Fireside Fridays: More Heat Pumps, Charge, Airflow & ACCA Quality Installation

Only 23% of newly installed heat pumps in the United States are properly charged. This is a serious problem, as it can lead to reduced performance and efficiency, as well as increased wear and tear on the system. This statistic came from the September 18, 2023 edition of HVACR News - digital.bnpmedia.com/publicat...
The airflow rate should be set correctly for the size of the home and the climate zone. If the airflow rate is too low, the heat pump will not be able to heat or cool the home effectively. If the airflow rate is too high, the heat pump will be less efficient and will wear out prematurely.
There are a number of tools available that can help technicians to properly charge and adjust the airflow of heat pumps. Jim also discusses the importance of quality installation and commissioning procedures.
Also, it is important to stop checking the charge on heat pumps on an annual basis. This is a bad practice that can lead to cross-contamination of systems and other problems. Jim instead recommends using technology to check the system by temperature.

[@EntergySolutionsPrograms]

Great lesson my friend. You put the dog into REM sleep at 3:50 . hahaha

[@donaldbakerakathedonaldaka5261]

YAAS to locking caps!!! Use them!!

[@donaldbakerakathedonaldaka5261]

It is important to note that any cost estimates given here are estimates for the continental United States. Costs elsewhere, such as Canada, will be different, and often higher than cost estimates given here.

[@hozerhvac4406]

All the points raised are precisely accurate. The underlying concern I'm currently facing is the dominance of private equity within the market. Their primary focus lies in valuations and growth to such an extent that they are singularly devoted to a rapid sales and installation approach while they have a customer's attention. They operate on a massive scale, leading to numerous inadequately skilled technicians employing subpar installation practices. They simply lack the time to provide training, as it would disrupt their operational efficiency. This year has been exceptional due to a surge in heat pump purchases driven by government grants. However, it is imperative for ownership to recognize that without leveraging technology and ensuring proper procedures, substantial profits may be lost due to warranty work within the initial three years.

[@heatingcoolingservicesinc.4277]

With equipment, materials and labor costs on the trajectory they’re on, a lot of homeowners can’t afford to replace equipment with even builder grade equipment. Replacing ductwork or doing an ACCA quality installation isn’t in the budget especially for 6-9k or even 13-20k, you’re living in a dream world my friend.

[@measureQuick]

They won’t pay cash anymore for sure, but I can guarantee they will be financing those systems or equipment will be sold as a service like your cell phone. That’s all people afford $1000 phone after all.

[@stiffmeister0hYeah]

Need advice. Here in Mexico (Cabo), the HVAC techs refuse to evacuate mini-splits systems or weight refrigerant. Does this mean all my mini-splits are running inefficiently? I'm buying my own pump, hoses, etc when I make my next trip to California. My power consumption is through the roof.