A heat pump’s long-term reliability depends as much on the peripherals as the unit itself. Overlooking key components is a common shortcut that can lead to inefficiency, nuisance faults and avoidable repair bills.
To get the expert lowdown, we spoke with Richard Burrows from Pirate Heating Supplies. Here are the essential parts he insists separate a bulletproof installation from a potentially problematic one.
Deaerator: Moving beyond basic air vents, a deaerator actively removes micro-bubbles from the circuit. This is critical for preventing internal corrosion and pump cavitation, safeguarding your system’s health for the long run.
Fill & Flush Valve: This valve is a game-changer for commissioning. It enables a clean, controlled fill and purge of the system, ensuring air and debris are removed without risking damage to the heat pump’s internal heat exchanger.
Expansion Vessel Service Valve: A simple yet genius addition. This valve allows for quick isolation and annual servicing of the expansion vessel without the need for a full system drain-down, making preventative maintenance straightforward.
High-Capacity Filter: Ditch the easily blocked inline strainers. This magnetic filter provides a much larger surface area, offering robust protection against low-flow faults caused by system debris.
The Insulated Isolation Valve: This innovative design allows the service isolation valves to be fully insulated, eliminating a major thermal bridge and ensuring your pipework retains as much heat as possible.
You can find and buy all these accessories from Pirate Heating Supplies.