How to install a heat pump?

How does the heat pump works? 

The principle of operation of a heat pump is quite simple to understand. The technology is based on the second law of thermodynamics, first formulated by French physicist Sadi Carnot, which means that a heat pump transfers heat from a low-temperature environment (a less heated body) to a high-temperature environment (a more heated body) and vice versa, using external energy (work). To put this into practice, in winter, a heat pump absorbs heat from the environment (water, air, ground, or groundwater) and transfers it to the room to be heated. To ensure the transfer of heat (work), a compressor is used, which consumes electricity.  In summer, on the contrary, the heat pump extracts heat from inside the house and transfers it outside, where it is dissipated. The Carnot cycle determines that the greatest efficiency that can be achieved in the heat transfer process depends on the temperatures of both media. This maximum possible efficiency is determined by the COP (Coefficient of Performance), which takes into account the ratio of heat received to energy consumed. Heat pumps are used for heating, cooling, and supplying hot water in private houses and apartments, as well as in office buildings and industrial enterprises.

How to choose a heat pump?

Heat pumps provide an opportunity to completely avoid the use of gas for heating and water heating, and also allow for efficient cooling of the premises during the warm period. Installation of heat pumps will be more expensive than conventional gas or electric heating systems. However, heat pump technology guarantees efficient heating with significant savings on utility bills and freedom from dependence on global energy price changes. Heat pumps are an investment in your stable, climate-friendly future.

As we mentioned above, the measure of heat pump performance is the COP (Coefficient of Performance), which shows how many heat units are delivered to the heating system when using 1 kW of electricity. Modern heat pumps can achieve a COP of up to 5.1, which means that for every 1 kW of electricity used to operate the device, up to 5.1 kW of additional free heat energy is generated by the heat pump for heating, cooling or hot water supply to the home. 

Depending on the type of heat pump, its COP also varies, as discussed in more detail in the article "Types of heating in a private house". In geothermal heat pumps, the COP remains stable and does not depend on the outside temperature, since the heat is taken from geothermal wells (ground heat) and has a constant temperature. When air-sources have certain conditions to reach their highest energy-efficient potential, such as a warm or temperate climate. It all depends on the location of the house, the financial component and on searching for the most optimal solution for your request.

There are certain requirements for a house and heating system to achieve the highest efficiency:

• The house must be well insulated.
• The heat pump must be installed according to the climate of the area
• Heating systems for heat pump operation should be low-temperature systems, such as underfloor heating, radiators or warm walls, with a low-temperature orientation.

Unprofessional engineering can lead to a low level of heat pump efficiency. Similarly, an incorrectly selected heating system operation mode will lead to a decrease in the coefficient of performance (COP).  

Hajster guarantees pleasant service, fast installation as well as technical support throughout the entire period of exploitation.

General advantages of heat pumps 

In fact, by describing the main characteristics of heat pumps, we have already listed their competitive advantages, because the technology is modern and has incorporated a reasonable solution to modern needs.

First, as we have already mentioned, heat pumps are extremely energy efficient. This technology transfers ambient heat into the room with a coefficient of performance (COP) of up to 5 to convert 1 kWh of energy into up to 5 kWh of free heat for the room.

Second, thanks to the heat pump's ability to optimize energy use, you can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills. The device uses free energy from the environment for heating and cooling, and the electrical energy directly used to run the heat pump is negligible.

Third, heat pumps provide a comfortable indoor climate. They are able to maintain a constant temperature regardless of weather conditions.

Fourth, their use is as simple as possible. Heat pumps do not require constant maintenance and have no moving parts that can fail. Some models can even be controlled remotely, which makes the process of creating a comfortable environment at home even more convenient.

Finally, heat pumps are the most environmentally friendly way of heating and cooling among all other options on the market, because the principle of the system does not involve the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere.

So, given all the challenges of the modern world, heat pumps are becoming a popular, reliable solution for heating, cooling, and hot water supply in homes, apartments, and businesses. Regardless of fluctuations in gas prices, climate change, or other crises, they guarantee quality work for your home's climate system for many years.

How to install a heat pump?

What type of heating system to choose, how to find installers, what is the cost of installing a heat pump, how to understand this large number of engineering terms - all these thoughts fill the minds of owners of new buildings or those who have decided to reconstruct the heating system. Many people already started thinking about the type of heating system for their home when designing it, and rightly so, because the process of installing heat pumps or any other climate system is a challenge, especially without the appropriate knowledge. That is why Hajster has described all the stages of heat pump installation in a simple and structured way.

Research:

• Research basic questions about heat pumps: what it is and why it is needed, look for reviews from owners of similar heating systems, and write down a list of questions for professionals;
• Consult with a company you trust as a professional in this field or even several. Don't be afraid to ask "stupid questions" because it will help you to better understand the topic and confidently choose the most suitable heat pump for your home.

Looking for installers:

• Usually, companies offer only the product itself - a heat pump in the form of outdoor and indoor units without installation, so finding installers on your own can be a long and not always easy task. 
• Hajster offers a comprehensive solution: customer comfort from the first call with technical support to the installation itself, as well as consultations throughout the entire period of use. This means that the client does not have to worry about technical details and the reliability of the technicians. All these aspects are handled by a proven team of Hajster professionals.

Preparation of the installation site:

• Determine the best place to install the heat pump. This can be an external wall or the foundation of the house, depending on the type of technology you have chosen.
• Make sure that the location has no restrictions or obstacles to install and easily maintain the heat pump.

Indoor unit installation:

• Installing the indoor unit of the heat pump at the object that directly requires heating or cooling.
• Connecting it to the power supply and ventilation system.

Outdoor unit installation:

• Place the outdoor unit of the heat pump in an open area where it will have access to air or another energy source.
• Ensure that there is adequate ventilation and no obstructions around it.

Pipeline connections:

• Install the piping to circulate the cooling/heating agent between the indoor and outdoor units.
• Ensure that the piping is sealed and insulated to prevent leaks and heat loss (energy loss).

Electrical connection:

• Connect the heat pump to the mains according to the manufacturer's wiring diagram. Make sure that the wiring meets safety requirements.

Setup and testing:

• Set up the system and test for proper operation of the heat pump. Take into account model-specific features and manufacturer's recommendations.
• Run the system and make sure it operates properly in the different modes (heating, cooling, hot water).  

Provide a warranty:

• Provide the required warranty from a specialist and instructions on how to use and maintain the heat pump.
• Ensure that the system operates stably and reliably for a certain period of time.

Installing a heat pump can be frightening and cause doubts about its efficiency, but there is no need to worry. Many of us have difficulties with any construction or engineering process due to the lack of expertise. It is important to rely on professionals who have the necessary skills and knowledge. That is why, together with a company that responsibly answers all questions, provides effective solutions for your facility and supports the client throughout the entire period, the process of installing climate system technology will be successful and stress-free.

We hope that the principle of installing a heat pump has become clearer to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to email us at info@hajster.com or call us using the number on our website. Hajster guarantees a quality product combined with fast installation and 24/7 service support.