The benefits of an air source heat pump are clear, but it’s not always a simple process. With the right guidance from an experienced installer you can enjoy all the comfort and energy savings that come with installing an air source heat pump.
Air source heat pumps use outside air to warm or cool your home by circulating it through pipes in the ground. This is different to a ground-source heat pump system, which uses buried water lines to absorb heat from the soil, as well as conventional central heating systems.
However, there are also some differences between air source and ground source heat pump installations. Some areas will be unsuitable for both (such as if there isn’t enough rainfall), while others may struggle with the water supply so only have one available.
Here we look at how some common issues can affect an installation, and offer seven top tips for air source heat pump success.
1) Air source heat pump success starts with planning
An air source heat pump has to work harder than other types of heating system because it has to deal with cold temperatures. You should take into account where the heat pump will be installed – in a garden shed? In a garage? Or possibly even in a loft space. The ideal location is a sheltered area away from any outside doors, windows and vents.
You should also make sure that there’s enough room for the heat pump, ducting and pipework. If you need to install the unit on a concrete slab, you may find that the piping needs to go deeper into the ground to avoid freezing during winter months.
2) Planning means choosing the right model
There aren’t many differences between models of air source heat pump. All have a similar design, with the same basic components. However, their size and efficiency depends on the installation site.
For example, larger units may be more suitable in large homes, where there’s plenty of space for the unit to be placed centrally. Smaller units might be better suited to smaller properties, where they can be sited close to the property boundary.
3) Installing the heat pump is key to success
Once you know what type of unit you want to buy, you’ll need to decide exactly where on the property it will be installed. There are three main ways to do this, depending on the size of the project.
If you’re installing a new system, you’ll need to dig holes for the pipes. Then you can either lay the pipes out yourself, or call in an expert who will place them correctly for you.
If you’re replacing an existing system, you might be able to choose a replacement unit that comes with pre-installed pipework. Alternatively, you could install the pipes yourself, again using professional help if necessary.
4) A good installer can make all the difference
As we mentioned earlier, there are two main methods for installing air source heat pump systems. Either you lay the pipes yourself, or call in a specialist contractor.
The first thing that a person must consider is to go for the best installer. The quality of the installer will have the impact on the results that it will provide. A person should check the õhk vesi soojuspumba hind with the installer procedure. Having the complete idea in advance will help in achieving the goals.
Either way, you should get someone who knows what they’re doing. An inexperienced installer might damage the pipework, or even put your house at risk when digging trenches. And, although it might seem obvious, it’s important to check that the contractor you hire has been registered to carry out building works.
5) Installing the air source heat pump takes time
Installing an air source heat pump is a fairly straightforward procedure, but it requires lots of careful preparation. The first step is to prepare the installation site, then mark out the exact point where each pipe is going to run.
Each pipe must be measured before being cut to length using a measuring tape. Once the pipes have been laid, you’ll need to connect them together to form a network. At this stage, you’ll need to ensure that all the joints fit tightly. Finally, you’ll need to cover the entire installation with a waterproof membrane, called a vapor barrier.
6) It’s not just about the installation
Installing an air source heat pump does require some specialized skills, but you don’t necessarily need a degree in engineering to succeed. Many contractors will provide their own professional installation services, meaning they’re fully qualified to perform the job. But some people prefer to employ their own teams of experts to complete the whole project.
This is perfectly fine, as long as you keep tabs on things. Make sure that the team members have been properly trained and certified, and ask for regular progress reports.
7) Maintenance shouldn’t be forgotten
As with any piece of equipment, maintenance is vital to ensuring its continued performance. Regularly checking that the air source heat pump is working efficiently is essential – you should pay particular attention to the condition of the pipes themselves.
Regular cleaning of the pipes will prevent clogs forming, reducing the amount of energy used. Similarly, regularly inspecting the system for leaks can help to maintain high levels of heat-transfer efficiency.
A failed system is expensive, so it’s worth investing in a few extra tools and techniques to keep it running smoothly. For example, you could invest in a pressure gauge to monitor the air pressure inside the pipes, or a thermal camera to spot any signs of leaks.
These tools will improve the safety of the installation too, by making it easier to detect problems early on.
Air source heat pump installation is a complex operation. However, with these seven top tips for success, you can enjoy the benefits of a clean, efficient home without having to worry about the costs.