Heat pumps, which are a convenient and energy-efficient method of heating and cooling, have been increasingly popular in New Zealand houses in recent years. The efficiency and effective installation of a heat pump in Auckland depends on its design. It entails comprehending the significance of proper size for ambient circumstances, selecting the appropriate unit for the location, and properly installing the unit.
Continue reading to learn more about heat pumps and the steps involved in designing and installing them in both new and existing houses.
What Is A Heat Pump, And How Does It Work?
In general, air-to-air heat pumps function by extracting outside air and transferring it inside as heat, making it a cost-effective method of heating. Indoor heat can be evacuated to offer cooling by reversing the procedure. In the cycle, there are five main processes:
1. Low-pressure, low-temperature liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from its surroundings and evaporates in the evaporator (outside unit), changing to a gas state and absorbing energy as it does so (the latent heat of evaporation).
2. It goes through the compressor, which reduces the volume of the low-temperature gas, raising the temperature and pressure.
3. It travels through the condenser (interior unit) as a heated and high-pressure gas, where it condenses (the latent heat of condensation) and releases heat into the air surrounding the coil. A fan distributes the warmed air throughout the indoor space by moving it away from the coil.
4. The cooled refrigerant, now in liquid condition and still under pressure, flows through the metering device, where fast expansion reduces pressure.
5. The refrigerant flows back into the evaporator in the low-pressure, low-temperature state, and the cycle is repeated.
Installation Of A Heat Pump
Heat pumps can be installed in almost any room, but they must be placed correctly in order to function properly. Heat pumps also necessitate electrical work, which must be performed by licenced contractors, so factor this into your budget or choose a heat pump professional like Comfort Solutions who can provide a complete end-to-end solution.
A back-to-back installation, in which the heat pump units are on opposite sides of the same wall, can be completed in a matter of hours, whereas a more complicated installation, in which piping is required to link the units, may take longer. This can be evaluated by a professional. It’s a good idea to make sure your space is well-insulated before investing in a heat pump. If your room loses heat quickly owing to inadequate insulation, you’ll need a larger heat pump to keep it warm. Higher operating costs may result as a result of this.
In terms of efficiency and aesthetics, where the heat pump is installed can make a major impact. It’s advised not to place them near any seating areas, such as directly facing a couch, because the airflow, while gentle, might be irritating. For this reason, high-wall heat pumps are commonly used.
When wall space is limited or unavailable, such as in a bedroom or study with artwork, planners, and shelves covering the walls, floor units are an excellent solution.
You may benefit from heat flowing into other rooms if the heat pump is situated facing a corridor or doorways to other rooms. You might alternatively go with a ducted heat pump, which works like a central heating system and distributes air throughout the house via ceiling or floor ducts. With the system hidden away from view, this is definitely the least intrusive alternative.
The following factors will have an impact on the cost of your heat pump installation:
- Your style of wiring, such as local circuit or switchboard, and the size of your heat pump system
- the distance between the indoor and outside units via pipe
- capping length required to cover pipes and protect them from the elements
- the demand for outdoor units’ feet and pavers
- The route was taken by the drain.
For a free estimate or more information on our heat pump installation services, send us an email today.
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