The document provides specifications for air source heat pump systems from Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd. It outlines the objectives of exploiting renewable energy from the air to provide low-carbon heating and hot water. It describes the key components of an air source heat pump system including the heat pump unit, buffer tanks, pumps and controls. It provides detailed performance specifications for design, installation, testing and commissioning. The warranty and scope of work are also summarized.

1. T40 Heat Pumps Heat Pump
Contents:
Objectives
Performance
Design
System description specification
Warranty
Controls
Scope of Works
System components
Air Source Heat Pumps
Installation
Testing, commissioning and balancing
Troubleshooting Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd
OBJECTIVES:
To fully exploit the self-replenishing ‘renewable-energy’ from the air and provide a low-carbon
emission means of energy efficiency.
To maintain the buildings internal temperature requirements and, where applicable, provide
‘domestic’ hot water.
To understand the technology: air-source heat pump systems consist of just two parts: the heat pump
assembly, and the heating-delivery system. The heat pump is basically a system of heat exchangers
near the building lifting low-temperature heat from the ambient air and uplifting it to high, useful
temperatures. A brine-mix (usually a mixture of water and antifreeze) circulates through the plate
exchangers to absorb low-temperature heat from the air when heating a building or the rejection of
heat harmlessly back to the air when cooling a building.
To engage a specialist heat pump contractor to ensure the supply of major components, the
installation, testing, commissioning, and balancing of an air-source heat pump system.

2. [Performance specification – AIR SOURCE ] © Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd
Heat pump type
Warm water Warm air
systems systems
Air Source heat pump systems (ASHP)
Air to water Air to air
Air source heat pumps extract heat directly from the ambient air. Heat is supplied to
the dwelling either by a water-based heating system (air to water heat pumps) or by
an air distribution system (air to air heat pumps).
Heat pump systems are at their most efficient when the source temperature is as high as possible, the heat
distribution temperature is as low as possible and pressure losses in air and water systems are kept to a
minimum. If installed in a new dwelling, heat pumps should use refrigerants complying with the provisions of
EU Directive 2037:2000. Heat pumps should be CE marked in accordance with the relevant EU Directives where
applicable, e.g. machinery safety, low voltage, pressure equipment, electromagnetic compatibility. If summer
cooling is provided by the heat pump, it is recommended that condensate drainage from the fan coil units is
provided.
Design
In order to comply with the design requirements, heating systems using an air source heat pump as the heat
source (such as hydronic ‘wet’ underfloor, warm air and medium temperature radiator systems) in new and
existing dwellings, all installations should look to agree to the following standards and Codes applicable to heat
pump installation:
BS EN 14511 – (Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps with electrically driven
compressors for space heating and cooling)
Electrically driven heat pumps should have a coefficient of performance of not less than 2.0 when
operating at the heating system design condition.
BS 6880 (Low temperature hot water systems with output greater than 45kW)
Building Regulations (as applicable)
Code for Sustainable Development (Level according to scheme requirements, planning conditions )
CIBSE Guides for heating
HVCA TR30 (Guide to good practise – heat pumps)
Health & Safety Directives (As applicable and prescribed)
Relevant EC Council Directives: Machinery Directive (98/37/EC) , EMC Directive (89/336/EEC in the
versions 93/68/EEC), Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC in the version 93/68/EEC)
Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd.
2 Unit 4 Pennygillam Way, Pennygillam Industrial Estate,
Launceston PL15 7ED
+44-(0)1566-779-869
www.ecotec-heatpumps.com

3. [Performance specification – AIR SOURCE ] © Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd
CIBSE calculation: Heat loss of a project should achieve the design-temperatures for space heating:
Living Rooms 21oC
Bedrooms, kitchen, hallway 18oC
Outdoor temperature – as CIBSE design guides
Domestic hot-water shall be heated to 60oC periodically to alleviate risk of Legionellosis bacteria forming.
Design requirements
A) The air-source heat pump must be sized to meet either partial loads (say, 80%) or full loads (100% of
heating or cooling whichever the greater).
B) The heating loads should be met without *direct electrical supplementary heating – commonly in-line
electric supplementary heating units built-in to ‘older style’ air-source heat pumps used during defrost
cycles.
NO *direct electrical supplementary heating shall be installed on an Ecotec ‘EAS’ air-source heat pump.
C) Desuperheaters: Shall be known as a hot-gas circuit only and specifically manufacturer installed to
increase heat transfer fluid temperatures for use in a defrost cycle. This function can only be
controlled by the heat pump. These circuits to have a permitted temperature range of +200C to +1200C
and a pressure to 10bar.
D) Hot-water production. Where an air-source heat pump is dimensioned to provide hot-water in
addition to heating (or cooling), the air-source pump shall have a minimum operational temperature
range to 60oC without the need for direct electrical auxiliary heating.
E) ‘Buffer’ tanks shall comply with BS EN 12897:2006 and shall be ‘fit-for-purpose’ to contain potable
water without potential for rusting or cross-contamination. They shall be insulated with at least 50mm
CFC.HCFC free spray foam insulation and have an operating pressure range to 0.3MPa
F) Circulation pumps shall comply with BS EN 1151:1999 and shall be suitable for radiant floor heating
and/or radiator use with inhibitors as specified by the heating contractor.
G) Water-line particle filter shall be fitted between the circulation pump and heat pump ‘return’ valve
connection to avoid any unauthorised debris or foreign objects from the heating system entering into
or passing into the condenser and manufacturer sealed-copper water flow pipes to the heat pump.
H) Flexible pipe connections shall be deemed to be suitable steel braded connectors dimensioned for
the outer diameter of pipe connections and correctly installed between the heat pump assembly
‘flow’ and ‘return’ connection points to avoid any potential vibration transmission into noise
transferring into the heating system or building as a whole.
I) Dimensioning shall be correctly carried out and agreed so that the air-source heat pump shall avoid
short cycling with the maximum number of start-up cycles per hour being limited to four.
J) Acoustics shall be considered to include a maximum of 40dB from the air-source heat pump when at
highest fan setting and located within 1m of the external building envelope. The location of the air-
source heat pump shall be within 5m of the dwelling to avoid any unnecessary energy losses. Acoustic
‘feet’ or neoprene matting shall be used to the frame base of the air-source heat pump when ‘free-
standing’ and/or to the brackets and frame assemblies when fixing to the building envelope.
K) Immersion heaters may be incorporated in a domestic hot-water cylinder to facilitate additional user
control over hot water production. Such additional user control would also assist a sufficient rise of
water temperature, thought to be above 60oC, but cannot be relied upon as a design parameter.
L) RAL Colour shall be specified and checked before manufacture with an agreed ‘swatch’ or colour
chart agreed by the manufacturer. Minimum quantities shall apply – manufacturer to confirm.
Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd.
3 Unit 4 Pennygillam Way, Pennygillam Industrial Estate,
Launceston PL15 7ED
+44-(0)1566-779-869
www.ecotec-heatpumps.com

4. [Performance specification – AIR SOURCE ] © Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd
M) Controls shall have automatic weather compensation to minimise run-costs during milder weather
and ensure maximum coefficient of performance (COP). See also ‘Control’ section.
N) Solar hot-water panels. Reference to immersion heating in E) above shall be transposed to include
solar heating panel or evacuation-tube systems. The hot-water cylinder shall be of a twin-coil type in a
configuration to permit additional hot-water storage. Thus suited to solar hot-water production in
one coil and the heat pump connected to the second coil. The air-source heat pump connection to the
controls shall include the monitoring of the temperature of hot-water in order to signal the heat pump
to provide ‘top-up’ when required in a support-role to the solar panel system. This may include
durations of colder weather with little or no day light including night-time use, and cloudy or
inclement weather where, possibly, a solar hot-water system may not be able to operate or operate at
lesser than desired temperatures.
System Description
An accredited or manufacturer trained and approved installer specialist shall be employed for the design,
dimensioning, supply, delivery, setting-out, installation, testing, commissioning and balancing of the heat
pump and heating system (by others) comprise generally, the following:
1) Supply of air-source heat pump with any ancillary couplings and component parts.
2) Supply of buffer tanks (when or if required)
3) Supply of hot-water cylinders (when or if required)
4) Setting out of heat pump system
5) Installation of heat pump system
6) Connection of supply or supervision of connection of electrical supply (by others)
7) Connection to or supervision of connection to heating system (by others) and controls.
8) Testing and commissioning within defined scope of works.
9) Balancing of system in conjunction with heating contractor.
Warranty
Ecotec heat pumps carry a standard ten (10) year warranty* when correctly installed by an authorised and
approved installer. Recommended – *Service agreement for routine maintenance would be necessary to
ensure the heat pump system is kept at optimum performance in both running terms and energy conservation
abilities.
The installer shall provide remedy to any installation defects within the agreed scope of works arising
within the first year following commissioning.
Heating system (by others) Air-source heat pumps are at their most efficient when the air temperature is as
high as possible, the heat distribution temperature is as low as possible, and pressure losses in the water
systems are kept to a minimum.
Hydronic underfloor solutions are the ideal low-heat distribution system and should be considered as the
‘Best’ for air-source heat pumps. However, refurbishment projects may not have scope for hydronic
underfloor solutions. Radiator systems, whether existing or newly installed, can be used. Radiators in
refurbishment projects may not be correctly sized for a heat pump system. Ecotec recommend additional
radiators or fan-assisted radiators or larger-output radiators should be considered.
Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd.
4 Unit 4 Pennygillam Way, Pennygillam Industrial Estate,
Launceston PL15 7ED
+44-(0)1566-779-869
www.ecotec-heatpumps.com

5. [Performance specification – AIR SOURCE ] © Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd
Radiators require high levels of water content resulting in frequent pressure drops and heat losses.
Standard radiators are notorious for these inefficiencies, to compensate they demand very high
temperature requirements (75-80oC ). Solutions to include flushing, purging, and re-filling of an existing
system shall be the minimum requirement. A buffer tank is also required along with thermostatic radiator
valves (TRV’s) being left fully open ground floor rooms. Bedrooms will find TRV’s useful to moderate,
slightly, the warmth especially a night. The heat pump system will compensate and self-adjust accordingly
if these requirements are met.
Controls
The air-source heat pump shall have a manufacturer installed integral protection control and safety
function that shall be independent of a heating control system.
Unless otherwise specified, the mechanical engineer or heating contractor shall be consulted to assist in
specifying a suitable and compliant to EU standards, heating control system and ‘room’ thermostat control.
The heating control system shall provide the air-source heat pump with operational signals for demand
heating, both directly or by thermostat signals and, where required, twin signal capability to aid hot-water
production.
Scope of works
Accredited or manufacturer trained and approved installers shall include all work-elements deemed
necessary to implement the air-source heat pump system specification. (Consider a single-works-package):
1) Management & Supervision – Air-source heat pump design, heat loads and dimensioning, Liaison with
main contractor, Health & Safety Officer, first-aid provisions, heating contractor, plumbing contractors
and electrical contractors. Supervision and method statements for supervision of heat pump
installation and commissioning.
2) Works – Site survey, setting out, provision of storage and site facility use including HSE requirements,
waste disposal, staff welfare and washing facilities.
3) Engineering – Heat pump placement, plant room schematic installation, connection, circulation pump
fitting and priming, pipework, insulation to copper pipes as specified, purging of system, pre-test of
system, start-up and commissioning, balancing of entire system in conjunction with heating contractor,
troubleshooting and fine tuning, instruction and user training, hand-over. Additional fine tuning as
required to suit building as it settles down after completion (estimated at 2 additional inspection visits).
Additional Works not covered Client representative to arrange works being carried out by others:
1) Electrical supply and connection to plant room housing heat pumps.
2) Design, supply, installation, connection, and commissioning of heating distribution system.
3) Alterations to existing heating system (as applicable to refurbishment projects)
4) Installation of domestic hot water cylinders and pipework into plant room.
5) Power-flush of existing heating system (if applicable)
6) Correct disposal of redundant heating supplies.
7) Building works, decoration and the like to building interior and plant room in particular.
8) HSE compliant lifting-equipment for heat pumps on site.
Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd.
5 Unit 4 Pennygillam Way, Pennygillam Industrial Estate,
Launceston PL15 7ED
+44-(0)1566-779-869
www.ecotec-heatpumps.com

6. [Performance specification – AIR SOURCE ] © Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd
System components
Air-source heat pump unit complete with sealed and acoustically tuned cabinet, as specified, dimensioned
and sized for the project. Ancillary parts shall include ‘buffer’ tanks; compliant to BS EN 12897:2006,
circulation pumps compliant to BS EN 1151:1999, flexible braided hose connections to ‘flow’ and ‘return as
specified by the heat pump manufacturer,
Installation
The project shall be noted under CDM Regulations.
As required, the accredited or manufacturer trained and approved installer shall be principal contractor
under CDM, and shall work with the CDM coordinator to satisfy CDM requirements.
Submission of a Method Statement and Risk Assessment shall be required.
Drainage
The heat pump produces water from condensation and the defrosting process. Installing it close to
pathways or staircases should be avoided because of the risk of slip hazards. Condensation in humid
climates can be in excess of 30 litres per day so proper drainage around the unit is important.
ONLY Ecotec EAS air-source heat pump Installation sequence shall be followed:
1. Position the heat pump on solid base or footing without any restriction to air flow circulation.
Minimum of 50cm from vertical structures like boundary walls.
2. Install pipe work using pipe rated for the type of installation and to comply with operating
temperatures.
3. Install flexible pipe connectors to the heat pump assembly – designed to avoid vibration
transferring into ‘noise’ within the whole system.
4. Install correctly dimensioned circulation pump and in-line particle filter to the ‘return’ pipework.
5. Flush all lines to clear debris from within pipework.
6. Connect the heat pump to the heating system
7. Install control unit and auxiliary heating unit (if specified)
8. Install flow sensor, outdoor sensor and room sensor if used.
9. Connect electrical lines between the Heat pump and backup heater (if used) / control unit.
10. Connect the heating system to the Mains power supply using safety switches and circuit breakers.
11. Fill and vent the heating system before commissioning.
12. Commission the installation by making the necessary setting on control panel (refer to
manufacturers control unit user guide)
Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd.
6 Unit 4 Pennygillam Way, Pennygillam Industrial Estate,
Launceston PL15 7ED
+44-(0)1566-779-869
www.ecotec-heatpumps.com

7. [Performance specification – AIR SOURCE ] © Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd
Testing, commissioning, and balancing
Before the heat pump goes into service, the heating system must be filled-up and completely vented.
1) Check there are no leaks in the entire system.
2) Always ensure that circulation pumps are on and that there is heat medium circulation when
connecting to an existing water system.
3) With under-floor heating: turn off all but one of the circuits in the building for commissioning.
4) With radiators: turn off half the radiators in the building for commissioning.
5) With fan-assisted radiator system the fans in the radiator are controlled and the valves on the fan-
assisted radiators are opened fully. In a fan assisted radiator system, the water volume is small.
During defrosting the heat pump will draw heat from the lines cooling it down temporarily. It is
important that the fans in the radiators run during defrosting. It is recommended that an expansion
‘buffer’ tank of at least 100 Litres is used to increase water volume to reduce cooling effect during
defrosting.
6) Turn the room thermostat up to 30°C. The return water temperature is displayed on the controller.
Wait for the temperature to read 43°C (radiators) or 33°C (in-floor) and then open each radiator or
zone one at a time, waiting for the return water temperature to rise each time.
7) Once the whole system is open allow the water temperature to rise to the normal operating
temperature of 60°C to 70°C for radiators or 35°C to 40oC for in-floor heating.
8) The heat pump may go into defrost during the commissioning due to low temperatures. This is
normal and there may be small drops in the water temperature during defrost cycles.
Operating temperatures
9) Maximum: The heat pump can operate up to a maximum return temperature of about 60 C. Above
that temperature and the heat pump STOPS for safety reasons.
10) The maximum outgoing temperature from the heat pump shall be 65-70 c. Depending on the
outdoor temperature. Higher temperatures can only be achieved by using an electrical auxiliary
heating system (this is at the client’s financial risk).
11) Minimum: The heat pump is designed to operate to -15 C; at temperatures below this point an
auxiliary heating system may be required
Troubleshooting procedures available from Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd upon request
Ecotec Heat Pumps Ltd.
7 Unit 4 Pennygillam Way, Pennygillam Industrial Estate,
Launceston PL15 7ED
+44-(0)1566-779-869
www.ecotec-heatpumps.com