Air Source Heat Pump Installation Guide

An air source heat pump uses two units, an indoor unit, and an outdoor condenser unit, to absorb heat in one location and move it to another location. This feature makes it excellent for cooling and heating your home. Using the principle of vapor compression refrigeration, the heat pump has a refrigerant system that absorbs the heat, moving it from one place to another.

Its versatile nature means you can use it in different designs, from underfloor heating to hot water-filled radiators. If properly fitted, it could also be a domestic hot water source with the right specifications. To get the most out of an air-source heat pump, you must pick the right one for your home and fit it properly. 

Can you install an air source heat pump on your own?

There are a couple of video and text tutorials online on setting up an air source heat pump, but they should not fool you that this is a DIY project. Indeed, the most you can do is assemble the heat pump parts and set them up in their respective locations.

You could set the outdoor unit at a desired location and the indoor unit on a wall stand or bracket waiting for installation. Doing this could help you save some installation costs and the time it takes to install the system. 

However, much of the work will require a certified technician. The piping and connecting of the wires, along with the electrical wiring, will need an expert for accurate fitting and determining any modifications that will be necessary.

There are also sensors that have to be installed on the system and will require someone with knowledge of how the system works in relation to its environment.

What Happens When Installing the Air Source Heat Pump

Preliminary steps 

Before the installation begins, there are a couple of steps to consider. Starting with a proper house inspection. The main aim is to ensure that the air source heat pump you want to buy matches the conditions of your home.

You will arrange with the contractor the best time for the visit. When the technician comes, they will make a complete assessment of the house, noting issues like your heating needs, the size of your home, your preference for distributing the heat, and the level of installation within the home. 

Besides inspections, other preliminary steps and considerations include;

• Check your HOA rules: You should check with your homeowners’ association if you live under one to see the regulations on the placement of the outdoor unit, whether you need approval, and whether you should place it outside or on the roof. 

• Check to see if you have appropriate storage for the equipment that will be coming in before the system’s installation. You want a place that’s secure and easily accessible both for the time you are storing and when you will be getting the equipment out. 

• Verify the project’s timeline: Installing the air source heat pump is not significantly disruptive like other major house renovations. However, it can still interfere with your day-to-day life. You should thus confirm with the contractor and make the necessary arrangements. 

• Along with making the arrangements for any disruption, you will need to be ready for going a few days without air conditioning. You can use a space heater or wall A/C unit in the meantime as an alternative. 

• Agree with your contractor on the best model for your home. Having assessed your house, you should have an informative discussion with the contractor on the best air source heat pump to get, the best installation design, and costs. You should share your budget, and be free to ask any questions and find out the options you have in the market and why the contractor prefers the choices he is suggesting. 

Installing the indoor unit

Most installation start with fitting in the indoor unit. The installation will depend on whether you use a ductless or ducted system. It will also depend on whether there is any existing ductwork in place.

For instance, if you opt for a ductless system, your contractor will find an unobstructed location on the wall and place the installer there. He would also fix in place a mounting plate that holds up the unit and then fasten the indoor unit to it. 

If you choose a ducted system, the first step will be installing the ductwork that will circulate the air. The ductwork installation could be done anywhere where it will not be interfered with or cause inconvenience, including options like the attic or the basement.

If you have existing ductwork, the contractor will seek access to it, and before connecting it to the unit, the contractor will look to make any repairs and modifications that will maximize your system’s efficiency. 

Creating an access point for the connection of indoor and outdoor parts

The next step is creating an access point where the indoor unit can connect to the outdoor condenser. The access point is usually created through the wall with a hole saw. Access points will be where the refrigerant, condensate drain, and electrical lines pass through.

In a mini-split system, you will need another access point in the room where the unit is located, beside the one on your home’s exterior. In a ducted system, the access point is located at the same point where the indoor air handler is placed in the house. 

Adding pipes to the indoor unit 

The next step is fitting the respective piping to the indoor unit. The main ones are the refrigerant line and the condensate line. The refrigerant lines carry refrigerants to and from the outdoor and indoor condensers.

Depending on the function of the air source heat pump at the time, the lines will carry warm or cool liquid, which converts to air, that is forced on the respective zone. 

Installing the outdoor unit

With the indoor setup ready and the piping connected, the next step is installing the outside unit. Because of the size of the air source heat pumps, there will be no need to build a concrete slab on which to mount the outdoor condenser. Instead, the unit is mounted on the side of your house, usually lifted above the ground to keep it out of reach of snowlines, especially in colder climates.

Installing the wiring and connecting to electricity 

With the two units in place, the next step is connecting them through the refrigerant lines and electrical wiring. The contractor will insulate or run the lines through conduits along the walls, shielding the lines from the elements. Further, the contractor will install a condensation line outside your home, which gets condensation from the heat pump away from your home’s interior space. 

Final touches 

The main work is installing the outdoor and indoor units. After that, there are a few finishes to complete the installation. The first part is securing the pipes to the sides of the house. The other step is installing sensors.

Modern air source heat pumps come with sensor technology which increases their convenience, allowing you to customize the temperature of different zones on the thermostat. Several also come with wireless remotes that allow you to adjust the temperature. The sensors also aid in remote monitoring and changing the temperature through mobile devices and internet connection. 

Air source heat pump maintenance tips

What affects air source heat pump installation costs?

The installation costs for an air source heat pump vary depending on the type of heat pump, the size of the building, and the size of the heat pump. It also depends on whether modifications must be made to fit the desired heat pump and if any existing systems have to be removed. 

How long does the installation process of an air source heat pump take?

Installation of the air source heat pump takes some time, depending on the scale of the property and the complications that may arise. It also depends on the scale of rehabilitation for any existing ductwork. It will take about two to five days on average, but it may be a full day’s work for small properties.  

Conclusion 

Air source heat pumps are an efficient way to heat or cool your home. It comes with the benefits of modern technology, allowing you to save plenty on energy costs since it is energy efficient. It is also an eco-friendly alternative. Further, with the right model, you could enjoy the convenience of using wireless remote control and monitoring.

That means it is a significant investment, so getting the installation right is crucial. While it may look like an attractive DIY project, it is unsuitable for unskilled labor as it requires an expert understanding of several factors.

Further, a skilled technician will aid you in picking the most suitable model for your home and avoid mistakes you will likely make. Upgrade your home’s air conditioning today by choosing the best heat pump model available. Visit SPRSUN, a professional heat pump manufacturer, to see the options available.