Heat pump Auckland

Heat pump Auckland, Services

HEAT PUMP NOT WORKING? HOW TO RESET YOUR HEAT PUMP

February 10, 20220

Heat pump Not Working? How to Reset Your Heat Pump

It’s the age-old question to ask when technology isn’t working – “have you turned it off and on again?” Simply restarting a device can do wonders when it’s not working right. This rings true, even for a heat pump system!

How do you reset a heat pump though? We’re running you through exactly how you can reset your air conditioner isolator switch so you can get back to the comfort you deserve.

When Should I Reset My heat pump?

There are a few instances where you will want to try and reset your heat pump. The first is when your heat pump unit isn’t heating or cooling effectively out of nowhere. This could be due to any number of reasons that require professional help. It could also be a thermostat error that is easily resolved with a reset.

If your heat pump won’t turn on, a reset is often the quick fix you need. Similarly, if your unit stopped working after a power outage, a hard reset might just do the trick. If your heat pump switches off by itself, resetting it could be the solution.

How to Reset heat pump with the Isolator Switch

Resetting your heat pump unit by the isolator switch is simple when you know how to do it. Here are seven steps to reset it.

  1. Turn off your heat pump with the remote/central controller.
  2. Locate the outdoor unit.
  3. Locate the isolator switch – a large plastic V-shaped switch, typically located on the wall next to the outdoor unit (see above picture).
  4. Turn the isolator switch off.
  5. Leave the unit for one hour.
  6. Turn the isolator switch on.
  7. Check for any errors with the unit.

Resetting your unit in this way can often resolve minor mechanical problems. If the problem persists after hitting the reset button, it’s time to call a professional.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re still experiencing problems, even after a reset, you need to call a licensed electrician to solve this problem. Some of the most common problems we have come across that a reset won’t fix include:

  • compressor failure
  • fan motor problems
  • faulty wiring
  • clogged air filters
  • blown fuse or another electrical issue

Above all else, if you’re unsure of how to reset your heat pump at any point, do not continue. One wrong step could make problems worse or even void the warranty on your heat pump unit.

ABOUT TRILECT ENERGY

Trilect Energy is a division of Trilect Services, New Zealand’s master electrician since 1997.

We are a 100% Kiwi owned & operated electrical service group which is a member of the Master Electricians & Mastercraft network with 40 employees and a 25+ years history of customer satisfaction. 

We do not use sub-contractors. All of the installations will be carried out by our experienced team.

Trilect Energy offers a customized energy plan that works for your home/ business.

Get started now by booking a free on-site consultation.

Or call us on (09) 271 2493

www.trilectenergy.co.nz

Heat pump Auckland, Services

TYPES OF HEAT PUMP

February 10, 20220

TYPES OF HEAT PUMP

Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners for all climates. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer.

Heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house during the heating season. During the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from your house into the outdoors. Because they transfer heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can efficiently provide comfortable temperatures for your home.

Ducted Air-Source Heat Pumps

There are three main types of heat pumps connected by ducts: air-to-air, water source, and geothermal.

They collect heat from the air, water, or ground outside your home and concentrate it for use inside.
The most common type of heat pump is the air-source heat pump, which transfers heat between your house and the outside air.

Today’s heat pump can reduce your electricity use for heating by approximately 50% compared to electric resistance heating such as furnaces and baseboard heaters. High-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling comfort in the summer months.

Air-source heat pumps have been used for many years in nearly all parts of the United States, but until recently they have not been used in areas that experienced extended periods of subfreezing temperatures.

However, in recent years, air-source heat pump technology has advanced to offer a legitimate space heating alternative in colder regions.

Ductless Air-Source Heat Pumps

Air-source heat pumps are also available in a ductless version called a mini-split heat pump for homes without ducts.

In addition, a special type of air-source heat pump called a “reverse cycle chiller” generates hot and cold water rather than air, allowing it to be used with radiant floor heating systems in heating mode

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal (ground-source or water-source) heat pumps achieve higher efficiencies by transferring heat between your house and the ground or a nearby water source.

Although they cost more to install, geothermal heat pumps have low operating costs because they take advantage of relatively constant ground or water temperatures. Geothermal (or ground-source) heat pumps have some major advantages.

They can reduce energy use by 30%-60%, control humidity, are sturdy and reliable, and fit in a wide variety of homes. Whether a geothermal heat pump is appropriate for you will depend on the size of your lot, the subsoil, and the landscape. Ground-source or water-source heat pumps can be used in more extreme climates than air-source heat pumps, and customer satisfaction with the systems is very high.

Absorption Heat Pumps

A relatively new type of heat pump for residential systems is the absorption heat pump, also called a gas-fired heat pump.

Absorption heat pumps use heat as their energy source and can be driven with a wide variety of heat sources.

Advanced Features to Look for in a Heat Pump

Several innovations are improving the performance of heat pumps.

Unlike standard compressors that can only operate at full capacity, two-speed compressors allow heat pumps to operate close to the heating or cooling capacity needed at any particular outdoor temperature, saving energy by reducing on/off operation and compressor wear. Two-speed heat pumps also work well with zone control systems. Zone control systems, often found in larger homes, use automatic dampers to allow the heat pump to keep different rooms at different temperatures.

Some models of heat pumps are equipped with variable-speed or dual-speed motors on their indoor fans (blowers), outdoor fans, or both. The variable-speed controls for these fans attempt to keep the air moving at a comfortable velocity, minimizing cool drafts and maximizing electrical savings. It also minimizes the noise from the blower running at full speed.

Some high-efficiency heat pumps are equipped with a desuperheater, which recovers waste heat from the heat pump’s cooling mode and uses it to heat water. A desuperheater-equipped heat pump can heat water 2 to 3 times more efficiently than an ordinary electric water heater.

Another advance in heat pump technology is the scroll compressor, which consists of two spiral-shaped scrolls. One remains stationary, while the other orbits around it, compressing the refrigerant by forcing it into increasingly smaller areas. Compared to the typical piston compressors, scroll compressors have a longer operating life and are quieter. According to some reports, heat pumps with scroll compressors provide 5.6° to 8.3°C warmer air when in the heating mode, compared to existing heat pumps with piston compressors.

Although most heat pumps use electric resistance heaters as a backup for cold weather, heat pumps can also be equipped in combination with a gas furnace, sometimes referred to as a dual-fuel or hybrid system, to supplement the heat pump. This helps solve the problem of the heat pump operating less efficiently at low temperatures and reduces its use of electricity. Few heat pump manufacturers incorporate both types of heat in one box, so these configurations are often two smaller, side-by-side, standard systems sharing the same ductwork.

In comparison with a combustion fuel-fired furnace or standard heat pump alone, this type of system can also be more economical. Actual energy savings depend on the relative costs of the combustion fuel relative to electricity.

ABOUT TRILECT ENERGY

Trilect Energy is a division of Trilect Services, New Zealand’s master electrician since 1997.

We are a 100% Kiwi owned & operated electrical service group which is a member of the Master Electricians & Mastercraft network with 40 employees and a 25+ years history of customer satisfaction. 

We do not use sub-contractors. All of the installations will be carried out by our experienced team.

Trilect Energy offers a customized energy plan that works for your home/ business.

Get started now by booking a free on-site consultation.

Or call us on (09) 271 2493

www.trilectenergy.co.nz

MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT HEAT PUMPS

February 9, 20220

MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT HEAT PUMPS

There are a few heat pump myths that should be addressed so you are clear on what is required to keep your unit running and doing its job effectively.

Especially because your heat pump will be required less by the end of summer and autumn, when the weather is cool down but not cold yet.

MYTH: MAINTENANCE IS A DIY JOB.

The fact is: Some maintenance you can do yourself and some should be done by a professional.

What you should know is that maintenance is about the most important part of running your heat pump unit efficiently.
Your split system heat pump has an outdoor unit and condenser fan. The coils are susceptible to dirt, debris, grass and all sorts of grime. In the ‘off season’ clean it down with a hose to get rid of all of the build up.

It’s not a hard job but you need to set aside the time to do it. Perhaps you can remember to do it when you mow the lawns?

We have put together an instruction video on how to clean heat pump’s filters for your convenient. Check it out here. 

If you notice something not right with your heat pump (overheat, weird noise, not getting any cool air even filters already cleaned) – Please get in touch with a professional, this is necessary to prevent any further damages for your unit. Having a team show up on time also avoid your heat pump to over work. 

Having your heat pump working much harder than necessary which will be reflected in the size of your electricity bills. A regular check of your unit by a professional/ regular filter clean will make sure that your unit is healthy and running efficiently.

MYTH: YOU CAN GET SICK FROM YOUR HEAT PUMP UNIT

Dirty air gets circulated in many ways, not just because of your air conditioner. If you are taking care of your heat pump unit then there is no reason to suggest it could make you unwell.

Unless of course, you are ignoring your obligation to maintenance. If you don’t clean the filters in your heat pump unit you are running the risk of getting sick.

If you have a ducted system it should be checked by a professional each year and the filters should be changed at least twice yearly to make sure they are doing their job effectively

FACT: HEAT PUMP IS A GREAT HEATING OPTION.

Heat pump is one for the most energy efficient ways to heat your home. Far cheaper then other conventional heating sources ie. electric heaters.

MYTH: THAT YOU SHOULD ALTERNATE YOUR HEAT PUMP WITH YOUR CEILING FANS.

They serve two different functions. Ceiling fans disperse air, air conditioners cool the air. The best and least expensive way to run your heat pump unit is to keep the thermostat at a sensible setting and eliminate drafts. The other sensible thing that you can do is to cover your windows so the sun doesn’t enter to work against your heat pump.

Last by not least, to have the units working at their best, care and maintenance is required to ensure that they’ll be in good shape all year round.

Contact Trilect Energy, the heat pump specialists for tips on how to use your heat pump economically. We have a team of heat pump technicians who are fully equipped on the road for installations, maintenance and heat pump repairs in Auckland wide.

ABOUT TRILECT ENERGY

Trilect Energy is a division of Trilect Services, New Zealand’s master electrician since 1997.

We are a 100% Kiwi owned & operated electrical service group which is a member of the Master Electricians & Mastercraft network with 40 employees and a 25+ years history of customer satisfaction. 

We do not use sub-contractors. All of the installations will be carried out by our experienced team.

Trilect Energy offers a customized energy plan that works for your home/ business.

Get started now by booking a free on-site consultation.

Or call us on (09) 271 2493

www.trilectenergy.co.nz