Have you decided to install an energy-efficient heating solution like a heat pump? Kliwenta has been successfully providing design, installation, and maintenance services for heat pumps in various types of premises for a decade. The efficiency of each heat pump largely depends on the accuracy of its installation, requiring the necessary skills and tools of the technicians. That’s why Kliwenta recommends entrusting such a complex task only to professionals.
The installation of a heat pump is carried out in several stages:
- Calculation of the heat demand for the house
- Selection of the heat pump
- Choosing the location for the heat pump installation (outdoor and indoor units)
- Installation and leak testing
- Installation of temperature sensors
Below, we detail each stage of the installation process.
Heat Demand Calculation for the House
The first stage of installation work involves conducting precise calculations. When installing a heat pump, the key is to select the appropriate heating capacity based on the energy demand for a given building. To calculate the Heat Demand Calculation, Kliwenta uses specialized software that takes into account many important factors related to the building’s thermal insulation (such as building insulation, type of windows used, etc.). With these detailed calculations, we can determine the heat energy demand and select the appropriate power for the heat pump.
Selecting the Heat Pump
The correct selection of the heat pump affects not only the proper operation of the system but also heat energy savings and the operational costs of the equipment. To ensure the highest efficiency and savings, Kliwenta’s employees conduct thorough calculations and use specialized software to select the heat pump’s power. By entering information on heat demand calculations, heating type, and other important parameters, these programs allow for precise power selection for the heat pump. The advantage of these programs is the ability to accurately analyze annual operating costs.
Choosing the Installation Location for the Heat Pump (Outdoor and Indoor Units)
When selecting the location for installing the heat pump’s outdoor unit, Kliwenta recommends following certain guidelines. The heat pump can be installed on a concrete base or a system structure, or it can be mounted on a wall (only for low power units). To ensure unrestricted airflow through the heat pump, it’s necessary to maintain a distance of at least 30 cm from the house’s wall. Equally important is ensuring the height from ground level to the heat pump is not less than 40 cm to prevent the heat pump’s fans from being blocked by accumulated snow.
When choosing the location for installing the indoor unit of a heat pump, it’s essential to ensure easy access for maintenance and convenient access to the controller. It’s also necessary to provide an appropriate power cable, depending on the type of heat pump. An important aspect is ensuring proper electrical protection for the indoor unit of the heat pump, including connecting the power supply to a separate breaker, according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
For air-to-air heat pumps of the SPLIT type, the outdoor unit should be installed as close as possible to the indoor unit, considering the amount of refrigerant inside. Typically, the refrigerant is sufficient for about 4-6 meters. If needed, it’s possible to add more refrigerant. Depending on the manufacturer, the maximum distance for heat pumps can be 12-15 meters.
Installation and Leak Testing
The equipment installation is carried out by experienced specialists from our company, with many years of experience, practical skills, the necessary knowledge, and the right tools. In SPLIT-type heat pump systems, the outdoor and indoor units are connected. Before connecting them, a leak test is required. This involves filling the heat pump system with nitrogen under a pressure of 30-40 bars. The leak test lasts no less than 40 minutes. In addition to ensuring a proper connection, this nitrogen test helps remove moisture from the internal heat pump installation. Kliwenta also recommends conducting a vacuum test. Once a vacuum pump’s pressure gauge reaches zero bars, the vacuum should be maintained for at least 30 minutes.
Installation of Temperature Sensors
The proper functioning of a heat pump system directly depends on the correct installation of temperature sensors. Their role is to provide information about temperature at various points in the system, such as through the external temperature sensor, which monitors outdoor air temperature. This allows the heat pump to operate more efficiently by adjusting its work according to current heat energy demand. Our company’s specialists recommend placing the external temperature sensor in a shaded location to avoid inaccurate readings.
On the other hand, the comfort temperature sensor monitors the indoor room temperature to ensure it matches the set parameter. It’s important to pay attention to where this sensor is placed—it should be outside the sunlit zone and installed at a height of 1.5 meters above floor level.
In addition to these two sensors, many others can be used in heat pump automation, depending on the manufacturer and the complexity of the system. Their role is crucial for the proper functioning of the entire system. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure they are placed in the right locations and operate correctly.
Heat Pump and Central Heating System
In the heat pump installation market, there’s a lack of a defined hydraulic layout between the heat pump and the central heating system. Kliwenta specialists use only appropriate solutions to address this problem in a way that doesn’t compromise the heat pump’s efficiency.
There is an option for directly connecting a heat pump to the central heating system, but this comes with certain restrictions. You can’t connect a second heat source or use mixed central heating systems based on underfloor heating and radiators. Moreover, you must also carefully calculate the flows in underfloor heating loops to avoid a situation where some loops are too long and the system is not hydraulically balanced, which can cause it to enter alarm states.
It’s worth noting that for directly connecting a heat pump to the central heating system, a heat pump with a variable-frequency compressor (inverter) is required, not an ON-OFF type. This system also requires a buffer tank, which provides a water circuit with two different supply temperatures.
Such a complex task can only be carried out with quality by experienced specialists. A large team of highly specialized experts from our company is ready to complete all tasks set by the client within the specified time.
Buffer Tank for Heat Pump
A buffer tank for a heat pump is a reservoir used to store water that feeds the central heating system. It is used to collect heat energy, which is then utilized in the heating system. The primary function of a buffer tank is to increase the water volume in the heating system, allowing the heat pump to activate less frequently, thereby extending the device’s lifespan.
Using buffer tanks in central heating systems has several advantages. It allows for the use of advanced heat pump automation, enabling more precise control of the entire system. The buffer tank also enables individual control of the underfloor heating system through a wireless control system. However, Kliwenta’s specialists do not recommend using mixed underfloor and radiator heating, as it can increase the operating costs of the heat pump.
The buffer tank’s capacity depends on the type and power of the heat pump. A small buffer (80-100 liters) is installed for pumps with an inverter compressor, while a buffer with a capacity of 200-300 liters is appropriate for heat pumps with an ON-OFF compressor.
The heat pump installation process requires a serious approach, knowledge, and experience from the installers. Only in this case will the system operate reliably, and the client will not incur additional costs.
In addition to installation, Kliwenta specialists also provides maintenance and warranty inspections for heat pumps. The well-coordinated work of the entire team not only allows for the installation of a heat pump but also ensures the maximum efficiency of all equipment for many years.
