John Klee, heating technology expert at BestHeating, has highlighted the key checks to undergo when it comes to servicing air source heat pumps as maintenance enquiries for gas alternatives soar.
A statement said that summer remains the optimum time for boiler servicing in households across the UK with engineers often having more availability and the warmer weather allowing for any repairs to be undertaken before temperatures start to drop.
However, with an increasing focus on using greener energy sources, the statement added that searches for “air source heat pump servicing” have been breaking out on Google for the past month.
Despite this growing demand for gas alternatives, BestHeating’s recent survey of 2,000 tradespeople revealed that 94% anticipated customers keeping their traditional boilers and were not expecting enquiries about heat pump technology and servicing this year.
John Klee has provided a reminder of six heat pump-specific maintenance checks to undergo when visiting customers:
Fuel source and heating method
Check Type: Inspect the refrigerant lines and the reversing valves.
Reason: Heat pumps use refrigerant to transfer heat between indoor and outdoor units. The reversing valve allows the system to switch between heating and cooling modes. Malfunctioning valves or damaged refrigerant lines can lead to uneven heating or cooling, reduced comfort levels, and potential system breakdowns.
Heat distribution
Check Type: Examine the ductwork for leaks, blockages or insulation issues.
Reason: Heat pumps often use forced-air systems requiring efficient ductwork for uniform heat distribution. Leaks or blockages in the ductwork can lead to significant energy losses, reducing the system’s overall efficiency and increasing energy costs.
Safety features
Check Type: Inspect the high/low-pressure switches, defrost cycle, and condensate drain.
Reason: Heat pumps rely on refrigerant pressure, proper airflow, and defrost cycles for safe operation. Malfunctioning switches can lead to unsafe pressure levels, potentially causing damage to the system and the defrost cycle is essential for removing frost or ice buildup on the outside unit.
Efficiency and calibration
Check Type: Test the refrigerant levels and airflow.
Reason: Efficient heat pump operation relies heavily on the correct refrigerant charge and defrost cycle calibration. Improper refrigerant levels can lead to reduced cooling or heating capacity, increased energy consumption, and potential damage to the compressor. Testing airflow ensures that the system can deliver the right amount of air to each area of the building.
Operating modes and controls
Check Type: Test the reversing valve and the heating and cooling performance.
Reason: Heat pumps offer both heating and cooling modes. The reversing valve must switch effectively between modes, and system performance needs verification in both. Testing heating and cooling performance also ensures that the system can achieve and maintain the desired indoor temperature levels. This is essential for providing consistent comfort to occupants throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.
System lifespan considerations
Check Type: Lubricate moving parts, inspect compressor, and test system pressures.
Reason: Heat pumps have a high-efficiency compressor requiring regular checks and lubrication to prevent premature wear. The compressor is a critical component of a heat pump system. Regular inspection helps detect any signs of wear, damage, or refrigerant leaks early on. Addressing compressor issues promptly can prevent system breakdowns.