Best Practices Installation Webinar

This Webinar will Cover…

• 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

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How to achieve a best practices installation

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Kaity Tang

• NW Ductless Heat Pump Project QA coordinator

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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

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• 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.

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Project Sponsor: Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

(NEEA)

Project Objectives and Successes

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Objectives

• Displace electric resistance heat with energy-efficient ductless systems • Increase consumer awareness and

regional adoption of ductless technology

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Successes

• Over 40,000 Project installations • Over 1,000 Project installers

• Roughly 100 utilities offering incentives • Two regional workshops

• Manufacturer & retail partnerships

Project Findings

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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!

Quality Assurance

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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

Quality Assurance

8 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. 84% 14% 1% _1% 2008-2014 QA Inspections Passed Minor Deviation Major Deviations Failed

• ALWAYS FOLLOW MANUFACTURERS’ INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Each unit comes with installation instructions specific to make and model

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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

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R410A GAUGE

AND HOSE

SET

RATCHET

FLARING

TOOL

PROGRAMMABLE

REFRIGERANT

CHARGING SCALE

TORQUE

WRENCH

Required Tools for Installations

Setting Outdoor Units

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Outdoor Unit (Compressor)

• Utilize riser to prevent debris build-up to allow better defrost water drainage

• Secure unit using bolts and adhesive, where necessary

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

Refrigerant Charge

• Adjust refrigerant charge ONLY IF NECESSARY; most installations do not require adjustment from pre-charge 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

Insulating and Protecting Line Set

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Insulation must cover entire

length of line set

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Protect outdoor portion of line set

from UV degradation and

physical damage

Installing Line Set

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Insulation disturbed to install refrigerant lines must be returned to original

(or better) condition

Running Drainage

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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

Defrost Discharge and Drainage

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Defrost discharge

• In cold weather, outdoor units can discharge considerable amounts of water

• Frozen discharge water poses serious safety hazards – place outdoor units accordingly

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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

Well-Installed Outdoor Unit

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Rigid line cover

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Wall penetration sealed

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Riser block with adhesive

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Anchor foot with bolt

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Pad

Well-Installed Indoor Unit

• Leveled properly

• Main indoor unit is centrally located in home for best air circulation

Indoor Disconnect Switch

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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

DHP as Primary Heating 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!

WELL-INSTALLED OUTDOOR + INDOOR UNITS = SATISFIED HOMEOWNER

Homeowner Education

homeowners are the best salespeople

• Satisfied customers tell their family, friends and neighbors

Homeowner Maintenance

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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

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

Best Practices Installation Guide

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Best Practices Installations

• Required tools

• Installation techniques

• Homeowner education

• Installer resources

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Available for download at:

Rebate and Tax Credits

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Utility Rebate

• Up to $1,200 (check with your utility)

• List of participating utilities available at: GoingDuctless.com

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State Tax Credits

• 2015 Oregon: $625 to $1,300 for qualified equipment; details in link:

http://www.oregon.gov/energy/cons/docs/2015%20RETC%20Tax%20Credit%20R ates.pdf

• Montana: up to 25% of installed cost (up to $500 per homeowner); details in link:

Project Website Partner Resources

• 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

Project Website Consumer Resources

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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

Thank you

GoingDuctless.com

[email protected]