Our air source heat pump (ASHP) has been off for central heating since April, but it comes on when required to reheat the hot water. Now that we’re in autumn, temperatures are beginning to drop, and it’s the perfect time to switch on the heat pump for a few days to ensure that everything is functioning correctly. If you notice any issues, this early start gives you a few weeks to schedule a heating engineer to address and resolve any problems before it gets really cold.
Check the air source heat pump unit
The first step is to check the ASHP itself. Make sure that it is clean and free of debris. Make sure the evaporator is clean too. Check the fan to make sure that it is not blocked and that there are obstructions. You should also check the coils for any signs of damage or corrosion.
Clean the filter
The filter in your ASHP is responsible for removing corrosion in your central heating pipework. Over time, the filter can become clogged, which can reduce the flow, leading to potential alarms on your heat pump. It is important to check and clean the filter. Ours had some corrosion in it, so it’s a good idea to give it a clean.
Check the TRVs and thermostats
If you have thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) and thermostats, it is important to check that they are all working properly.
Bleed the radiators
If you have any air locks in your radiators, this can prevent the hot water from circulating properly. This can reduce the efficiency of your ASHP and make it take longer to heat up your home.
Check the pressure of your heating circuit
There may be a chance that the pressure in your heating circuit has dropped over the course of the summer. Go to your expansion vessel and check that your pressure is at the correct amount. Ours is usually set to 1.5 bar.
Insulate your home
One of the best ways to improve the efficiency of your ASHP is to insulate your home properly. Good insulation will help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
There are a number of ways to insulate your home, including:
- Adding loft insulation
- Installing cavity wall insulation
- Fitting double glazed windows
- Sealing any draughts around doors and windows
Weather compensation
Make sure that your weather compensation is activated and that you’re happy with the heat curve you’ve selected. This is a good time of year to test it.
Test the ASHP
Simply turn on the heating and check that the ASHP is running smoothly. Monitor radiator temperatures and electricity consumption. You should also check that the radiators are heating up evenly.
If you find any problems with the ASHP, contact a qualified engineer to have them repaired.
