Content Overview:
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Bobiller.
What Is a Heat Pump？
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
Types of Heat Pumps
Advantages and Disadvantages of Heat Pumps
The Heat Pump Industry in China
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Heat Pump Supplier
Why Choose Solareast – Heat Pump Manufacturer in China?
Benefits of Working with Solareast
A heat pump is an energy-efficient device that transfers heat from one place to another—usually from the air, water, or ground—using electricity. Instead of generating heat directly like traditional boilers or furnaces, it moves existing heat to either warm or cool indoor spaces. Heat pumps are widely used for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Understanding what a heat pump is forms the foundation of smart purchasing decisions, especially for businesses seeking scalable, eco-friendly HVAC solutions.
Heat pumps operate by extracting heat from a source (such as outdoor air or groundwater) and transferring it indoors using a refrigerant cycle. In heating mode, they absorb heat from outside air—even in cold climates—and release it indoors. In cooling mode, they reverse the process.
Their core advantage lies in their efficiency: for every unit of electricity consumed, they can deliver 3–4 units of heating or cooling. This makes them a top choice in today’s push for lower-carbon, energy-saving systems.
* solareast air source heat pumps
Air Source Heat Pumps – Most common and cost-effective, especially in moderate climates.
Water Source Heat Pumps – Use groundwater or lake water for heat transfer, often seen in commercial applications.
Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps – Offer stable, long-term efficiency but higher upfront costs.
Commercial & Swimming Pool Heat Pumps – Specialized systems for industrial buildings and recreational facilities.
Each type caters to a different scale and environment. If you're seeking commercial heat pump manufacturers in China, choosing the right technology is the first step toward success.
4kW monobloc heat pump
Highly energy-efficient (up to 400% efficiency)
Reduce operational costs over time
Offer both heating and cooling in one system
Compatible with solar systems
Fewer carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel heating
Higher upfront cost compared to boilers
Slightly reduced efficiency in extreme cold without hybrid support
May require retrofitting for older buildings
That said, the most efficient heat pump models have overcome many past challenges, making them ideal for businesses investing in sustainable infrastructure.
China has become one of the global leaders in heat pump manufacturing, driven by government incentives, high-volume production capacity, and advanced R&D. Chinese manufacturers are not just scaling production—they are rapidly improving quality, sustainability, and OEM customization.
solareast heat pump factory
China exports to over 120 countries
Major players dominate both residential and commercial heat pump manufacturers in China segments
Strong OEM/ODM service capability
Continuous innovation in low-carbon refrigerants and smart IoT integration
If you're researching who is the biggest manufacturer of heat pumps, you'll likely come across major Chinese players like Midea, Gree, and Solareast topping export lists.
China is home to a diverse range of heat pump manufacturers, many of whom have developed international reputations for innovation, efficiency, and OEM flexibility. Here’s a closer look at five of the top Chinese heat pump manufacturing companies for , especially for B2B buyers seeking reliable, scalable solutions.
Midea is among the largest heat pump manufacturers in the world and is considered by many to be the biggest manufacturer of heat pumps by export volume.
They specialize in both residential and commercial applications and offer models that serve global markets with different voltage and climate requirements.
Midea stands out for their high investment in R&D and their global service infrastructure, making them a go-to option for distributors and large-scale commercial projects.
Strength: R&D capacity, product diversity, after-sales service
Ideal For: Commercial heat pump manufacturers in China segment, OEM bulk orders
Keywords covered: who is the biggest manufacturer of heat pumps, heat pump manufacturers
As one of the best heat pump brands , Gree has an established reputation in the HVAC sector.
The company is known for producing durable and energy-efficient heat pumps suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial use.
Their advanced inverter technology and smart control systems make them a strong player in high-tech heat pump solutions.
Strength: Energy efficiency, long product life, quality certifications
Ideal For: Long-term residential or hotel installations
Keywords covered: best heat pump manufacturer , most efficient heat pump
solareast heat pump maufacturing
Solareast is a rapidly rising force among OEM heat pump manufacturers China.
The company offers a broad range of custom heat pump solutions, including air-to-water systems, swimming pool heat pumps, and solar-integrated heating systems.
Their flexible manufacturing process allows for full customization—ideal for branding, unique casing, smart IoT integration, and regional technical adaptations.
Solareast is particularly strong in supporting custom heat pump solutions China manufacturers can provide with full OEM service, including design, mold development, testing, and certification.
Strength: OEM flexibility, solar integration, B2B collaboration
Ideal For: Distributors, OEM clients, project contractors
Keywords covered: OEM heat pump manufacturers China, custom heat pump solutions China manufacturers, heat pump manufacturers.
PHNIX has long been regarded as a solid choice among commercial heat pump manufacturers in China. Their focus is on high-efficiency units with environmentally friendly refrigerants like R290 and advanced noise control systems. They also offer a wide range of models tailored for European market standards, including ERP-certified equipment.
PHNIX is an ideal partner for buyers prioritizing energy efficiency, EU compliance, and proven field performance.
Strength: Innovation, ERP-ready models, commercial-grade performance
Ideal For: Hotels, spas, schools, and government projects
Keywords covered: commercial heat pump manufacturers in China, most efficient heat pump
Amitime rounds out our top five heat pump manufacturers with a product range that covers domestic hot water heat pumps, monobloc heat pumps, and specialized models for pool heating. They provide excellent support for wholesale heat pump suppliers China and focus on price competitiveness without compromising on efficiency.
Their systems are widely used in hospitality and light commercial buildings due to their simple operation and compact design. Amitime’s responsive sales and after-service team also make it a preferred choice for B2B customers.
Strength: Cost efficiency, pool & DHW applications
Ideal For: Wholesalers, small-scale project buyers
Keywords covered: wholesale heat pump suppliers China, heat pump manufacturers
Together, these brands represent the top Chinese heat pump manufacturing companies that can meet the high standards and diverse needs of global B2B clients in .
Choosing the right heat pump supplier in China is a key step for your business success. A great supplier does more than just provide products — they also offer reliability, long-term support, and customized solutions that match your needs. Below are key factors to consider when evaluating potential partners:
Are you interested in learning more about China Heat Pump Manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
6.1 OEM/ODM Capability
Can the supplier provide customized services? For example, can they build to your brand's specifications, including color, casing, logo placement, and software interface? Strong OEM and ODM capability allows your company to offer unique solutions in your local market. If your target market values product design or brand identity, this factor becomes critical.
solareast heat pump
6.2 Export Experience
Check if the manufacturer has experience exporting to your country or region. Do they know how to handle shipping logistics, customs clearance, and local compliance regulations (such as CE, ErP, or UL)? A supplier with export knowledge will help you avoid delays, fines, or rejections at customs.
6.3 After-Sales Service
A solid after-sales network ensures that you can rely on quick help if problems occur. Do they provide multilingual support teams? Are replacement parts available in your region? Having local warehouses or service partners is a bonus. A long-term relationship depends on the ability to solve issues post-sale.
6.4 Factory Certifications and Transparency
Request documentation like ISO , ISO , and product testing reports. Can the supplier support factory audits or video inspections? Some suppliers may even offer live-stream virtual tours. Certifications show they follow best practices for quality and environmental standards.
6.5 Communication and Responsiveness
Pay attention to how fast they respond to emails and how well they understand your needs. A good supplier will answer technical questions clearly and offer solutions, not just price quotes.
Choosing from the top Chinese heat pump manufacturing companies takes effort, but when done right, it leads to a long-lasting and profitable partnership.
These steps help you find the best heat pump brands .
This checklist will help you identify best heat pump manufacturer candidates.
Solareast combines cutting-edge technology with OEM flexibility, positioning itself as one of the top OEM heat pump manufacturers in China. As a trusted supplier to clients across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, Solareast has built a reputation for innovation, reliability, and partnership.
Solareast is not just a manufacturing powerhouse—it’s a visible player in the international HVAC industry. The company actively participates in major global exhibitions such as ISH Frankfurt, MCE Milan, and the Canton Fair.
These exhibitions are vital platforms for showcasing new product lines, networking with international clients, and reinforcing the company’s strong brand presence.
This visibility helps clients verify credibility and confidence in working with a trusted name.
Solareast offers a comprehensive selection of heat pumps that serve various applications:
Monobloc Heat Pumps – Compact and efficient systems for residential use.
Domestic Hot Water Heat Pumps – Deliver consistent, energy-efficient hot water.
Swimming Pool Heat Pumps – Designed for precise temperature control in pools.
Commercial Heat Pumps – High-capacity systems tailored for hotels, office buildings, and industrial facilities.
This extensive lineup allows B2B clients to fulfill all product needs through a single supplier, streamlining their procurement process and supply chain.
Unlike mass-market suppliers, Solareast supports full customization. Whether it’s modifying unit casings to match brand colors or adapting control systems to specific regional needs, the company works closely with clients to create bespoke solutions. This level of flexibility is crucial for distributors seeking brand differentiation in competitive markets.
Solareast values confidentiality and long-term trust. All customer information is strictly protected under company policy, and NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) are available upon request. Solareast never shares OEM designs, pricing, or client branding with third parties. This makes it an ideal partner for those concerned about intellectual property and market competition.
Internally, Solareast has established a robust management structure with ISO-certified processes. From procurement to quality control, every step is streamlined to ensure timely delivery and product reliability. Clients benefit from organized logistics, efficient communication, and responsive after-sales support—essentials when sourcing from overseas.
Combined, these strengths position Solareast among the best heat pump manufacturer contenders. Whether you’re sourcing for residential applications, industrial complexes, or niche markets like pool heating, Solareast delivers high-performance solutions with global compatibility.
solareast heat pump
Q1: Who makes the best heat pumps?
Midea and Solareast often top B2B rankings for performance and customization.
Q2: Are Chinese heat pumps reliable?
Yes—especially from vetted wholesale heat pump suppliers China like Solareast and PHNIX.
Q3: Can I order custom models?
Absolutely. Solareast leads in custom heat pump solutions China manufacturers can deliver.
Q4: What's the lead time?
Final Thoughts: Your Strategic Heat Pump Partner for .
When sourcing from China, it's not just about finding any supplier—it’s about choosing one who understands your needs, offers full OEM services, and ensures long-term value.
Industrial heat pumps—heat pumps with power sizes beyond 200 kilowatts thermal (kWth)—have a critical role to play in the energy transition. Heat pumps use electricity instead of coal or gas as their fuel source. They thus have the potential to be powered by completely renewable energy. Heat pumps are also highly technologically effective. They are three to five times more efficient at low and medium temperatures than traditional boilers, allowing for reduced energy use, cost, and emissions. Although this is not a new technology, the technological edge of industrial heat pumps is beginning to be recognized more broadly. Recent trends, such as the push for the decarbonization and electrification of heat, economic factors, and government support through regulation and incentives mean that the market for industrial heat pumps is set to skyrocket, with expected growth of more than 15 percent per annum until .
Early market entry is key for success in this race. However, some technologies, such as high-temperature industrial heat pumps, are still maturing. As demand grows across the industrial sector and district heating, OEMs that manufacture and install these heat pumps will need to develop new offerings.
We have identified five underdiscussed aspects of industrial heat pumps to consider when developing new heat pump offerings: the needs of different end users, heat pump components, refrigerant requirements, opportunities for heating and cooling, and approaches for creating new solutions. By being informed about and exploring these areas, heat pump OEMs and their customers will be better equipped to start conversations and collaborate to achieve technological advancements, grow the market, and help the world decarbonize.
For the industrial sector to meet decarbonization targets, it needs to address its heating-related fuel consumption and emissions. The industrial sector accounts for one-third of global CO2 emissions; out of those emissions, about two-thirds are used for heating. Consequently, industrial heating accounts for more than 20 percent of total global CO2 emissions. This is because industrial process heating is still largely fossil-based, with more than 85 percent of energy for heating provided by natural gas, coal, and oil boilers, compared with about 10 percent from biomass.
Despite their economic advantages and ability to abate emissions, heat pumps today are still rather underrepresented, supplying only about 5 percent of global industrial heat. However, they hold great potential for industry. Industrial heat pumps use electricity and low-temperature heat from a primary source, such as seawater, sewage water, and excess heat, to efficiently provide heat energy for buildings and industrial processes. They can provide three to five times more heat energy per unit of electricity consumed than traditional heaters. Industrial heat pumps can also provide heat at higher temperature ranges than residential heat pumps can—in some cases up to 200ºC—as well as at capacities beyond ten thermal megawatts (MWth, equal to roughly 1,000 times the scale of heat pumps deployed in households, assuming a ten-kWth average). Because of their high efficiency, heat pumps can be more cost-effective than traditional heating, particularly in environments with high or volatile gas prices.
As the world decarbonizes, industrial heat pumps can be applied to a range of use cases. The food and beverage, pulp and paper, and chemical industries are particularly well-suited for heat pump use because of their high energy demands. These industries also have relatively high energy-related emissions (approximately 15 percent of global energy-related industrial CO2 emissions according to McKinsey analysis), which heat pumps could help abate. Heat pumps could also play an important role in district heating. This sector accounts for approximately 1 percent of total CO2 emissions, with a fuel mix that is more than 90 percent fossil-based today. District heating is most relevant in China and Russia as well as multiple European countries (Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine). Low-cost conventional heat has led to a high fossil-fuel share of 65 percent in district heating in the European Union, which is even higher in some countries, such as Germany and Poland, where the fossil-fuel share for district heating stands at more than 80 percent. This fossil-heavy fuel mix means that heat pumps offer strong abatement potential for district heating, and a number of decarbonization projects with industrial heat pumps in district heating have recently been announced.
Thanks to their abatement potential and increasingly favorable economics, industrial heat pumps are expected to experience strong economic growth this decade (Exhibit 1). Governments are increasingly issuing regulations and support for heat decarbonization in industry and district heating. Meanwhile, companies are pledging net-zero targets and are looking for ways to decarbonize their energy use, specifically their heat supply.
As a result, globally, industrial heat pumps are expected to supply more than 10 percent of industrial and district heating demand at temperatures below 200°C by . In the EU-27 plus the United Kingdom, the largest demand center for heat pumps today, heat pumps are expected to be responsible for about 15 percent of total district heating and 20 percent of industry heating processes for temperatures up to 200°C in (Exhibit 2). This is an increase of more than ten percentage points from .
This growth will be fueled by significant investments. Global investments for industrial heat pumps are expected to reach $12 billion by in the Global Energy Perspective ’s Current Trajectory scenario, a fourfold increase from and a growth of more than 15 percent per annum. This could reach up to $21 billion in an Achieved Commitments scenario. Germany, France, the Nordics, Poland, and the United Kingdom are expected to be the first movers driving heat pump adoption in district heating and industry.
The trajectory of these investments is toward bigger installations. Today, the majority of investments in industrial heat pump installations go toward smaller and medium-size applications (up to five MWth) and temperatures from 80°C to 100°C because lower-temperature applications are more likely to provide a positive business case. However, large-scale industrial heat pumps (more than five MWth) with temperatures higher than 100°C are expected to become increasingly important in the future. District heating is also expected to remain an important segment for industrial heat pumps, at more than a third of the market in .
Industrial heat pumps are set to take off. Stronger adoption is expected in areas where industrial heat pumps are not a significant market today but are a feasible solution for process decarbonization, such as for food and beverages, pulp and paper, and district heating. Substantial investments are being made to reduce the carbon footprint of industrial organizations and district heating networks as they decarbonize and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. As industrial heat pumps become deployed more widely, heat pump OEMs and end users in the industrial heat pump ecosystem will need to converse and collaborate.
Below, we provide five important topics that are underdiscussed today but will play important roles as industrial heat pump technology matures: varying requirements for industrial and district heating, component considerations, types of refrigerants, cooling opportunities for heat pumps, and collaborative structures to create solutions.
When it comes to industrial and district heating applications, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different applications have different specifications in terms of temperature, capacity, physical size, and integration into existing equipment. Large-scale heat pumps often have rigorous requirements for power output, utilization rates, and the temperature levels of heat sources and sinks. To meet the requirements of a given system, heat pumps may need to be customized or modified.
Industry. In industry, the temperature and capacity requirements of a given application determine whether heat pumps are a good fit (Exhibit 3). Small local breweries usually require temperatures from 50ºC to 120ºC at a capacity of less than one MWth, whereas chemical processes may need steam at more than 150°C and at well beyond a five-MWth capacity, a requirement that can be difficult to meet with existing heat pump solutions. Applications with less demanding specifications are expected to be able to employ “standard” heat pumps, which may include systems that are more economic and modular. Industries with more-intense heat requirements (for example, chemicals) may require more R&D for heat pumps to be applicable.
District heating. District heating (including pressurized water systems) typically requires temperatures ranging from 60ºC to about 135ºC, making it a good candidate for industrial heat pumps. At the same time, district heating needs to comply with existing infrastructure. Industrial heat pumps in district heating applications need to consider factors such as the size and temperature of the network. They also need to balance the heat supply mix to control energy volatility, such as by using several heat sources (for example, waste heat, waste incineration, and solar).
In both industrial and district heating applications, end users primarily focus on optimizing reliability and economics. For industrial end users specifically, the most important criterion is typically to minimize downtime to guarantee a continuous production process; the second most important is often to optimize the cost of heat.
For both industrial and district heating applications, tailoring the design and installation of large heat pump installations requires specialized knowledge and expertise. This can be an adoption barrier to heat pump OEMs, which have limited knowledge of use cases, and end users, which have limited knowledge of heat pump technology. For example, district heating providers usually have expertise with combined heat and power plants because district heating networks have historically been connected to coal- and gas-powered energy plants. However, district heating providers may have limited understanding of alternative energy options, including heat pumps. On the other side, OEMs that build very large heat pumps are often compressor manufacturers with dedicated knowledge in their field, but they may have limited knowledge about heat distribution and process integration for specific end user applications. By building a collaborative ecosystem, heat pump OEMs, industrial players, and district heating networks can share knowledge and reach more-sophisticated understandings of where and how best to deploy large-scale heat pumps.
The performance of a heat pump is primarily determined by its compressor, heat exchangers (the condenser and evaporator), and control software. Of these, the compressor is often considered the most critical component. Compressors play a key role by determining the flow rate of the refrigerant and the efficiency of the compression process. In other words, they define how much heat energy can be packed into the refrigerant and thus to what degree the pump will be able to change temperature. Because of their complexity, compressors typically account for 20 percent to 35 percent of overall hardware capital expenditures in a given heat pump and carry significant intellectual property.
Despite this emphasis on compressors, other components of heat pumps play a crucial role in determining efficiency. Heat exchangers are well established as a technology and can be adapted and tailored to the needs of large heat pump applications. Recently, plate-and-shell heat exchangers have garnered attention, combining the efficiency and compactness of plate heat exchangers without gaskets.
Control software is also a critical component for industrial applications and shouldn’t be overlooked when designing new offerings. Unlike residential or commercial heat pumps, industrial heat pumps are bound with strict requirements for the coefficient of performance (COP). This is often tracked 24/7, and OEMs of industrial heat pumps can be penalized for not meeting COP requirements. Therefore, system control solutions and digital capabilities (including remote monitoring as well as preventive and predictive maintenance) are critical.
Overall, industrial heat pumps are built on solutions that have been applied for several decades, making them a rather mature technology. This means less cost decline is expected from moving forward on the learning curve. Nevertheless, with increasing application and scale in certain industries, modularization and standardization can help reduce hardware costs for critical components. Smart control and optimization can also help improve the operation, performance, and flexibility of industrial heat pumps, which can minimize operations and maintenance requirements and thus operating expenses.
To find the optimal refrigerant for a given application, heat pump OEMs and end users must discuss the needs of a given project. Factors such as the required end temperature, regulations, and safety considerations all play into choosing the right refrigerant.
There are two groups of refrigerants: hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and natural refrigerants. Some OEMs focus on only one group of refrigerants, whereas others have both groups in their portfolio (sometimes for historical reasons). While HFCs and HCFCs have been widely used in the past, there is a trend, especially in Europe, toward natural refrigerants because of (potential) environmental regulation, such as the F-gas quota limiting the use of fluorinated refrigerants with high global warming potentials (GWPs).
However, natural refrigerants come with their own considerations. Propane, isobutane, and isopentane can be highly flammable, a trait that requires specific safety measures. Thermodynamically, they have similar properties to HFCs and HCFCs, so they may be appropriate for many applications, including direct steam production for temperatures less than 150°C. Ammonia, which is widely used for refrigeration applications, is toxic, but it allows for very efficient thermodynamic cycles with zero ozone depletion or global warming potential. CO2 typically requires a transcritical cycle with high pressures and is best suited for applications where large temperature increases are needed. CO2 gains attractiveness in refrigeration as well as heating applications because it is nontoxic, nonflammable, and nonfluorinated. Water is an interesting refrigerant for high-temperature applications (steam compression), but evaporation must be run in vacuum for source temperatures below 100°C. Today, these and other alternative refrigerants are being researched and subsidized.
Perhaps because of their name, heat pumps are less known for their ability to provide cooling in addition to heating. In fact, a single device can provide both services, and combined applications lead to optimal business cases.
End users can assess whether it would be useful to have unified systems for heating and cooling. For example, in the food and beverage industry, breweries require heating and cooling during production and can use heat pumps for both. Seasons also provide a reason to integrate cooling into heat pump offerings. Office buildings can use the same industrial heat pump for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, reducing the needed capital expenditures for a given building and maximizing utilization of the primary heat sink and source.
Combining heating and cooling applications can create synergies between different end users, such as by linking data centers to district heating networks. In these systems, heat pumps can cool data centers and upcycle the waste heat into district heating networks. The impact of the heat pump doubles by cycling heat energy in a way that is useful to both systems.
Similarly, combining industrial heat pumps with thermal storage systems can help stabilize the power grid as renewable energy sources such as wind power increase the volatility of power supplies. With a thermal-storage system, heat pumps can store excess energy by simply heating up storage systems. Thermal-storage systems (such as water tanks) are also cheap compared with storing electric energy in batteries. By coupling these systems with heat pumps, district heating can turn into a source of backup energy for electric networks. Overall, decoupling supply and demand can also lower electricity prices in times of high electricity demand.
In this period of growth, the industrial heat pump industry has work to do to expand its portfolio of product offerings. Overall, parties across the ecosystem can combine knowledge to develop the best solutions for given applications:
Strong partnerships between all three parties may help to accelerate heat pump adoption. This includes exploring new sales models suited to the preferences, knowledge, and requirements of particular customer groups. Customers may prefer to purchase off-the-shelf solutions; coordinate and develop new offerings with different stakeholders, including OEMs, EPCs, and utility providers; or even sign up for leasing or rental models. These sales models can also integrate subsequent maintenance and support.
Industrial heat pumps offer a compelling solution for industries looking to optimize their energy usage, reduce their costs and dependence on fossil-fuels, comply with environmental regulations, and enhance their overall operational efficiency. To capture this opportunity, companies should act now in strong collaboration with OEMs and EPCs to assess the feasibility of integrating heat pumps into existing systems or processes.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website air source heat pump supplier.