How to look after your heat pump in winter
In recent years there has been a significant increase in homeowners looking for renewable and more energy efficient ways of heating their homes. This has led to several people installing heat pumps, particularly air source heat pumps. However, it’s important to know how to effectively care for your heat pump during harsher weather conditions in the winter to avoid issues and ensure maximum efficiency.
How do heat pumps work?
Air source heat pumps work by absorbing heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors. They use a refrigerant system to extract the heat which causes evaporation. Following this, it compresses the gaseous refrigerant in order to increase the temperature before being introduced into the home.
Ground source heat pumps are typically more difficult to install compared to air source and aren’t as popular for a few reasons including higher installation costs. They work by taking heat from the ground or water sources underneath the surface. A network system of pipes containing water and antifreeze is installed underground.
As the liquid circulates through the pipes, it extracts heat from the earth around it and takes it back to the heat pump. This type of system is best suited to rural homes or properties with large gardens.
What happens to heat pumps in the winter?
The average temperature during the winter in the UK is usually between 2C and 7C. This can mean your heat pump will use more energy to meet the increased demand for heating and hot water. Most modern heat pumps are designed to be able withstand colder temperatures during the winter. However, there are some basic precautions you should take to help keep your system maintained and working as efficiently as possible.
Top tips for winter heat pump care
It’s common to have exposed pipework around your heat pump, but this can lead to issues like heat escaping during the colder months. By insulating your pipes, you can help to lower your energy consumption, which in turn will reduce your heat pump costs, and reduce the risk of heat loss through the pipes. Additionally, pipe insulation can prevent them from freezing on occasions when the temperature drops. Frozen pipes can damage your pump system as it stops water from being able to access your radiators and your heat pump will have to work harder to meet your heating and hot water needs.
Like with a boiler, it’s important to get your heat pump serviced regularly by a professional engineer. This is because it will make sure that your system is performing as it should be, any issues can be highlighted and resolved early before they become more serious, and it will help to maintain the longevity of the pump. Heat pumps typically have a lifespan of around 15 years, but with proper maintenance it could last for 20 or even 25 years. During the service, the engineer will carry out:
- Temperature checks
- Visual and diagnostic system checks
- Testing of all relevant pipework
- A full visual check
- Testing for leaks
- Testing the electrical circuits and
- Offer professional advice for ongoing use and maintenance
If you’re worried about your heat pump system during the winter months, you might want to cover it using a canopy or free-standing cover. This will provide extra protection from adverse weather conditions and garden debris. However, when choosing the right cover for your heat pump, you need to make sure that it has suitable ventilation and airflow.
Many modern heat pumps will likely be designed to withstand cold temperatures to ensure their effectiveness all year round. As the system goes through its normal process of taking heat out of the air, in the winter ice can build up at the back of the pump.
If your system has a built-in de-icing mode it will activate once the temperature drops below 2.5C and heat up the back of the pump to keep it free from ice and snow and allowing air to flow freely. Never pour hot water over your heat pump as a method of defrosting, it is an electrical appliance and can be dangerous to do so.
Conclusion
Keeping your heat pump running effectively throughout the year, no matter the weather conditions is essential to ensuring you can access heating and hot water when you need it. If you need new or replacement parts for your heat pump, NBS can help.
We provide a wide range of heat pump and boiler spares and parts to customers and engineers across the country. Use our online shop to find the right part for your heating system and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.