minimum speed: 25 dB(A) at 1 m. That is below the background noise of a typical living room. At maximum the unit reaches 56-58 dB(A) Lw — but that is only triggered during defrost or hard recovery from setback.
4. Verdict
Solid 4.5 / 5. Convectors are the unsung hero of retrofit heat-pump projects. They cost more than radiators, less than underfloor heating, and deliver the SCOP gains that make a heat pump economical in an older home.
FAQ
What is a heat-pump convector?
A fan-coil unit that uses warm or cool water from your heat pump to heat or cool the room. Daikin calls its line 'Altherma HPC' and offers three forms: floor model (FWXV), wall model (FWXT) and built-in model (FWXM). Source: Daikin Heat-Pump Convectors catalog 2026, p.200.
Does a convector also work at 35 °C flow?
Yes — that is what it is designed for. Daikin notes in the catalog (p.200, p.481) that the Altherma HPC is 'optimised for combination with heat pumps, with flow temperatures up to 35 °C in heating mode'. The spec table itself is published at 45/40 °C because that is the EN 1397 reference test point. At 35 °C a convector delivers roughly 55 % of the 45 °C output.
How many convectors do I need per room?
Rule of thumb: 1 convector per room is enough up to ~25 m² in a well-insulated home. For larger or poorly insulated rooms install two or pick the FWXV20 (2.32 kW @45 °C). Our room-sizing calculator on /product/daikin-warmtepomp-convectoren computes this per room (NL).
Will I hear it? Is the noise annoying?
On the lowest setting the FWXV whispers at 25 dB(A) at 1 m — quieter than a yawn. At full output it climbs to a maximum of 56-58 dB(A) Lw, comparable to a normal conversation. The sound is also CONSTANT and broad-spectrum (white noise), which many people find more pleasant than the pulsing compressor of an outdoor unit.
What is the difference vs. a regular split air-conditioner?
An air-conditioner uses refrigerant directly (R-32 or R-454C) between indoor and outdoor units. A convector uses water from the heat pump — so only water pipes enter the home, no gas. That is safer, simpler, and you can run multiple rooms on one heat pump without an outdoor unit per room.
Can I use convectors for cooling too?
Yes, provided your heat pump supports cooling (all Daikin Altherma 4 H, GEO and M-series do). The FWXV floor model delivers 0.78–2.99 kW cooling capacity (catalog p.206). Note: a condensate drain must be present for cooling mode.
Read the Dutch original at /warmtepomp-convectoren-review.