Step-By-Step Guide to Air Source Heat Pump Installation

How does air source heat pump installation work?

As with any home changes or additions, air source heat pump installation has a few steps. Work Work always ensures the air source heat pump is properly installed. This blog helps you understand what’s necessary for an air source heat pump system for your home and what goes into the installation.

Every project and home are unique, therefore this is an outline of the process. Once we complete the on-site survey a bespoke project plan will be created specifically for your home and your heating needs.

Project Preparation

Before the physical installation of the system can begin, Work Work wants to ensure your home is properly equipped for the air source heat pump.

Work Work’s on-site survey ensures you are receiving the optimal system for your home’s needs – and will accrue optimal savings. Work Work strives to always be honest with our customers, and we will inform you if we think an air source heat pump is not the ideal heating solution for your home.

The On-Site Survey

The process begins with a call from a Work Work specialist to determine a convenient time for the on-site survey. The on-site survey is a pivotal part of the process and sets the project up for success.  

With the home visit, Work Work is working with you to determine your heating needs and helping you discover the best option for your property. Thus, a set of questions needs to be answered with the survey.

For instance, an air source heat pump works like a reverse refrigerator, pulling air from around it. This means the system needs space surrounding it to function properly. During the home visit, the Work Work specialist will help you find an appropriate spot. We also assess your heating needs, how large the home is, the installation level within the home, how would you like heat distributed (underfloor heating, radiators, etc.) and more.

The answers to all of these questions will be discussed with you, the homeowner.

Once we know the specifics of the project, a project plan will be created and shared with you.

Installation  

We want this to be a convenient process for you so, like the survey, you get to pick an installation time. Good news is weekends are available!

Installation time varies on a per-project basis, but the specific installation timeline for your home will be discussed after the on-site survey.

Install the Outside Unit

The outside unit, essentially the heat pump, pulls the heat from the air. This will be the large unit you see placed outside.

As discussed earlier, the outside unit needs to be placed in an area where nothing blocks it and it has free movement of air. Ideally, it will be placed along an outside wall. Debris and loose dirt will be cleaned away before the unit is installed.

Once placed, the unit will be bolted to the ground or brackets will connect it to the house. These are necessary to ensure the unit is secure and does not move.

Install the Radiators

Work Work installs air to water heat pumps. Meaning the heat pump heats your home through your water. Air to water heat pumps typically heat your home through heating the water in the hot water cylinder and circulating it through the underfloor heating and the oversized radiators. Typically if underfloor heating is not already installed in your home, the air source heat pump will work solely through the radiators.

Air source heat pumps require larger radiators than standard ones normally found in homes. If new radiators are required, it will be discussed during the on-site survey.

Connect the Units

The outside unit and the hot water cylinder need to be connected. The radiators and underfloor heating will be connected through pipework to the hot water cylinder. This will be the largest variance per home. The process for connecting the outside unit and the hot water unit varies depending on the type of walls within your home and how far the condenser is from the hot water cylinder.

Most likely, though, a hole will need to be drilled through the walls. The control wire, refrigerant hose and the condensate drain hose travel from the hot water cylinder to the outside unit carrying the hot air to heat the water.

Aftercare

Air source heat pumps can have a lifetime of over 20 years; if cared for properly, little maintenance should be required within that time.

With your air source heat pump installation, Work Work offers a 12-month aftercare program. A specialist will call you every three months to ensure you are satisfied with the unit and no issues have occurred.  Afterwards, a Work Work specialist arranges an annual visit to inspect the system. Preventative care is important to ensure the system has no major problems.

Typical maintenance checks include:

    • Cleaning the fans
    • Cleaning and changing the filters
    • Checking the refrigerant levels
    • Verify there are no leaks
    • Cleaning away dirt and debris from the condenser unit
  • Cleaning the air handling unit

Funding

Part of Work Work’s total project management is assistance with the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Air source heat pumps are a form of renewable heat and could qualify you, the homeowner, for RHI payments from the government.

After the installation of the unit, Work Work will help you with the government RHI application and approval process. Payments vary depending on the renewable energy generated by your air source heat pump and are completed quarterly. Read our RHI guide for more information.

Work Work will walk you through every step of the air source heat pump installation process and be on hand to answer any questions.