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3.2 HEAT PUMP LOCATION
Consult local and national building codes and ordinances for special installation
requirements. Following location information will provide longer life and simplified
servicing of the outdoor heat pump.
NOTE:
These units must be installed outdoors. No ductwork can be attached, or
other modifications made, to the discharge grille. Modifications will affect perfor-
mance or operation.
3.3 OPERATIONAL ISSUES
•
IMPORTANT:
Locate the unit in a manner that will not prevent, impair or com-
promise the performance of other equipment horizontally installed in proximity
to the unit. Maintain all required minimum distances to gas and electric meters,
dryer vents, exhaust and inlet openings. In the absence of National Codes, or
manaufacturers’ recommendations, local code recommendations and require-
ments will take presidence.
•
Refrigerant piping and wiring should be properly sized and kept as short as
possible to avoid capacity losses and increased operating costs.
•
Locate the unit where water run off will not create a problem with the equip-
ment. Position the unit away from the drip edge of the roof whenever possible.
Units are weatherized, but can be affected by the following:
o Water pouring into the unit from the junction of rooflines, without protective
guttering. Large volumes of water entering the heat pump while in operation
can impact fan blade or motor life, and coil damage may occur to a heat
pump if moisture cannot drain from the unit under freezing conditions.
o Freezing moisture, or sleeting conditions, can cause the cabinet to ice-over
prematurely and prevent heat pump operation, requiring backup heat, which
generally results in less economical operation.
•
Closely follow clearance recommendations (See Figure 1).
o 24” to the service panel access
o 60” above heat pump fan discharge (unit top) to prevent recirculation
o 6” to heat pump coil grille air inlets (per heat pump).
3.4 FOR UNITS WITH SPACE LIMITATIONS
In the event that a space limitation exists, we will permit the following clearances:
Single Unit Applications:
Clearances below 6 inches will reduce unit capacity and
efficiency. Do not reduce the 60-inch discharge, or the 24-inch service clearances.
Multiple Unit Applications:
When multiple heat pump grille sides are aligned, a 6-
inch per unit clearance is recommended, for a total of 12" between two units. Two
combined clearances below 12 inches will reduce capacity and efficiency. Do not
reduce the 60-inch discharge, or 24-inch service, clearances.
•
Do not obstruct the bottom drain opening in the heat pump base pan. It is
essential to provide defrost condensate drainage to prevent possible refreezing
of the condensation. Provide a base pad for mounting the unit, which is slightly
pitched away from the structure. Route condensate off the base pad to an area
which will not become slippery and result in personal injury.
•
Where snowfall is anticipated, the heat pump must be elevated above the base
pad to prevent ice buildup that may crush the tubing of the heat pump coil or
cause fin damage. Heat pump units should be mounted above the average
expected accumulated snowfall for the area.
3.5 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ISSUES
•
The heat pump should be located away from the living, sleeping and recre-
ational spaces of the owner and those spaces on adjoining property.
•
To prevent noise transmission, the mounting pad for the outdoor unit should
not be connected to the structure, and should be located sufficient distance
above grade to prevent ground water from entering the unit.
