Installation of a heat pump: how does it work?
Like many other electrical devices, a heat pump will not work until it is switched on. It can be intalled by experts who the manufacturers approve, and these specialists can start the heat pump as soon as it is installed.
When should I call an expert for my heat pump?
It is usually up to the professionals to take care of the first start-up of a brand new heat pump following an installation. They are also responsible for re-commissioning by replacing the refrigerant in the event of a breakdown.
What are the benefits of having a heat pump installed by a professional?
Contacting a professional to install your heat pump can bring several benefits.
Once the heat pump has been commissioned, you will be issued with an invoice certifying that you can :
- Benefit from the warranty;
- Take advantage of various offers and discounts.
How to install your heat pump
Before the operation, certain conditions are essential. However, all installations must be completed correctly.
The users must be present during the commissioning of the heat pump. The installer must check that all connections (electrical and hydraulic) are made.
The installation of the heat pump should not require any special equipment. All parts must be in place, following the recommended distances. It is also necessary that the pipes to be used are of good quality.
How is a heat pump installed?
When installing a heat pump, the technician must ensure it is installed correctly.
The commissioning of a heat pump is done as follows:
Pressurisation: The technician detects unexpected leaks using the following tools:
- An electronic leakage sensor, which detects the slightest leakage and expresses it in grams/year;
- Or a soapy liquid: the specialist disperses it on the connections. If there is a leak, the gas bubble causes bloating.
Pressurisation is mandatory before any operation, as the nitrogen in the circuit is of very high pressure. This phase eliminates harmful substances in the pump.
Vacuuming: Be aware that the compressor is easily damaged and very delicate. The specialist puts the circuit under negative pressure to remove impurities from the pump.
The distribution of refrigerant in the circuit: The refrigerant is an essential substance for the operation of the pump. It is initially stored somewhere in the circuit. The role of the technicians is to release this fluid. After release, it spreads throughout the circuit and links the outside and inside.
Gas topping up: Gas topping up is a fundamental operation during the commissioning of a pump. It is essential to increase the gas level if it is a long circuit (about 30 metres or more). The manufacturers prescribe the recommended gas dose.
Start-up: The specialist prescribes an instruction after commissioning and sends it back to the manufacturer. He mentions all the information about the pump: its voltage, pressure, temperature, and current. Before starting the pump, the prescribed information must be checked. All problems are suitable for codes specific to their kind. The heat pump, therefore, sends coded signals if there are any obstacles.
Are there any other checks to be made?
At the end of the operation, the professional must also take care of the sensors. They must be properly connected. It is also the technician’s responsibility to check that the probes are correctly placed.
The heat pump will work as soon as all these elements have been checked.
The specialist also must give you valuable instructions on the operation of the pump, and you should therefore be informed about its regulation.
You can also benefit from a monitoring service. Some manufacturers suggest monitoring your pump remotely as a maintenance service.
