Heat Pumps
Electricity is used in Heat Pumps simply to power a compressor and fan. The compressor compresses gas into a liquid, causing it to heat up (in the same way a bicycle pump gets hot when a tyre is pumped up). This heat is then transferred to circulating water which is stored in a geyser. In the next part of he cycle the gas evaporates, resulting in it cooling down. Here, a fan blows air over the cold gas-filled piping, which extracts "free" heat from the ambient temperature and causes the gas to warm up again. The gas is then compressed once more, releasing the extracted heat to warm the water and the cycle continues as before. Result: Energy-efficient water heating at a third of the cost of electro-element heating.
A hot water heat pump typically produces up to 4 times more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes. So by connecting a heat pump to your existing hot water cylinder you can divide your hot water consumption by 4. Unlike solar a heat pump is not directly dependant on the sun and therefore it can operate day and night, winter and summer, ensuring you the highest possible saving and still giving you piping hot water 24/7.
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Why service a Heat Pump?
What is done in a Heat Pump Service?
- The heat pump is mounted outside and is exposed to the elements of the weather. In the unit there are the evaporator and condenser where transfer of heat takes place. Any build-up of dirt on the evaporator or condenser will over time affect the performance of the heat pump efficiency.
- If there is a build-up of sediment it will clog up the heat pump filters, [as well for example showerheads, taps inside the house, etc.] that will need to be cleaned. Build-up of sediment is a lime scale which is a chalky white mineral deposit (alkaline) which is the result of chemical in the water. Known as “hard” water.
- A lime scale remover and a soapy detergent is used to dissolve the sediment and clean the piping in the heat pump.
- The Y water strainer must be cleaned. The photograph below shows a strainer that was completely blocked with sediment.
- The heat exchanger coils is checked for fouling. Dirty or fouled heat exchangers result in inefficient operation, and if fouled, a chemical cleaning treatment may be necessary. We use a de-calk solution to de-calk the heat exchanger.
- The water circulation pump must be checked to ensure it is operating normally and there are no water leaks on the union connections and on the head and flange of the pump.
- The compressor bay is cleaned with a soft bristle paint brush and a damp cloth. Inspecting for signs of oil on pipework. This could indicate a gas leak in the system.
- The configuration of piping is examined to see that it is at the optimum efficiency with the correct valves. This is a common problem where installers have not installed a dual drain cock. Or the censor is placed in the incorrect position. The function of the solenoid valve is tested.
- The controller settings are checked. The tank temperature setting. The outlet water temperature. The clock time and any on/off time settings. If incorrect we rest.
- The PC board housing and electrical terminals are cleaned and checked for any lose terminals.
- The cleaning of the Evaporator coil with cleaner detergent prevent dust build up that could restrict the air flow.
- It is important to check the condition of the pipe insulation on the heat pump flow and return pipes. If damage the insulation it will be replaced. Below is piping without any lagging installed on the pipes, thus heat loss is a problem.
- Cleaning of the outer casing and general cleaning of the heat pump will be done.
- A Change-over switch should be installed during the original installation. If not the client should be given the option to either install or chose not to do so. A change-over switch can either supply electrical power to the heat pump or the electric geyser. If the heat pump malfunctions and needs repairs, the change-over switch is turned to the electric geyser. Thus the client is never without hot water while the heat pump is repaired.
NOTE: A heat pump has two sections where a plumber does the plumbing and an air conditioner technician does the repairs to; circulation pump if not working, leaking gas; PC board replacement; capacitor replacement. This is not part of the heat pump service.
The electric geyser has its own service requirements, not included in a heat pump service:
This is additional;
The anode needs to checked annually and replaced if necessary on the geyser. The geyser should be checked for leaks. These may not be necessarily coming from the inner cylinder itself, but from pipe connections. Should this water be able to leak into the cylinder insulation the hot water cylinder will corrode. If there is a build-up of sediment in the tank, it will affect the life of the geyser and will clog up heat pump filters. The element, pressure valves need to be check regularly.
Electricity is used in Heat Pumps simply to power a compressor and fan. The compressor compresses gas into a liquid, causing it to heat up (in the same way a bicycle pump gets hot when a tyre is pumped up). This heat is then transferred to circulating water which is stored in a geyser. In the next part of he cycle the gas evaporates, resulting in it cooling down. Here, a fan blows air over the cold gas-filled piping, which extracts "free" heat from the ambient temperature and causes the gas to warm up again. The gas is then compressed once more, releasing the extracted heat to warm the water and the cycle continues as before. Result: Energy-efficient water heating at a third of the cost of electro-element heating.
