Before, During, and After Installing a Heat Pump System
Have you considered installing a heat pump? This is not a job you want to DIY or trust in anyone. It requires expertise and careful planning.
If done improperly, it can create many issues for your wallet, comfort, and system life. In fact, about 90% of HVAC systems are installed incorrectly, resulting in long-term inefficiencies.
That’s where we come in. At Mister Greenway, we’re all about doing it right from the get-go. So, let’s get the ball (or your system) rolling.
Importance of Proper Sizing
So, what’s the big deal with heat pump installation? A huge deal! That’s because choosing the right size for your heat pump matters. We do this assessment using something called a Manual J Load calculation.
This process looks at factors like insulation levels, window and door dimensions, and ceiling height. We don’t rely on square footage alone, which often leads to mistakes ignoring many important elements.
An oversized unit will turn on and off too often like a kid playing with a light switch. On the other hand, a unit that’s too small won’t heat or cool your home evenly, which leads to more strain on the system. Neither is good for your energy bills or your comfort.
At Mister Greenway, as an expert HVAC contractor, we carefully select the right size for your home to avoid these problems.
Installing a Heat Pump: Prep Time
Before our team arrives, we’ll give you a heads-up about who’s coming. On installation day, our lead tech will walk you through everything to make sure you’re fully informed about the process.
And to protect your home, we’ll cover your floors and set up our equipment carefully. Your home is your castle, after all!
Removing the Old Heat Pump
If you’re replacing an old unit, you must remove it properly. Don’t worry; our techs can handle it all. First, we safely remove the refrigerant using a recovery machine (a must for protecting Mother Earth).
After that, we disconnect the wiring and haul away the old system. This sets the stage for a smooth installation of the new heat pump.
Installing a Heat Pump: Site Preparation
Now, for the new system, we start from the ground up. Literally! We’ll make sure the outdoor unit has a nice, level spot to sit on to give it stability.
In colder regions, we’ll give the unit a lift to prevent snow from blocking airflow. This part of the process is often overlooked but plays a significant role in how long the system will last and how efficiently it runs.
Replacing the Indoor Evaporator Coil
When installing your new heat pump, we often must swap out the indoor evaporator coil. We remove the old coil and refrigerant line set, then install the new components.
Depending on your system, you might need a cased or uncased coil. Cased coils offer better insulation, which helps improve energy efficiency and durability. After installing the new coil, we hook it up to your new heat pump, and voila! The indoor part is done.
Installing Line Sets and Wiring
Next comes the fun part. We run new refrigerant lines (known as line sets) and wiring. These lines carry refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. Our team brazes the lines to prevent leaks.
During this stage, we also install control wiring so your system runs like a well-oiled machine. Sometimes, we may add an outdoor sensor or adjust the thermostat programming for heat pump operation.
Electrical Wiring Setup
The heat pump requires both high- and low-voltage wiring to function properly. We reconnect all necessary wiring, including installing a service disconnect box for the outdoor unit.
We hook up a low-voltage control wiring, allowing the thermostat to communicate with the system. We also program the thermostat for efficient operation, including settings for defrost mode, which helps keep the system running smoothly during cold weather.
After Installing a Heat Pump
Everything’s hooked up. Now, it’s time to put it through its paces.
Commissioning the System
Once we have fully installed the heat pump system, the next step is testing, often called commissioning. This is where we check that the heat pump works correctly. We test the heating and cooling functions, as well as defrost and emergency heat modes. Proper testing at this stage is key to preventing issues down the line and maintaining the system’s warranty.
Clean-Up and Final Walkthrough
After testing, we clean up the area (because we’re not messy guests), removing the old equipment and any debris left behind.
The lead tech will then give you a grand tour of the system. We’ll explain how it works, review safety features, and show you how to operate the thermostat. By the end of the walkthrough, you’ll be a heat pump pro!
Estimated Installation Process Time
Now, you might be wondering how long all this takes. Most heat pump installations take around eight hours to complete.
But sometimes things pop up. Maybe we need to tweak your ductwork, the weather decides to be uncooperative, or electrical complications may add a few hours to the job.
Don’t worry; we’ll keep you in the loop if anything’s going to take extra time while making sure no detail is overlooked.
Installing a Heat Pump with a Reputable HVAC Company
Looking for a company to do all this? Here’s a tip: make sure they’re licensed, insured, and have a solid reputation in the community. Check also online reviews and references from previous customers.
At Mister Greenway, we’ve cared for Memphis folks for years. Whether you need heating installation, heat pump services, or the like, when you call us, we’ll be on our way within 30 minutes. Our team is experienced, reliable, and ready to handle all your heating and cooling needs.
A pro-installed heat pump can save you money, improve comfort, and provide long-term reliability. Mister Greenway has your back, getting the job done right from start to finish. Let us help you enjoy the benefits of a professionally installed system that performs at its best for years to come.
