Air Source Heat Pumps

richardc1983

Andy_WSM wrote: »

Yes, technically it does. But I have ZERO respect for stupid laws, of which this is one.

I have no immediate neighbours anyway, so out of sight, out of mind.

Hows the system performing, I bet your noticing the defrosts more now but as you say all that steam was just refreezing back on the cold internal surfaces of your lofts at least now it can drain away and the steam also is clearing.

Temps set to drop even colder tonight so wrap up warm and turn that thermostat up lol

Andy_WSM

richardc1983 wrote: »

Hows the system performing, I bet your noticing the defrosts more now but as you say all that steam was just refreezing back on the cold internal surfaces of your lofts at least now it can drain away and the steam also is clearing.

Temps set to drop even colder tonight so wrap up warm and turn that thermostat up lol

Hi Richard, It is actually performing better than it ever did - and the loft is dry & ice free too!

This week will be a real test for it. The Trianco is only rated to -5C, tonight it is down below -3C already and set to get colder as the week goes on. Will let you know at what point it stops working LOL. At the moment it is working great though

richardc1983

Good to hear it Andy.

I did tell you this long ago, I know you was only going by manufacturers reccomendation I really dont know how they get away with this, you should be taking a complaint up with them. These units should not be installed under any sort of shelter they should be open to the elements, fresh air is the moto.

When you say its performing better than it ever did what do you mean by this? Are you seeing less defrosts etc?

Andy_WSM

richardc1983 wrote: »

When you say its performing better than it ever did what do you mean by this? Are you seeing less defrosts etc?

It's running for less time. i.e. it's able to to get a better supply of air to extract heat from I guess?

I'll write to Trianco in the week, if I get a quiet 5 or so in work.

richardc1983

Yep you do right, you should explain exactly what happened and advised that if there had been any damage you would be sueing them.

It will be able to extract heat out of the fresh air rather than short cycling the same air in the loft that just gets colder and colder.

Even if it gets to -5 outside your loft would have been at -8C so eitherway ur better off.

Does it say in the book if the unit cuts out at temps lower than -5 or just loses ability to maintain heating?

Andy_WSM

richardc1983 wrote: »

Does it say in the book if the unit cuts out at temps lower than -5 or just loses ability to maintain heating?

It doesn't say. It just says "operating range". It's not accurate anyway as the frost is a lot more severe than was expected and the temp is currently at -6.1C and it's still working. Must be pushing it towards it's limit though as the system temp has dropped a few degrees.

I think we are in for a VERY cold week!

Andy_WSM

Temp dropped to -7.5C and NOW it's struggling! I've just had a shower and used most of the hot water, which is going to give the heat pump some serious work to do in less than favourable conditions! Will leave it alone though and see what it does. It's currently doing a defrost cycle, which at these temps I'd expect to see a lot of!

Think I'll be using the gar fire this evening somehow as it's not expected to go above freezing today and will be just as cold tonight.

paceinternet

These units should not be installed under any sort of shelter

Richard, your choice of words may be wrong here.
Good airflow is important, and the manufacturer often gives minimum dimensions for clearances to surounding walls.
But a roof type of shelter is also recommended where snow may be be present. Not essential, but can help slow down frost build up when the white stuff is falling.

richardc1983

Andy_WSM wrote: »

It doesn't say. It just says "operating range". It's not accurate anyway as the frost is a lot more severe than was expected and the temp is currently at -6.1C and it's still working. Must be pushing it towards it's limit though as the system temp has dropped a few degrees.

I think we are in for a VERY cold week!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/6921281/Britain-facing-one-of-the-coldest-winters-in-100-years-experts-predict.html

richardc1983

paceinternet wrote: »

Richard, your choice of words may be wrong here.
Good airflow is important, and the manufacturer often gives minimum dimensions for clearances to surounding walls.
But a roof type of shelter is also recommended where snow may be be present. Not essential, but can help slow down frost build up when the white stuff is falling.

Yes this is true, but they should not be enclosed at all whether in a loft or outbuilding.