Many homeowners determine the “best” heat pump unit by reviewing technical specifications, comparing brands, and reading reviews for weeks. Altogether, people are certain that they have made the right choice when it comes to purchasing a heat pump and will consequently receive the correct amount of heating or cooling for many years to come.
However, after purchasing a heat pump, some discover (often too late and at a great cost) that the performance relies far more directly on the air source heat pump installation quality than it does on the brand name of the unit installed. Read until the end to find out more!
The Installation is More Critical than the Model
The heat pump operates as part of a larger system, inclusive of piping, electrical components, insulation, refrigerant lines, and control systems. Thus, even if the heat pump purchased is of the highest quality possible, it may not be able to achieve the heating or cooling level it was designed to reach if the rest of the system (piping, etc.) is installed incorrectly.
Some of the most common signs of installation error are as follows: experiencing inconsistent temperatures, receiving unusually high electric bills, and problems with the system cycling on and off too often. After the air source heat pump installation process is finished, it will run efficiently for a long period without turning off, whereas an improperly installed heat pump will turn on and off frequently, thereby significantly reducing its operational efficiency while accelerating the wear on the compressor.
Correct System Sizing Makes All the Difference
Perhaps the most important part of the entire air source heat pump installation process happens before the unit is even put into place: determining the correct system size for the home. For example, many people think that the larger the heat pump, the quicker the home will warm up, or the stronger the unit will perform in the midst of winter.
The truth is that oversizing the unit results in the unit cycling too often, leading to decreased performance and an increased rate of compressor burnout. Conversely, undersizing the unit results in the unit constantly running yet still failing to adequately warm the home to the desired level.
A trained professional will calculate the home’s heat load based on factors such as floor space, level of home insulation, size of the windows, height of the ceilings, and regional climate. The difference between a properly sized unit and an oversized unit for a home measuring 120 square meters can amount to hundreds of euros in wasted electrical costs each year.
Levels of Refrigerant and Pipework Are More Important Than You Think
A heat pump uses the flow of refrigerant to transfer heat from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. When installing the heat pump, the refrigerant level must be carefully measured and set according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
If the level of refrigerant is too low, the heat pump will not work efficiently, and the compressor will work too hard. On the other hand, if the level is too high, the pressure inside the system will build up, leading to the degradation of the system’s internal parts over time.
The length of the pipework also affects the heat pump. If the refrigerant pipework is too long or not well insulated, the system will not work efficiently, and there may be temperature loss before the heat reaches the indoor unit.
Some of these factors may seem too technical, but the truth is that they have a direct bearing on the performance of the system. The difference of a few meters in the length of the pipework or the lack of good insulation can make the system less efficient by several percent.
Air Flow and Position Have an Effect on Real-World Usage
The location of your outdoor unit can impact the performance and efficiency of your heat pump in real life. Good air flow must be maintained around the condenser of an outdoor unit so that heat can be transferred from the unit to the surrounding air (outdoors). If a unit has been installed close to a wall, fence, or hedge, the air flow will be limited, which will place strain on your heat pump and require more energy to operate.
Indoor units can be installed in a manner that optimizes occupant comfort. Installing indoor units to ensure good air circulation within the room also allows for maximum temperature stability throughout the room.
A heat pump is usually expected to operate for at least 15 years, sometimes longer, with proper maintenance. Over that period, small differences in efficiency add up quickly. When heating an open-plan house, a single heat pump can provide heat for multiple rooms without requiring several separate units. If you need professional help, you can talk to Expert Heating Solutions!