VTNx00 – SIMPLE, CHEAP, AND AN INGENIOUS PROTECTION!
2026-09-16

Why should I install an anti-freeze valve?
In a monobloc heat pump system, the entire cooling circuit is mounted outdoors, and it is the outdoor parts that are at risk of freezing damage, especially now when the nights are getting colder. If you’re unlucky enough to have a power outage during a cold night (or day) causing the circulation pump in the heat pump to stop, the water temperature will quickly begin to drop. In the worst case, the water freezes and the system runs a high risk of damage to the plate heat exchanger and pipes. This the leads to high repairs costs, or that a new heat pump must be installed, which is guaranteed to be an expensive affair.
Fortunately, there is a solution! And it’s as simple as it is ingenious – the VTN anti-freeze valve! By installing VTN100 or VTN200 in your system, you have protection if the previously mentioned scenario occurs.
What are the benefits of ESBE VTN anti-freeze valve?

ESBE’s design with axial seal
The VTN series is designed with an axial seal solution that prevents the seal from getting stuck due to inactivity. The solution uses the flowing water in the valve to exercise the seal, making sure it’s never standing still in a fixed position. Thanks to this, the valve can open and close repeatedly without issues.

High media temperature range
EBSE VTN has one of the widest media temperature ranges on the market: 0–90 °C! This means that our valve can be used in systems with heat pumps that use propane (R290) as a refrigerant, where the water temperature can reach up to 75-80°C compared to approximately 65°C achieved in traditional systems. This type of heat pump will become increasingly common as they are more future-proof in relation to EU regulations.

Can be used for both heating and cooling
The VTN200 works great for heat pumps that control both heating and cooling, thanks to the ambient temperature sensor that overrides the drain function as long as the ambient temperature doesn't drop below 5°C. This ensures that the system doesn’t drain accidentally during hot summer days when the system is running for cooling.

Automatic reset
The valve opens when the water temperature drops below 3°C and begins to drain the system in a controlled manner. When the water temperature returns above 4°C, the valve closes automatically and the function is restored. All you need to do is refill the system with water.

No electricity needed
The valve uses a wax element to measure the water temperature and to control the valve. Wax elements are a well-proven and safe method that uses the temperature change in the water and converts it into physical movement. In VTN’s case, to open and close the valve without electricity.
In short, a VTN anti-freeze valve from ESBE is a cheap insurance against damage to the system if an accident occurs. Installing two VTNs is significantly cheaper and easier than replacing parts in the heat pump or replacing the entire heating or cooling system.
You may also be interested in reading:
News! ESBE VTN200: Optimized for both heating and cooling »
ESBE’s anti-freeze valve protects your heat pump! »
ESBE VTN100 range »
ESBE VTN200 range »