Coolheat Blog

Climate Control: The Consumer Checklist

Buying a heat pump for your home is a big decision. However some consumers seem to treat the process as they would any other electrical appliance purchase. Buying off the shelf and relying on inexperienced or unqualified technicians to install it may work for the toaster - but a sophisticated climate control system?

Hartnell Coolheat sales consultant Graham Parker has therefore provided a quick and easy checklist containing some of the more common aspects that can be overlooked during the consultation and quoting period.

THE QUOTING PROCESS: Reputable companies will send a sales engineer to discuss the clients exact requirements. These engineers will typically take specific measurements, work through a series of calculations and produce a clear drawing of the intended work before leaving the client.

A QUESTION OF KILOWATTS: Certain operators are unscrupulously marketing their heat pump systems to a great extent on the low kilowatt rating on the units. This practise is flawed as it leads to the installation of systems that cannot reach the required operating temperatures during the extreme conditions . Which leads to…Poor performance.

THE TEMPERATURE TEST: Equipment that may work fine in the North Island is not always suitable for the harsher winters in the South. Always check to see the minimum temperature for operation. Ideally the unit will operate even at temperatures as low as -15C.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INVERTER AND NON-INVERTER: A non-inverter system will reach the desired temperature and then, just like any thermostatically controlled heater, switch off. This results in a standard drop in room temperature. The inverter works like an accelerator on your car - gently increasing or decreasing power as required. It reaches the desired temperature and then maintains it. This method produces a dependable, comfortable climate and produces considerable savings in operating costs.

FAN FLEXIBILITY: Always check fan capability, as a range of speed options is crucial for prevention of any unnecessary noise or draughts from the indoor unit.

SPARE PARTS STRENGTH: Reputable companies will not only sell units and install them, but also have a dependable servicing capacity. A large, dedicated service department should have easy access to spare parts and a fast turnaround of any maintenance work.

POWER SUPPLY: Ensure safety and reliability of the systems with a dedicated power supply that goes directly back to the switchboard.

THE WARRANTY: While there are many technology-based warranties these are often supplemented by the installation companies as well. Regardless, consumers should be looking at the five year range for a warranty before committing to any system purchase.

This is only a brief look at the many different facets of heat pump installation. If you have any questions it pays to ask a professional - and take the time to try before you buy in a heat pump company showroom.

Tags: climate control, consumer advice, heat pump advice, heating, home, inverter, kilowatts, non-inveter, technicians, temperature