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HVAC instructor outlines heat-pump installation considerations for snowy climates
Summary
Steve Hansen, an HVAC instructor at Coconino Community College, told meeting attendees that accurate heat-loss calculations, proper equipment sizing, manufacturer installation limits, and snow management (elevation, covers, crankcase heaters) are essential to ensure heat-pump performance in cold, snowy locations.
Steve Hansen, an HVAC instructor at Coconino Community College, said accurate heat-loss calculations and correct equipment selection are essential to ensure heat-pump systems perform in older, poorly insulated buildings.
"The heat loss absolutely has to be done," Hansen said, adding that if a single outdoor unit cannot provide enough heat input for a structure, "we have to look at a second unit to gain enough heat input from the heat pump." He said that when a second unit is not feasible, homeowners may need to choose whether to heat part of the building or the whole building.
Hansen described several manufacturer and site-specific installation considerations that affect performance. He said manufacturers set limits on line-set length and elevation between indoor and outdoor units and that installers must follow those specifications. "Some manufacturers are very specific about length, shortness, elevation, all that stuff. So, all of that has to be maintained and looked at," he said.
In snowy climates, Hansen recommended elevating the outdoor unit to avoid being buried in snow. "Most manufacturers recommend 18 inches, 12 to 18 inches. Some of them will go higher than that," he said. He also recommended a crankcase heater to keep the compressor warm when temperatures drop, explaining that without it the unit can reverse and start blowing cold air indoors.
Hansen urged attention to where snow will fall off the roof; units placed on a downhill side can be buried and may need a cover. He recounted a personal installation that was buried by snow and caused loud noises at about 2 a.m. because ice accumulated on the condenser fan. "I built a cover over it and now it doesn't do that anymore," he said.
He emphasized communication among the project manager, homeowner and contractors so installations meet homeowner expectations: "So, all of that is a discussion that needs to be had with the project manager, the homeowner, the general, whomever is involved in the process. So, that at the end of the process, they get it and they're happy and they're comfortable."
