AIC presents the new Aurax Natural i our inverter reversible air-water heat pump, perfect for large commercial, industrial or centralised plantroom residential applications when you are looking for a sustainable and high efficiency solution. Aurax Natural i uses R290 refrigerant, a natural gas with a very low global warming potential (GWP) value of 3. This heat pump has a far lower environmental impact than other models on the market using different refrigerants.
The Aurax Natural i boasts an efficiency rating energy A++. The range is the perfect solution for heating, cooling and the production of domestic hot water from a single unit. Optimised for maximum efficiency in heating mode, it can operate at external temperatures down to -30 °C and has hot water production capabilities up to 60 °C. In cooling mode it can reach an outlet water temperature of up to 5 °C, with external temperature up to 50 °C.
The new AIC Aurax Natural i range is available in 11 models with a heating power range from 29,4 to 367,3 kW and cooling power from 23,4 to 312,3 kW. Furthermore, the units are fully customisable with various configuration options and can be cascaded up to a maximum of 6 units. The Aurax Natural i series adapts to different system needs and meets the requirements for tax deductions for the costs of energy re-qualification of the existing building stock.
The Aurax Natural i range combines inverter efficiency with the lowest-impact refrigerant available — R290 propane (GWP 3). It covers the full spectrum from residential plantrooms to large-scale commercial and industrial installations, with heating outputs from 29,4 to 376,3 kW. Free from F-Gas restrictions and built for the future, it is the natural choice for sustainable, high-demand projects.
Aurax Natural i 29.1–93.2
29,4 kW–93,5 kW
Aurax Natural i 120.1–370.3
117,7 kW–367,3 kW
In the standard 2-pipe configuration, Aurax Natural i produces hot water for heating in winter and chilled water for cooling in summer. Domestic hot water can also be generated in priority mode with the addition of an external three-way valve.
Antifreeze protection automatically activates the circulation pump when outside temperatures fall below a programmable threshold, ensuring safe operation in colder climates.
COP
up to 4,4
Energy Class
A++
External temp.
down to -30 °C
Water produced
up to 60 °C
Aurax Natural i stands out thanks to its full inverter technology, which continuously modulates the power output to match the real thermal demand of the building. Unlike traditional on/off heat pumps, it operates smoothly across different loads, maintaining stable performance and reducing electricity consumption.
By precisely adapting its capacity, the inverter system ensures higher seasonal efficiency, lower running costs, and greater comfort, while also extending the unit’s lifespan. This makes Aurax Natural i one of the most efficient and reliable heat pumps for sustainable heating and cooling.
Reduced
CO2 emissions
by 20%
Reduced
electricity consumption
by 20%
With the optional 4-pipe configuration, the unit gains a dedicated DHW circuit for all-year-round hot water production. This setup not only supplies heating and cooling but also recovers waste heat from the condenser during cooling cycles to provide free hot water.
Such efficiency makes it especially suitable for facilities like hospitals, hotels, sports centers, and industrial kitchens, where cooling and DHW demand occur simultaneously.
For the Aurax Natural i range, AIC has chosen R290 gas (propane), considered the ecological refrigerant par excellence, so much so that heat pumps that use propane as a refrigerant are not affected by the F-Gas Regulation.
The global warming potential of R290 gas is only 3 GWP, significantly lower than all traditional and new generation refrigerants.
The low GWP is also combined with an ODP of zero, a factor also highly appreciated in an era in which the choice of refrigerants is oriented towards those that do not cause damage to the environment.
Natural availability of propane is an significant advantage as it does not require additional synthesis processes for its production.
R290 propane is a safe and environmentally friendly refrigerant for heat pumps. However, it is essential to follow safety guidelines, take appropriate preventive measures and comply with current regulations to ensure safe and efficient installation and use.
In an era in which the choice of refrigerants will be increasingly oriented towards those with low environmental impact and natural ones, the natural refrigerant R290 becomes the best choice for the operation of modern heat pumps. With a GWP of less than 3 and an ODP of 0, propane does not damage the ozone layer and, compared to traditional refrigerants, contributes negligibly to the greenhouse effect.
The R290 refrigerant gas guarantees an EER up to 12% higher than that of an equivalent heat pump using R410A gas. It also offers wide application possibilities, not only in the HVAC sector, but also in many process applications.
The technical safeguards adopted by AIC in the creation of Aurax heat pumps in accordance with current directives and regulations, allow very high safety levels to be achieved, ensuring maximum reliability in all operating conditions.
All Aurax heat pumps operate at very low noise level as standard. However, there is an Enhanced sound proofing Option available which allows you to reduce noise output by a further 3÷4 dB (A) compared to the standard versions and includes:
Increases the efficiency and performance of the noise pollution reducing fan. Optimal with EC fans for improved acoustic performance at partial loads.
Aurax heat pumps are designed to meet the highest efficiency standards while allowing access to tax deductions, subsidies, and green financing schemes across Europe. Their compliance with EU legislation ensures both sustainability and financial advantages for investors. The “Fit for 55” package, introduced under the European Climate Law, sets a binding target of reducing CO₂ emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving full climate neutrality by 2050. This aligns with the Low Carbon Roadmap 2050, which calls for an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels. A key part of this transition is the EU F-GAS Regulation 517/2014, updated in 2024, which mandates the progressive phase-out of high-GWP refrigerants, with strict bans on HFCs starting in 2027. Aurax anticipates these changes by using low-GWP refrigerants such as R454B and R290, both with minimal environmental impact. Furthermore, compliance with the Ecodesign Directive/ErP 2009/125/CE guarantees seasonal efficiency well above required thresholds, ensuring reduced primary energy consumption. By combining cutting-edge technology with regulatory foresight, Aurax heat pumps provide eco-friendly, future-proof solutions while maximising eligibility for European financial incentives.