Tips To Easily Maximize Your Air Source Heat Pump's ...

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An air source heat pump is a worthy investment, but when it performs less efficiently than expected, it is necessary to call a professional. This article contains a few handy tips on how to optimize the performance of your air source heat pump.

There are several culprits regarding the inadequate performance of your air source heat pump. We'll focus more on the solutions to these issues. Some of the many factors that impact the effectiveness of an air source heat pump are incorrect sizing and installation of the unit, failing parts, insufficient refrigerant levels and airflow, and wrong positioning of the machine.

It would be best to fix these problems as soon as possible, precisely before the cold weather. During Winter, you'll want your home to remain warm, and what better way to do this than to fix your air source heat pump? Besides, it will reduce your energy bills.

So, with an efficient heat pump, you keep warm during the cold season and save yourself some cash. With that in mind, here are six air source heat pump tips to optimize performance:

Proper Installation

Your unit's performance depends on how it is installed. Therefore, even if you purchase the most reliable unit on the market and fail to install it correctly, its performance will be below average, and you might incur costly repair expenses.

To make sure this doesn't happen, have a professional install it, and after some time, you can consult the same professional for maintenance.

Leave the Unit Alone

When the installation process is done, and the unit is up and running, leave it alone.

There is always a temptation to change a few settings here and there, but if it has been properly set up, it will keep your home warm during the cold weather.

However, modifying the installer settings might increase the unit's operation costs or risk untimely equipment failure and prolonged frustration.

The seals are entirely watertight, and the unit is installed according to the recommendations and instructions of the manufacturer. What's more, frequent maintenance guarantees the unit's performance is at par, which will as well extend its lifespan.

Reduce the Flow Temperature

The next thing to attain is a reliable way of achieving low-grade temperature from your unit to the entire house. This involves reducing the flow temperature of the unit as much as possible to decrease the operation cost and promote Government RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) payments.

With the unit reducing the lower temperature water, it is left with less work to do, hence will utilize less electricity to operate and keep your house warm.

The most suitable way to get this low-grade heat in your house is by buying and installing an ultra-low flow heating system engineered for 35 degrees Celsius instead of the regular 450C. This is usually an underfloor system. However, if an underfloor system isn't a practical option for you, go for low-flow temperature radiators.

Proper Sizing

Something else you need to know is the specific heat loss of your home. You can do this using CIBSE or BSEN standards to find out the heat loss of your home during Winter. It would help if you calculated this per room.

This will be handy in two ways; the first is for the underfloor heating system, ensuring you can warm each room sufficiently. Second is ensuring you identify and install the correct air source heat pump size.

With the advancement in technology in the heat pump sector, there is no need to purchase oversized units to achieve your home's heating needs. A few calculations will ensure you save funds and purchase a manageable heating solution.

When it comes to air source heating, it's essential to ensure the unit can deliver the energy you require at a minimal outdoor temperature. If you need more clarification, you can request capacity tables from manufacturers and use the average or integrated energy value to determine whether your unit will cope alright when needed.

Power Needs & Space

Create space for the outdoor fan, normally placed far from the disruptive garden plants and social areas. One of the biggest myths is that air source heat pumps must be positioned in a sunny place or on a wall facing south. That said, they have to be positioned in a place that's not too constricted.

Further, make sure you have enough electrical power to support this powerful appliance. Moreso, with electric cookers and electric cars' charge points being set up, the regular one-phase electricity supply to your home might be somewhat stretched.

If you have a large or medium-sized home, you'll require a three-phase or split electricity supply, though it is best to double-check with a professional.

Intelligent Control

A heating system without the proper control is useless at its worst and ineffective at its best. To avoid this, buy a digital thermostat for each room and timers, which you can modify easily according to your needs. But the timers aren't compulsory.

Additionally, you can access the timer and thermostats via your smartphone; view and adjust them when needed.

There is a wide collection of air source heat pumps on the market, with most being ideal for different situations. Also, depending on your needs, you can purchase either a cheap or expensive model. However, when it comes to air source heat pump performance, these are the six things to do for the best results.

FAQs

How Do I Know If an Air Source Heat Pump is a Good Fit for My Property?

There are several factors to consider when determining if an air source heat pump is perfect for your property, including cost, climate, and your current heating system.

Typically, air source heat pumps work alright in different temperatures, though their efficiency depends on the climate. Current models are engineered to work efficiently with constant below-freezing temperatures, so research before buying.

Link to Bobiller

How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Operate?

Air source heat pumps are relatively easy to understand. To heat your property, these machines begin by sourcing heat from the air outside, where the fan is positioned. This air goes via a heat exchanger and passes the tube with a refrigerant liquid. Since the refrigerant is cooler than the air from the outside, this process transfers heat from the outside air to the coolant liquid.

The liquid heats and then evaporates, and this gaseous form is compressed to accumulate the heat and move it to your property. This hot gas goes through another heat exchanger and is passed on into the air inside your property to keep it warm.

When it comes to cooling, it's the opposite of the process above. The refrigerant liquid absorbs heat from the air in your home and moves it out to the fan outside, cooling your home during Summer.

Which is the Best Air Source Heat Pump for Me?

Air source heat pumps come in two types. So, whether you're searching to retrofit one in an existing property or integrate it into a new structure, either of these two air source heat pumps might be compatible with your property.

Here are the two types of air-source heat pumps:

Ducted

This heat pump can be integrated into a new structure or if your property has ducted cooling and heating. For the latter, the system will take advantage of the already present system and rely on it, while the outdoor fan will be linked to an indoor system that'll fan the cool or warm air via the ducts.

Ductless

Otherwise called mini-split systems, these are fitted in specific parts of the property utilizing wall-mounted parts. It permits superior temperature control via a decentralized system. The units you'll need depend on the property's layout and the number of rooms needing an independent unit.

These heads or units will be seen in your home, so if you don't want them to interfere with aesthetics, the ducted system might be a better option.

Are Air Source Heat Pumps Ideal for Cold Climates?

Yes. Nevertheless, if you reside in a cold area, it might be better to use your previous heating system along with your new air source heat pump system. Some air source heat pumps fail to function properly at below-freezing temperatures, so it might be a good idea to have a backup.

A correctly installed heat pump can work in temperatures up to -100 F in a properly-insulated structure. However, if your surroundings are often colder than that, you'll likely have to utilize a supplemental heating system.

So, it's essential to check the rating of your heat pump. For instance, current cold-climate models, while pricier, might be the solution you've been searching for.

In Conclusion

With technological advancements in the heat pump sector, the efficiency rating has surged, making air-source heat pumps a better option over other heating systems.

Also, besides the air source heat pumps mentioned, you can find an electric, split system, and absorption heat pumps on the market. Depending on your needs, whether commercial or residential, high-efficiency air source heat pumps should be your go-to option.

Well, there you have it! Six tips to maximize your air source heat pump's performance and FAQs to answer any related questions.

It&#;s common for our customers to ask &#;Where should I put my air source heat pump?&#; before getting it installed. Depending on the size and space of your property, it can become a complex task. However, modern ASHPs are versatile and far more flexible, often giving you the advantage of using small, intuitive places for installation. Proper heat pump positioning is crucial to maximising performance and longevity, so it&#;s important to get it right.

As the expert heat pump installers, we&#;ve put together a list of things to consider for the best placement to maximise efficiency to get the most out of your investment.

Considerations for your ASHP

Using these best practices to situate your heat pump will help maximise its performance and energy efficiency and in turn, save on your heating bills. A practical location also makes maintenance convenient and increases the longevity of the device.

1. Sufficient air flow is a must

A reliable air flow is crucial for an air source heat pump to process and circulate heat. It consists of two parts: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit will need to be positioned where it can extract ambient (outdoor) air, and the indoor unit should be in a space where it can efficiently expel heated air around your home.

Placing both parts in a large, well-ventilated area is the ideal way to tackle this. Avoid placing the pump in any enclosed spaces such as an attic, or too close to walls, fences or any other structures that could restrict air flow. As a rule of thumb, try to allow for 1-2m around each unit. Most people have success placing the outdoor unit at the side of their house, or in their back garden for consistent air flow.

2. Ensure easy access

Similar to a boiler, it&#;s recommended to service your heat pump annually to keep everything in check. To ensure servicing and maintenance for your heat pump is quick and convenient, it&#;s in your best interest to make sure it&#;s accessible for a service engineer. Locking your air pump in a small space, such as an airing cupboard, makes it very difficult to conduct repairs, replace parts, and investigate the device.

3. Be mindful of noise

At Heat Different, we offer a variety of high-quality, modern heat pump equipment with noise-reduction technologies. However, sound produced from an air source heat pump could vary depending on the model, installation, and how close the outdoor unit is to your home. Don&#;t fret though &#; the average modern ASHP produces from 40-60dB &#; comparable to the sound of a fridge or quiet conversation.

If you&#;re worried about noise, we would advise placing the outdoor unit on a solid surface that can absorb vibrations, such as concrete. If possible, it&#;s also best to situate the unit away from bedroom windows or neighbours. At the end of your garden or the side of the house are great examples of placements that will mitigate disturbance. 

4. Protecting your unit

A heat pump is a costly investment, so make sure to consider how you can extend its longevity. Making sure it&#;s protected from the elements is fundamental to this. If you can, it&#;s a great idea to position a heat pump above ground level. This protects it from debris, snow and flooding during heavy rain. The simplest way to do this is to install the unit on a sturdy platform or mounting bracket. This also helps secure a consistent air flow to boost performance. 

Moreover, avoid locations that are too open to the wind, which can negatively impact performance. Try a slightly sheltered area or a spot with a natural wind break, such as a hedge, making sure it&#;s not fully enclosed. 

5. What we recommend

In an ideal scenario, we would recommend positioning the unit in close proximity to your property. Positioning your heat pump closer to your home reduces the amount of pipe work needed to link it to the interior, avoiding increased unnecessary heat loss from long pipe systems. Secondly, any service or maintenance required will be quick and hassle free. 

Always make sure there is enough space around the unit to allow for free air flow. Where possible, elevate the unit to shield it from the elements. 

Bespoke heat pump design and installation with Heat Different

We know it&#;s not always as cut and dry to install a unit with so many considerations. That&#;s why our team is here to help, offering catered solutions for you and your property. We have the expertise to work out a compromise for properties that have limited space or unique architecture, whilst still preserving the unit&#;s performance and integrity.

Get in touch to arrange a consultation with no obligations. We are friendly and approachable, always transparent with advice and costs, and offer a great range of high-end heat pump products for design and installation.

Send an enquiry today to start your journey towards a more sustainable, cost efficient heating system. 

For more air source heat pump supplierinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.