Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction
Part 1: https://youtu.be/Zar7RTQodnw
Roger is back with John, the nightmare heat pump owner, to see if Adam from @HeatGeek can help him.
https://www.youtube.com/@HeatGeek
Heat Pump League table
https://heatpumpmonitor.org
Live link to Adam’s beta pump (click on the bar chart)
https://emoncms.org/app/view?name=Primary&readkey=eec7334e58f2a6927a9ff7b27c8c7e63
Nightmare Heat Pump Summary
The simple application of weather compensation can significantly enhance the efficiency of your system. Currently, it operates on a fixed temperature with an on/off mechanism. In this modern era, no system, whether it uses gas or a heat pump, should function this way. Implementing this change alone could increase your Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) to around 3.
Furthermore, blending valves, bypasses, and buffers have been left in the system unnecessarily. These components hinder efficiency by causing distortion, which dilutes the flow temperature. This dilution necessitates a higher-than-required flow temperature, negatively impacting overall efficiency. Removing these unnecessary components could likely improve efficiency to a mid-3 level, especially given the size of your radiators, even with the constraints of solid brick construction.
Additionally, while the fact that your system is a high-temperature unit does affect its performance, it is important to consider that it might have been the correct decision at the time of installation, particularly if no radiator upgrades were made then.
Aside from the straightforward and quick fixes that could be accomplished with just one day of labor, the most pressing issue is the considerable noise disturbance affecting your neighbour. The original installers failed to lay a proper base for the unit, which is a critical step for any installation. Without this solid foundation, the unit has shifted and tilted backward over time. This misalignment places undue strain on the bearings, which they are not designed to handle. Consequently, this results in the grinding noise you are hearing and causes the fan blades to come into contact with ice.
Additionally, the unit has suffered from poor maintenance. A proper service should not only ensure that the unit is level but also address the condition of the bearings. Unfortunately, these aspects have been neglected. A thorough servicing would include leveling the unit as a basic requirement and assessing the bearings to prevent further issues.
As a result of these issues, a complete stripdown and replacement of parts in the outdoor unit are necessary. This process is essential to restore proper functionality and eliminate the noise disturbance. If we can secure assistance from LG, I have a highly skilled Heat Geek technician who is FGas certified and can perform the necessary work on your system. Additionally, we can assist with any other aspects of the repair or maintenance required to address your nightmare heat pump.
If you decide to replace the entire unit, opting for a model that does not have a double compressor could yield significant improvements. With such an upgrade, you can anticipate achieving Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) ratings in the mid-4 range. This efficiency is possible even in a home with solid brick construction, largely due to the substantial size of your radiators, which would complement the new system well.
Replacing an existing unit is actually a much more cost-effective and straightforward process compared to installing an entirely new system from scratch. To give you an idea of the potential costs involved, replacing your current unit with a 12kW model—such as a Vaillant arotherm plus or a Viessmann—would likely be in the vicinity of £7,000. This estimate assumes that the rest of your system is already in place and in good working condition.
It’s important to note that a precise calculation of the required capacity (kW) would need to be determined through a heat loss assessment to ensure the new unit meets your home’s specific heating needs. Despite this, the replacement cost is generally lower because it leverages the existing infrastructure, thereby reducing labor and material expenses associated with a full installation.
I am also open to offering any additional assistance where possible, ensuring that you get the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your home heating needs. No more nightmare Heat pump!
