Friday, October 17, 2014

Ground source heat pump – Top 5 mistakes

There are quite many failures or mistake when purchasing or installing ground source heat pumps. Here are top 5 I'm hearing from users:

  1. The output power of the heat pump is too high or too low. The problem is that nobody made his homework. Nobody made calculations how much power is needed according to the heat loss of the house. Usually the customer buys too powerful heat pump.
  2. The dimension of vertical or horizontal ground sourced collector is too small, too weak. Again nobody made his homework. There is absolute need that one engineer prepares the blueprint and proper energy/heat calculations for the heat pump and for the collector.
  3. The low temperature heat pump is attached or installed to existing high temperature heating systems. This is usually a big mistake. In such cases heat pump can be used as secondary heat source for low temperatures, but for very cold days your should use more powerful and high temperature source (e.g. gas or oil).
  4. Instead of existing furnace (oil, gas, wood) the heat pump of same power is installed. Usually this will not work. One one hand existing furnace was probably too much powerful and there is no need for the heat pump of the same power. On the other hand heat pump will probably ensure only temperatures up to 50 Celsius which is too low, unless high temperature heat pump is used. 
  5. Installations in the ground are not of good quality. Since the investment in ground source collector is pretty high, the installation must be of 100% quality. No errors, damages or leaks are permitted. If there is a problem it is very hard first to find the spot of error and second the repairs are very expensive. The vertical collector must run without problems for 30 years. Request proper warranty.


When installing a heat pump in old house and old heating system, I would definitely propose to first insulate the house and change windows and after that install heat pump system.

21 comments:

Unknown said...

I have been looking for a new pump for my home. I want to make sure that the drilling goes down deep enough. I want to make sure that it is done correctly. http://www.swankwellandpump.com/Water-Testing-Treatment-Services-Danville-PA.html

Unknown said...

Thanks for the great information! I've been wanting to do something similar to this for the longest time now. I was just a little worried if it would work or not. How much did this project end up costing you in the end?
http://www.empnl.com/services.htm

Unknown said...

Its interesting that most of the time customers buy to powerful of a heat pump. Which would then lead to other improper calculations. I think I would be in the same mistake, but now I know how important it is to do the research first. http://www.bensonshvac.com/

Unknown said...

I never realized that installing a geothermal pump was so labor intensive. Has it always been this way or is this mostly because of new developments? I would love to have heat pump unit like the one you pictured in your home, but I'll probably need to contact a professional before I make my decision. Thanks for pointing out a few pitfalls to avoid! http://www.ajph.com/heat_pumps.html

Unknown said...

I have had the worst time looking for a reputable and trustworthy company that offers commercial heating in Henderson. I need suggestions.

Smm Gigs said...

I never understood that introducing a geothermal heat pump was so work concentrated. Has it generally been like this or is this for the most part in light of new advancements? I would love to have warmth pump unit like the one you imagined in your home, yet I'll presumably need to contact an expert before I settle on my choice. A debt of gratitude is in order for indicating out a couple of pitfalls keep away from!

Unknown said...

I find that the best way to avoid mistakes like the 5 listed is to go the professional. I have tried too many times to do it all by myself with nothing more than a YouTube education. Often, my own mistakes are costly and it's way better to go to someone who actually knows what they are doing, more than I do anyways. http://www.midnightsunheating.ca/en/heating_systems.html

Mark Lee said...

Wonderful blog! I truly love how it’s easy on my eyes as well as the info are well written.

Heat Pumps

Rosmi J Vadakkan said...

Thanks for the blog. Very informative too. Please check out our website http://www.junoenterprises.com for more info about heat pumps

Tosko said...

Thanks for all your comments and links. I'm really trying to give as much information as possible. If it is possible please support my blog by putting the link from your web site (that is mentioned in your comment) to my blog. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE SUPPORT.

Recently I visited one investor. Hid did few classic mistakes, the post will follow soon.

Unknown said...

A few feet below the earth’s surface, the temperature stays a relatively constant temperature year round. During the winter, it moves the heat from the earth into your home to provide heat. During the summer, it pulls the heat from your home and discharges it into the ground leaving your home cooler.

Unknown said...

Great job!! That was amazing. your work process is wonderful,thanks for sharing...
heat pump in herndon

Unknown said...

Nicely done! The mistakes you have highlighted here are usually ignored and results in efficient heating system in homes. Plumbing and heating services can be ask for operation to ensure efficiency benefits.

Amisha Patel said...

Its a valuable content shared,would like to know more about it.

Hydraulic Pumps Dealers Mumbai

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing the article. It would help me a lot.

Heating and Cooling Hamilton

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing such a great article
Heating and Cooling Mississauga

Unknown said...

One important thing which effects your heating and cooling appliances is the exhaust system. The vents, ducts etc.

Heating and Cooling Toronto

Unknown said...

i will love your article this is truly great idea thanks.
Heating and Cooling Toronto

Unknown said...

I have read your article, I am very much impressed because you way of explanation quite good and very informative. Bild Infrarotheizung

Valliere Air Conditioning & Heating, LLC said...

Thank you for sharing this useful blog with us. The five things you gave in the blog about failures or mistakes made when purchasing or installing ground source heat pumps are quite helpful. Thanks again for bringing these points. You can get in touch with us if you need a professional heat pump repair in Tomball.

A & T Mechanical said...

Thank you for sharing it with us! It was quite beneficial! You've provided some great recommendations on what to look for in a Heat pump to extend its life. Get heat pump repair Oklahoma City, OK, at reasonable rates.