Good practice guide to heat pump installation
Good design and installation are fundamental to a heat pump system's effectiveness and efficiency.
This guide provides good practice guidelines for designing and installing the most common type of residential heat pump system - air-to-air single-split heat pump systems (also known as reverse-cycle air conditioners), used primarily for heating.
The guide is aimed at experienced installers of heat pumps, and it gives the process to follow for system design and installation into both new and existing homes.
Get a copy of the guide
To request a free printed copy (or copies) of the guide, email info@eeca.govt.nz.
The guide is also available to download below as individual chapters, or in full (at the bottom of this page).
Chapter 1
Introduction
Chapter 2 - Heat pump systems
This section gives installers a general overview of heat pumps - the different types, system components and how heat pumps work.
Chapter 3 - Heat pump performance
This section covers the performance of heat pumps and the different factors that impact on their efficiency. It includes how heat pump efficiencies are determined, where you
can find that information, how temperature affects performance and the impacts of the defrost cycle on efficiency.
Chapter 4 - Designing a heat pump system
This section describes the steps for designing a heat pump system. A well-designed system will perform as efficiently as possible to meet the customer's needs.
Chapter 5 - Toolkit
It is essential that heat pump installation is carried out by a trained installer using the correct array of tools and equipment. This section lists the essential tools and equipment that are needed to successfully carry out the installation work.
Chapter 6 - Installing pipework
Good pipework gives a safe, efficient and reliable installation that will help the heat pump system perform properly. Too many joints, bends and long lengths can reduce
efficiency as it requires more energy for the compressor to pump the refrigerant around the system.
Chapter 7 - Heat pump installation
This section covers good-quality and safe installation of the indoor and outdoor heat pump units, connecting the units to pipework, testing the system for pressure/leaks and evacuation of the system (which must occur after pressure testing).
Chapter 8 - Refrigerants
A number of different refrigerants have been used over the years and all have some degree of impact to the environment. It is important to minimise refrigerant leaks because they can damage the ozone layer and increase greenhouse gases.
Chapter 9 - Electrical requirements
This section covers electrical requirements for heat pump installations. It is an essential element of the installation that all electrical work is carried out in an appropriate manner to ensure that the installation is safe and complies with legislation.
Chapter 10 - Testing, commissioning and customer operating instructions
This section covers what to do once a heat pump system is installed. It includes what to check before it is commissioned, testing the system, briefing the homeowner on the new system and carrying out a quality assurance check once everything is completed.
Chapter 11 - Servicing and maintenance
In addition to regular maintenance by the owner, a routine maintenance agreement should be undertaken with a licensed service person or organisation. In addition, users should monitor their installation and call a service person immediately if any abnormal operation is found.
