Best Practices Installation Webinar

Transcription

1 Best Practices Installation Webinar

2 This Webinar will Cover How to achieve a best practices installation Use required tools Follow quality assurance processes and findings Set indoor and outdoor units correctly Run line sets and drainage correctly Connecting, checking, charging and commissioning Utilize Project resources Educate homeowners 2

3 Presenters Kaity Tang NW Ductless Heat Pump Project QA coordinator Mark Jerome NW Ductless Heat Pump Project technical support Former owner of KAM Energy, LLC 28+ years in HVACR industry Voting member of the Regional Technical Forum BPI, NATE, RSES, ACCA, HVI, IGSHPA and PTCS certified 300+ ductless heat pump installations 3

4 Project Sponsor: Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is a nonprofit organization working to effect market transformation through the acceleration and adoption of energy-efficient products, services and practices. NEEA is an alliance of more than 140 Northwest utilities and energy efficiency organizations working on behalf of more than 13 million energy consumers. For more information, visit neea.org. 4

5 Project Objectives and Successes Objectives Displace electric resistance heat with energy-efficient ductless systems Increase consumer awareness and regional adoption of ductless technology Successes Over 40,000 Project installations Over 1,000 Project installers Roughly 100 utilities offering incentives Two regional workshops Manufacturer & retail partnerships 5

6 Project Findings What we ve found so far Ductless systems are for REAL! Customers LOVE them They are an important energy- efficiency measure to the region Quality installations are CRITICAL to long-term performance and value The future looks promising! 6

7 Quality Assurance Random inspections The Project performs random inspections on installations completed by Project contractors 13% of all inspections in 2014 resulted in a deviation or failure Three of the most common QA deviations: Lack of line set protection Outdoor unit not secured Poor homeowner education Additional concerns include: Inadequate clearances Aesthetically unappealing installations QA inspections can t uncover all issues! Contractor communication is KEY to learning about other matters 7

8 Quality Assurance QA Inspections 1% 1% 14% Passed Minor Deviation Major Deviations 84% Failed Minor Deviation- Safety or general performance not compromised, but installation doesn t fully comply with manufacturer and/or program specs. Major Deviation- Installation compromises safety, operation and/or performance of the unit. Failure- Installation outside of Project and/or Utility specifications. 8

9 Read the Manual! ALWAYS FOLLOW MANUFACTURERS INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Each unit comes with installation instructions specific to make and model 9

10 Ensure System Compatibility VERIFY INDOOR AND OUTDOOR UNITS ARE COMPATIBLE Manufacturers and distributors outline compatibility, but ultimate responsibility lies with the installer Multi-zone systems have many possible combinations The Project has observed an increased amount of incompatible unit installations 10

11 Required Tools for Installations RATCHET FLARING TOOL R410A GAUGE AND HOSE SET PROGRAMMABLE REFRIGERANT CHARGING SCALE TORQUE WRENCH

12 Setting Outdoor Units Outdoor Unit (Compressor) Set unit on stable, level surface Utilize riser to prevent debris buildup to allow better defrost water drainage Secure unit using bolts and adhesive, where necessary

13 Refrigerant Tubing DO NOT REUSE factory tubing flares and fittings Create new flares using appropriate R410A flaring tool and measurement gauge Apply refrigerant oil to the end of each flare Connect tubing on indoor units and outdoor units with R410A nuts (supplied with units) using a torque wrench tightened to manufacturers specifications

14 Refrigerant Charge Adjust refrigerant charge ONLY IF NECESSARY; most installations do not require adjustment from precharge levels Gauges are not needed to verify refrigerant levels; if an adjustment is needed, use a scale when adding/removing refrigerant Consult the manufacturers installation manual to verify refrigerant protocols as specifications often change

15 Insulating and Protecting Line Set Insulation must cover entire length of line set Protect outdoor portion of line set from UV degradation and physical damage Weatherproof wall penetration

16 Installing Line Set Insulation disturbed to install refrigerant lines must be returned to original (or better) condition

17 Running Drainage Condensate drain Must slope downhill and can either be routed with the line set or run to a different termination point Cannot terminate in a crawlspace or on a pathway

18 Defrost Discharge and Drainage Defrost discharge In cold weather, outdoor units can discharge considerable amounts of water Frozen discharge water poses serious safety hazards place outdoor units accordingly Cold climate installations Installation considerations: Use a pan heater to avoid defrost discharge freezing inside compressor unit Increase clearance under outdoor unit to promote easy drainage and reduce snow and ice build up Consider wall-mount brackets to maximize outdoor unit clearance

19 Well-Installed Outdoor Unit Rigid line cover Wall penetration sealed Riser block with adhesive Anchor foot with bolt Pad Compacted ground

20 Poorly-Installed Outdoor Units

21 Well-Installed Indoor Unit Installed high on wall Leveled properly Main indoor unit is centrally located in home for best air circulation

22 Poorly-Installed Indoor Units

23 Indoor Disconnect Switch OREGON AND WASHINGTON Code interpretations have clarified that indoor disconnect switches ARE NOT required on most residential installations Verify compliance with your local code official

24 DHP as Primary Heating System Integrate the ductless system Thermostat location and settings Remote thermostat sensors Set electric resistance heat thermostat back to avoid competing with DHP Backup heat sources Existing zonal electric system or 120-volt space heaters for secondary zones (e.g., bedrooms) Consider turning off electric resistance heat system at breaker, dependent on climate Homeowner perception Zonal heating Comfort and savings expectations Devise a heating control strategy for each homeowner!

25 Homeowner Education WELL-INSTALLED OUTDOOR + INDOOR UNITS = SATISFIED HOMEOWNER Happy, well-educated homeowners are the best salespeople Satisfied customers tell their family, friends and neighbors

26 Homeowner Maintenance Pass along maintenance tips to your customers: Check and clean the indoor unit filters as necessary or per manufacturer recommendations Clear any debris underneath and around the outdoor unit Inspect the outdoor unit and refrigerant line sets for signs of physical damage Clear any debris in the condensate line Contact a HVAC contractor for further maintenance recommendations or periodic service packages to maximize system efficiency and longevity

27 Best Practices Installations EDUCATE YOUR CUSTOMERS! Walk your customer through operation and maintenance - educated homeowners reduce call-backs and promote your services Satisfied customers tell their family, friends & neighbors word-of-mouth is increasing Leave behind instructions on how to contact you with future questions Provide all customers with a copy of the Homeowner s Guide (available for download at

28 Best Practices Installation Guide Best Practices Installations Required tools Installation techniques Homeowner education Installer resources Available for download at:

29 Rebate and Tax Credits Utility Rebate Up to $1,200 (check with your utility) List of participating utilities available at: GoingDuctless.com State Tax Credits 2015 Oregon: $625 to $1,300 for qualified equipment; details in link: ates.pdf Montana: up to 25% of installed cost (up to $500 per homeowner); details in link:

30 Project Website Partner Resources Goingductless.Com/Partners This website is for industry professionals and includes the following resources: Participation forms List of participating utilities Project requirements Master Installer Program information Free marketing materials Contact information

31 Project Website Consumer Resources GOINGDUCTLESS.COM This website is intended to provide consumers with key information on ductless systems, while also serving as a lead generation tool for contractors. This website includes: Ductless system FAQs Homeowner testimonials Installer Finder

32 Thank you GoingDuctless.com