Ideal
The Ideal HP290 is a monobloc air-source heat pump using R290 refrigerant. It features weather compensation, Halo Lite RF control compatibility, and an automatic defrost cycle.
The Ideal HP290 is a monobloc air-source heat pump designed for the UK domestic market, utilizing R290 refrigerant to provide low-carbon heating and hot water. As a propane-based system, it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional F-gas units. This guide details the technical operation, control compatibility with the Halo Lite RF, and maintenance requirements for the HP290 range. It serves as a reference for heating engineers and homeowners managing Ideal's latest heat pump technology.
Stick a QR tag on the case, scan it on every service and give your customer a permanent, shareable service history they can pull up from any phone.
Permanent, shareable service history
One QR scan on the boiler surfaces every previous fault, part change and visit — no paperwork to dig out.
Free AI fault diagnostics, built in
Every tag you fit unlocks the AI diagnostic tool for that exact model — paste a fault code, get a ranked cause list.
Your name on the boiler forever
When the next service or breakdown comes around the homeowner scans and sees your number first.
First 12 BoilerTags are free
Tag every install and service you do from now on — the subscription only kicks in once you scale past your first dozen.
Diagnosing a fault on a Ideal HP290 right now?
Try the free AI fault diagnostics tool — no signup needed.
Full technical specifications extracted from the manufacturer brochure. Empty sections are hidden.
The Ideal HP290 represents a shift toward natural refrigerants in the UK heating sector. By utilizing R290, also known as propane, this monobloc air-source heat pump achieves a significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to legacy R410A or R32 systems. Because it is a monobloc unit, all refrigerant components are contained within the outdoor casing, simplifying installation by removing the need for F-gas qualifications for the hydraulic connection between the unit and the property.
Control of the HP290 is primarily managed through the Halo Lite RF, which provides a wireless interface for end-users to adjust heating schedules and temperatures. The system incorporates weather compensation as standard, a critical feature that adjusts the flow temperature based on outdoor conditions to maximize seasonal efficiency. This ensures the heat pump operates at the lowest possible temperature required to meet the building's heat loss, thereby reducing electrical consumption.
Operational reliability in UK winters is maintained through an integrated auto-defrost mechanism. When outdoor temperatures drop, frost naturally accumulates on the evaporator fins. The HP290 detects this buildup and automatically initiates a defrost cycle. During this process, the unit may emit steam and discharge water from the base, which is normal operation. This cycle typically lasts only a few minutes and ensures the heat exchanger remains clear for optimal heat transfer.
Maintenance for the HP290 is straightforward but essential for longevity and warranty compliance. The manufacturer specifies a service interval of 12 months. During an annual service, engineers should inspect the hydraulic circuit, check the expansion vessel pressure, and ensure the evaporator fins are clear of debris. Since the unit uses R290, specific safety protocols regarding the placement of the outdoor unit relative to drains and windows must be observed during the initial site assessment.
The HP290 is designed to integrate with standard UK domestic hot water cylinders, though installers must ensure the coil surface area is sufficient for heat pump flow rates. While specific kilowatt ratings vary by configuration, the R290 refrigerant allows for higher flow temperatures than many traditional heat pumps, making it a viable option for retrofit projects where existing radiator sizing may be marginal. Furthermore, the monobloc design ensures that the entire heating system operates on a sealed water circuit, which is familiar to most UK heating engineers. This setup reduces the complexity of the installation compared to split systems, as it eliminates the need for on-site refrigerant handling.
Common questions from engineers and homeowners about the Ideal HP290.
We hold the Ideal HP290 manual — and every other UK boiler and heat pump brochure. Sign up and pull any model up from your phone, on the job.
Sign up to access brochuresTag it before you leave. Next scan shows every service, fault and part change — and the AI diagnostic tool is free on every tag you fit.
Specifications on this page are extracted from the manufacturer brochure. Always cross-check against the latest datasheet before commissioning or quoting. Last updated 30 April 2026.