FAQ,s - Home Ventilation Services - Smart Vent

FAQ,s

HEAT PUMPS

HOW DOES A HEAT PUMP WORK?

Heat pumps simply transfer free heat (not air) from one place to another, just like your refrigerator does. The heat that rises from the back of your fridge is coming from inside. An evaporator coil extracts warmth from the air inside, and transfers it out into your kitchen through the condenser coil in the back.

Heat pumps work in the same way. Two coils, one inside your home, and one outside are linked to draw warmth from the outside air (even on a cold Kiwi winter’s night) and transfer it into your home.

That’s a major advantage over electric or gas heaters, as heat pumps have no heating elements to burn energy. Then, at the click of a switch your heat pump can run in reverse, acting as an air conditioner to pump heat out of your home reducing humidity and keeping it fresh and cool in summer.

SHOULD THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY TO MY HEAT PUMP COME DIRECTLY FROM THE SWITCHBOARD?

It is a recommendation of the Energy Safety Board that all heat pumps be wired direct. (see attached letter outlining the reasons). However, if the circuit is thoroughly checked out and sufficient capacity is available it is permissible to utilise that circuit. We as a company run the supply direct from the switchboard wherever possible. As you can no doubt appreciate this is more costly and should be taken into account when comparing quotes.

SHOULD I RECEIVE AN ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE (C.O.C.) WHEN THE HEAT PUMP HAS BEEN INSTALLED?

Yes. Whenever electrical installation work is carried out, you should get one. If you are not given one, ask for it, as it is a legal requirement. It is also sensible to see the installers Electrical Registration Card before the electrical work is carried out.

WHAT IS THE DEFROST FUNCTION?

Defrost function is a feature on every heat pump and is designed to remove the ice build-up on the outdoor unit heat exchanger. Ice build-up on the outdoor coil occurs during the heating process of the heat pump because the temperature of the outdoor coils drops below zero degrees causing the moisture on the coil to freeze.

After defrost has started, how long should it take to complete?

Defrosting function on most units is ended after a certain time has elapsed OR the outdoor unit heat exchanger temperature has risen sufficiently indicating that defrosting can be completed. Defrost termination can occur within 15 minutes.

SMARTVENT

HOW OFTEN DOES THE SMART VENT FILTER NEED REPLACING?

This very much depends on the fan speed and the usage, but generally approximately twelve months.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE SMART VENT FILTER NEEDS CHANGING?

The CHANGE FILTER light will illuminate on the wall controller. At this point you do not have to switch the system off . However, a replacement filter should be arranged A.S.A.P.

WHERE CAN I GET A REPLACEMENT FILTER FOR MY SMART VENT VENTILATION SYSTEM AND WHAT WILL IT COST?

If you are happy to change the filter yourself, contact us and we will despatch a replacement at a cost of $100.00 incl. gst and carriage (F7- Filter). We also offer a replacement service, which includes a basic system check at the same time. The cost for this service is $195 .00 incl. GST (F7-Filter).

HOW OFTEN DO YOU GO INTO YOUR ROOF VOID?

As an additional service for $35.00 incl. gst we will install a quality rodent bait within your roof void. The reason for offering this service is we have found that the majority of homes have a rodent problem. This can result in damage to the wiring, ducting & other materials. The severity of the problem varies and very often the home occupier is not aware of it. This service saves you the awful job of crawling through the roof space and gives you peace of mind.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS HEAT TRANSFER?

Heat transfer of surplus heat from a log burner or gas fire is very effective, but do not expect it to fully heat the whole house. A general rise in temperature will be achieved. As heat pump installers we as a company prefer not to transfer heat from a heat pump.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE SUMMER OPTION?

It introduces fresh, filtered, pollen-free air into the home even when the doors and windows are closed. When the climatic conditions allow, it can also have a cooling effect. However, on very warm, humid days this cooling effect is sadly reduced. In these conditions, air-conditioning is the solution.(ask us about a combination offer and have the best of both worlds).

CAN THE SUMMER OPTION AND HEAT TRANSFER BE FITTED AT A LATER DATE?

Yes, they can if the appropriate insulated system has been installed. However, it is obviously cheaper to do it at the initial install stage.

Have a question?

Please get in touch with us.