Installed a heat pump? It’s time to commission it
Whether you’re new to heat pumps or already carrying out regular installs, commissioning is one of the most important parts of the job where you bring the whole install together.
The system is fitted, pipework is complete, electrics are connected and now you’re making sure everything operates properly before handover.
At this stage you’re confirming the heat pump is running correctly, its settings are optimised to meet customer heating requirements and make sure the technology is operating at its most efficient ready for the homeowner to use. This step is particularly important with homeowners becoming increasingly conscious about their heating and hot water bills and environmental impacts. It also presents the perfect opportunity to prevent problems before you leave site.
If you’re newer to heat pumps, commissioning helps you to understand how the system behaves in real operation. If you’re carrying our regular installs, you’ll know this is usually the stage where smaller issues either get picked up or become callbacks later.
At Baxi, we have the expertise to help you with this crucial final stage of a heat pump installation. As a Baxi Heat Pump Installer, you get access to our assisted commissioning or as part of our MCS Umbrella Scheme.
Read on for more about:
• What is air source heat pump commissioning?
• The checks that are carried out on the heat pump and the system
• The customer handover
• Assisted commissioning from Baxi
What does air source heat pump commissioning involve?
Air source heat pump commissioning is more than simply turning the system on. You’re checking, testing and setting the heat pump up so it operates the way it was designed to. It involves conducting a series of checks and inspections by a qualified installer to ensure it operates safely and efficiently. This process is essential as part of a smooth handover and also a requirement of MCS standards. Without a properly commissioned system warranties may be invalid and claims for grants such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme cannot be completed.
Commissioning isn’t just a tickbox. It is a final, crucial step for maximising the longevity of the heat pump system and provides peace of mind that everything has been thoroughly inspected.
The checks that are carried out on the heat pump and the system
During air source heat pump commissioning, inspections are carried out on the heat pump itself and the wider system. A Baxi assisted commissioning includes, but not limited to, the following heat pump checks and tests:
Heat pump checks
- Heat pump model and serial number
- Supply voltage to unit
- Recording of compressor run (Amp and hours)
- Recording of compressor pressure, flow rate heating and flow rate DHW
- Recording of flow and return temperatures (aiming for Dt5° loss)
- Recording and checking of DHW centre temperature
- Legionella state
- Defrost cycle activation
System checks
- Heat pump clearance
- Condition of rubber feet
- Condition of flexible hoses
- Fitting of isolation valves (full bore only)
- Anti-freeze
- Clean line strainer and system filter
- System water
- Excess air release from system
- System pressure (adjust if necessary)
- Expansion vessel pressure (external / system)
- Check and clean evaporator coil
- Evaporator fins (straighten if necessary)
- Suitable condensation discharge
- Clean and check outdoor panels (check for correct fitting)
- All pump and pipework insulation (replace as necessary)
- Immersion heater DHW cylinder
Although this is not an exhaustive list and every installation is different, these commissioning checks also ensure the heat pump is actually performing as expected based upon the system design. Getting these calculations right maximises energy efficiency and can help to lower energy bills.
The customer handover
After commissioning checks have been completed, a handover with the customer is the final, but no less important, step. A lot of post install call-outs happen because the homeowner simply doesn’t know what’s normal. The system might be operating perfectly, but if they weren’t expecting certain sounds or running patterns, they might assume something is wrong.
That’s why the handover is a crucial part of the commissioning process. Here is where the customer should get a walkthrough of the vital aspects of the heat pump and its controls so they feel confident in using it and that they fully understand how it operates.
Some of the steps to follow during the handover include:
Demonstrate the heating controls
Here, the customer should get a walkthrough of how the controls work and how to use them in the correct way for an efficient system. This stage also shows the homeowner the correct setting for thermostats and how to use the controls for consistent comfort.
Explain operational considerations
Go through aspects such as the defrost cycle and how to select the right settings for hot water and heating. At this stage, it’s also worth explaining to the customer that the heat pump works in a different way to a traditional boiler, and consequently, it may take some time for them to get used to having it running at a consistent level over a longer period of time.
Walking through essential maintenance steps
Demonstrate how to carry out basic maintenance checks and activities, such as keeping the heat pump free of leaves and other debris, cleaning filters, and the steps to take in the case of a fault. It’s also important to go through key safety requirements during the commissioning handover.
Assisted air source heat pump commissioning
Commissioning an air source heat pump is vital for ensuring optimum performance. However, we understand that you may have questions about whether you are doing everything correctly or want support on your first install. This is where we can help.
Our technical team are on hand to answer any questions you may have throughout the installation, providing peace of mind that you have experts behind you every step of the way. We have highly trained engineers ready to support you on-site when you need help with commissioning, whether that’s guidance or a full assisted visit. If you’re a Baxi Heat Pump Installer (BHPI), you’ll be able to undertake commissioning and register your customers enhanced warranty.
Are you interested in developing your installation and commissioning skills? If you complete the Baxi Heat Pump Installer course, you’ll be able to book a supervised commissioning visit to sign-off your first installation. If you decide to utilise our MCS Umbrella Scheme, we can handle commissioning for you as part of this service, making sure everything is set up correctly, compliant and ready for handover.
Alternatively, our highly trained service engineers can be booked for a chargeable site visit to commission your air source heat pump and handover to the installer/customer.
More information about air source heat pump commissioning from Baxi can be found here. See how we at Baxi back you with our comprehensive ASHP solutions built around you here.
MCS Umbrella Scheme
No MCS or need extra support? No problem. We’ll handle the design, paperwork and compliance, guiding you every step of the way so that you can deliver efficient, low carbon heating with confidence.
Baxi Heat Pump Installer Training Course
Our specialist course provides MCS, BPEC accredited or equivalent heat pump certified Installers with the skills to design, install and commission our air source heat pump range and become a Baxi Heat Pump Installer.