Sunday, November 24, 2013

Ground sourced heat pump – Experiencing 7 years of operation

In this post I will share most useful experiences related to the 7 years of operation of my ground sourced heat pump. Most wanted facts about heat pump operations:
  • Costs: In first years operating costs (heating area 150m2, good insulation, county EU Slovenia) were from 250€ to 350€ for one winter season.
  • Operation time: The heat pump was in operation 3,5 hours on average per day.
  • Geothermal collector efficiency: At the beginning of the winter season the water from the geothermal collector was about 10,5 degrees Celsius.  At the end of the winter season the water from the geothermal collector was about 7 degrees Celsius.

The pump was running very smoothly without any problems ... until. Two years ago I noticed that my heat pump runs more and more hours per day. At the end it was running almost 5 hours on average. From 3,5 hours to 5 hours  ... what happened?! The winters were comparable in last years, the settings of the heat pump were the same, the geothermal collector was working O.K. So? I called the maintenance team of the producer of the heat pump. They showed up very quickly in few days. We found out an oil stain inside the heat pump below the compresor and we found out that cooling gas level is too low. After checking and screwing some pipes we added the cooling gas to the correct level. We started the machine, made some tests and ... it was running like new and it still do. The cost for the maintenance was 70€ and it was worth paying this money, because the pump will again run more efficient this winter. Having any additional questions ... just post a comment and I will try to answer asap.

16 comments:

phoenix heating and cooling said...

Choosing a ground source heat pump to heat your home is an alternative method of providing heat. Not many people are familiar with these devices. This article will help shed some light on them.

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Unknown said...

Howdy, Could it be changes in temperature the cause of that pump trouble?

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Unknown said...

When is the best time of year to get a heat pump put in? I want to get this done, but I also want to make sure I'm doing it right. Also, how long does it usually take to install a heat pump? www.cblucashvac.com

Unknown said...

I am not very familiar with heat pumps. I am in need of one though, I'm just not sure how to go about getting one installed in my home. Is there a certain time of year I should be getting this done?

Alana Lynne | http://www.accutemp.ca

Unknown said...

My husband and I have been looking for heat pumps to use in our home. We're not sure what kind would work well for us. This post was really helpful in giving us information on ground sourced heat pumps. Do you have an infographic by chance that can compare the differences between the different heat pumps?
Claudia Rosenburg | http://www.eliteairinc.com/product-list.php?cat=2

Global Energy Systems said...

You know what type of Heat Pumps suitable for your home and how the Heat Pumps work?
This post is the really helpful for those people how don't no about heat pumps.

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Unknown said...

I don't know much about heat pumps. I do know enough to know that 7 years running is a long time! If I need to get one, what should I look for?

Will Jenkins | http://www.eliteairinc.com/product-list.php?cat=2

Unknown said...

Does heat improve the efficiency of the pump? I would assume the water can help improve the quality. Heating could add the pressure we need. http://www.valleypumpnw.com/services/

Unknown said...

Great information. This a good product and helpful for providing heat.
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Unknown said...

It is good information.
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Alex Rodriguez said...

Ground Source heatpump is an alternative source to heat your home.I don't think everyone familiar with this.

Unknown said...

These points means a lot to us. Thanks for sharing the amazing ideas.

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Evo Energy Technologies said...

Thank you for the informative post. I am sure many people will benefit from it. We are in a similar business and understand the need of people to be aware of these pertinent facts. Keep up the good work.
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Tino Best said...

You need to know that there are no hidden fees and you need to see if he offers some kind of warranty or guarantee. LG Repair in Master Appliance

Mitchel Marsh said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Matthew BRad said...

I admire this article for its well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. If you are looking for Heat Pump Repair Service then Furnace Repair Wisconsin is highly recommended.