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How will I know when it's time to replace my Heat Pump?
When the system starts giving you more problems than seem cost-effective to fix. If the unit is approaching 10 years in age and major components such as the compressor, reversing valve, accumulator or outdoor coil goes bad, it might makes sense to replace instead of fix. Replacing a compressor for example, is somewhat less expensive than replacing the entire unit, but new units may give you greater efficiency, lower operating costs and a brand new warranty on the whole unit, not just the part to be replaced. When faced with major repairs, we can help you make the right choice.
My present Heat Pump does not keep us comfortable. Should I replace it with a larger one?
In most cases no. The ductwork is already sized for the heat pump itself. So a larger heat pump would need larger ductwork. The problem may be due to undersized ductwork, poor system design or installation. You may need ductwork modifications, a heat load calculation, or possibly an energy audit to find the problem areas and correct them. Some people just can not get used to the lower temperature output and the longer run times of a heat pump as compared to an oil system for example. They don't feel as comfortable, even though the heat pump may be working perfectly fine.
What is the average life-span of a Heat Pump?
It can vary, depending on how much the system is used and how regularly it is checked or serviced. Generally, the average life-span of units built in the s and s is about 15 years, but individual units may vary and last much longer depending on use and how well they are maintained. An ARI survey showed average heat pump life to be about 14 years when recommended maintenance procedures were followed. Newer units are expected to last even longer.
Can I repair my own Heat Pump?
In most cases, no. Heat Pumps are on a 240 volt circuit. Severe shock or electrocution is possible without a thorough understanding of electricity. Also, Cooling systems today are more complicated to service than ever before, now being comprised of solid state circuit boards and sensors. They usually require expert attention in order to comply with federal regulations, such as the Clean Air Act which prohibits releasing refrigerants into the atmosphere. An EPA-certified air conditioning contractor or service technician should be called at the first sign of trouble.
Should I switch to Emergency Heat when it gets below 35 degrees outside?
If you have a normal electric heat pump, the answer is no. That would be foolish. A heat pump can still provide heat down to negative 10 degrees. The heat pump and the electric back-up heat work together - automatically. Now, if you have oil or gas back-up, then you have the option to switch to back-up heat (Emergency Heat) for more comfort. But it may be more efficient not to use it.
How often should I change the air filter in my system?
Standard one-inch air filters should be checked every month during peak use, and replaced if it looks dirty enough to impair the air flow through it. Some filters, such as electrostatic filters or electronic air cleaners, are washable; others, such as media type air cleaners are disposable and must be replaced, but many of those are designed to last up to six months, even a year.
Can I put a cover over my outdoor Heat Pump?
Well, here's the deal. Sure, if the cover was far enough above the top of the unit as to not impede the air flow discharging from the unit. And if it doesn't interfere with servicing of the unit, then it could help protect the unit from the elements like snow, ice, falling branches and leaves. But it really isn't needed. Heat Pumps are designed for outdoor use.
Hello all. As a way of me and others learning and also getting to know you all I would be grateful for anyone to mention any questions and areas I should check with installers who will be quoting for an ASHP over the next few months.
My detached home is a off grid property in rural Lincolnshire. It is EPC C and 173 square meters. Rooms are rather large but not many rooms. There are 3 adults and 2 children living in the home and I work from home. The living room is maintained to 22c and the rest of the house at 20c. Set at 18c during the night all heated by my oil combi boiler. I use approx litres of oil a year for heating and hot water.
We have one bath and 2 mixer showers used daily by all 5 of us. Bath once (baby) and the others shower. My garden is south facing and drive way north facing. I would ideally want the heat pump in the back garden but read it being south facing is not good. My sides are narrow so not possible with the boundary and not fair to neighbours.
I have a few worries as my kitchen has a small radiator that does not sufficiently warm the room now. K2 in a bay.
I have a local company who have been in the commercial air source heat pump business for years and now in domestic setting. They are MCS registered and he will give me a quote. I will get further quotes using recommendations from here.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Commercial Heat Pump Manufacturer.
What else should I consider asking, checking etc. Appreciate any help. Regards, Phil.
@phil we used JL Phillips from near Newark. The installation was flawless. We had a complete system as we had no central heating. Service I don't know because nothing has gone wrong.
I'd ask suppliers how long they have been fitting ASHPs and how many they've done before. If they are experienced, they should be able to make a good guess at the size of ASHP and the cost from the EPC and having a look round (i.e. without doing a detailed heat loss survey). Other than that, just try and figure out whether they know what they're talking about - they should know a lot more that you! In terms of the final design, they don't have a lot of leeway as (if you're claiming RHI) the installer has to follow MCS guidelines, which will specify the ASHP size and individual radiator requirements for each room.
If you have large rooms you might need multiple radiators depending on the layout. Our lounge needed three. Although you can replace K1s with K2s with K3s ...
@phil, welcome to the forums. From our experience, the two main areas (which I've repeated many times in responses to homeowners) that you should go through at the proposal/quotation stage are the heat loss calculations and heat emitter guide. These are two very telling documents.
The first essentially ensures you get the correct size heat pump for your house, and the second will tell you whether the heat emitters (UFH and rads) will have enough oomph to emit the heat that is required to get rooms to temperature. This was a massive lesson for us. If you haven't seen the video already, this is what we cover in this video:
We also covered the issues with pipework in the same video, which was a contributor to our poor flow and underperforming heating in several rooms.
@julianc, is also spot on. You need to find a manufacturer and installer that will offer support after the pump has gone in. For us, Global Energy Systems have been very supportive, but have seen very good comments about Grant UK's after sales support. This is very, very, very important, because these heat pumps can be fiddly and need tweaking, so you need a supportive partner to help and guide, especially for the first two winters.
I would suggest posting quotations and proposals on the site (removing any financial figures and contact details if you wish) so that we can provide insights and feedback from our personal experiences.
Why did you say that a south facing heat pump is not good?
Thanks guys, I have read on an American site and also build hub that south facing air source pumps rubbers perish more quickly. I have also read something about the heat pump internal thermostat but that post was unreliable and about 10 years old. Not sure if therefore is duff info.
my living room is 26ft x 14ft and currently has 2, k2 radiators 180cm x 60cm.
kitchen/dinner is 27ft x 12ft and has a 100cm x 60cm k2 and no space for anything bigger in height or length, hope a k3 does the job but doubt it.
these are the challenges I will pose to the installers plus your own questions kindly added.
Timing for the job is going to be key also. RHI vs potential £4K clean heat home grant and having a new born means wife is on maternity leave so lower earnings and more outgoings so all in the balance.
Mars, I have watched all of you and your lovely wife’s videos and that led me here. I will use this all as a reference.
@phil try this to get an idea of radiators.
http://starsapp.co.uk/basic-heat-loss-calculator/
The other thing some people recommend is (if you can) to turn your existing heating temp down to 50 degrees and see if your house is still warm. I do think you will struggle with your kitchen though. An ASHP rad @ 50 degrees is going to emit less than half the heat of on oil CH one at 70 deg. A K3 will give you about 1.5 x a K2 so it's not going to make up the difference. We had to lose a kitchen cupboard to fit in our kitchen radiator.
I wouldn't worry about being south facing. On a winter's day a bit of sun will help the ASHP. The weather in the UK isn't as extreme as the US. Another question to ask potential installers.
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