How Well Your Heat Pump Works Depends Not Only on the Equipment but Also on the Installers

Installing a heat pump is a crucial step that determines the performance of the entire heating system. Even the best equipment may operate inefficiently or break down if installed incorrectly. Heating expert Mindaugas Beniušis, Head of the Heating and Air Conditioning Department at BRGroup, which sells NØRDIS Optimus Pro heat pumps, explains what to keep in mind when planning the installation of an air-to-water heat pump.

Where Do the Problems Arise?

Once you’ve chosen a heat pump based on your home’s heating needs—which depend on the building’s energy efficiency class and floor area—the next step is installation and commissioning. Manufacturers strongly recommend purchasing installation services together with the equipment. This helps avoid mistakes and ensures that the work is carried out by a reliable specialist, rather than anyone who thinks the task is simple.

It is important to know that if the installation is performed by someone who does not hold certification to work with refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump equipment containing ODS or F-gases, the warranty will not be valid. If the installer also lacks plumbing skills, they may make errors that cause the system to function improperly.

The heat pump market is growing rapidly. This trend is driven by rising fossil fuel prices, state subsidies (APVA support) for replacing fossil-fuel boilers with heat pumps, and people’s increasing awareness that heat pumps are more economical and environmentally friendly than traditional boilers. With rising demand for heat pumps, demand for installation services has also surged—along with their cost.

As a result, not only experienced and qualified specialists are taking on installations, but also those without proper training, knowledge, or certification required for working with F-gas equipment. Problems often arise when buyers look for the cheapest installer without realizing that the efficiency and reliability of the heat pump depend heavily on proper installation and commissioning. In some cases, warranties are even voided because the installation did not meet warranty conditions.

Who Should Install a Heat Pump?

If you purchase installation separately, always check the installer’s competence. Make sure they have the necessary qualifications to properly install, commission, and adjust the specific heat pump model.

If you hire a small company or an independent contractor, verify that they:

• Possess plumbing skills.

• Hold valid certification allowing them to work with refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump systems containing ODS and F-gases.

• Have completed manufacturer training courses, which expand their knowledge about the operation and installation of that specific brand of heat pumps.

Only then can you be sure your equipment will work reliably and efficiently for years to come.