Heat Pumps

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction to Heat Pumps

Topics: Heat pump operation and advantages; Cooling, heating, and defrost cycles; Balance points; Degree-days; Unit sizing; Operating costs

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how a heat pump differs from standard air-conditioning equipment.
• List the benefits of heat pump systems.
• Describe the heating, cooling, and defrost heat pump cycles.
• Define degree-day.
• List considerations in sizing heat pumps.

Chapter 2: Heat Pump Systems

Topics: Water-to-water, water-to-air, ground-to-air, air-to-air, solar-assisted, geothermal, dual-fuel, and split systems; Packaged units

Learning Objectives:

• Compare the operation of water-to-water and water-to-air heat pump systems.
• Compare the operation of ground-to-air and air-to-air heat pump systems.
• Describe the operation of solar-assisted heat pump systems.
• Describe the operation of geothermal heat pump systems.
• Describe the operation of dual-fuel heat pump systems.
• Discuss the differences in configuration and installation of split and packaged heat pump units.

Chapter 3: Balance Points and Cost of Operation

Topics: Determining balance points; Supplemental heating; Performance ratings; Efficiency ratings; Operating costs; Cost estimation

Learning Objectives:

• Determine heat pump system balance points and explain their relationship to system capacity.
• Discuss the use and control of supplemental heat.
• Discuss ARI single-point and seasonal heating and cooling ratings for heat pump equipment.
• Explain how several common variables affect heat pump operating costs.
• Describe how to use the heating degree-day, cooling degree-day, and bin methods of estimating heat pump system energy use.
• Describe common problems of heat pump systems in the heating mode.

Chapter 4: Heat Pump Components

Topics: Accumulators; Indoor and outdoor coils; Compressors; Reversing and check valves; Heat exchangers; Filter-driers, Thermostats

Learning Objectives:

• Explain why heat pump systems include an accumulator.
• Describe the indoor and outdoor coils, indoor air handling components, and various metering (flow-control) devices.
• Briefly discuss the requirements of reciprocating and scroll compressor operation as used in heat pump systems.
• Discuss the use and operation of the reversing valve and check valves in heat pump systems.
• Explain the functions of the equalizer tank, heat exchanger, and filter-driers in heat pump systems.
• Briefly describe indoor and outdoor controls and popular defrost control systems.

Chapter 5: Heat Pump Controls

Topics: Defrost and pressure controls; Heat sequencers; Emergency heat relay; Starting components; Lockout relays; Overload protectors

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the operation of the pressure differential and temperature differential defrost methods.
• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the timed defrost and time-and-temperature defrost methods.
• Compare the construction and operation of electromechanical and solid-state defrost controls.
• Explain the functions of pressure controls, heat sequencers, and the emergency heat relay in heat pump systems.
• Describe typical starting and lockout devices used on heat pumps and explain why systems include transformers, contactors, and overload protectors.

Chapter 6: Heat Pump Installation

Topics: Outdoor and indoor units; Air distribution system; Refrigerant lines; Condensate drain; Electrical system; Packaged heat pumps

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss considerations in selecting the best location for outdoor unit installation.
• Discuss considerations in selecting the best location for indoor unit installation.
• Describe installation practices that help the air distribution system fulfill its purpose.
• Discuss procedures for installing refrigerant lines and primary and auxiliary drain lines.
• Discuss the requirements for installing electrical wiring.
• Describe additional requirements for installing a packaged heat pump unit.

Chapter 7: Heat Pump Checkout and Startup

Topics: Leak testing; Charging; Insulation; Electrical system, connections; Miscellaneous checks

Learning Objectives:

• Describe basic checkout procedures for the compressor crankcase heater, air distribution system, and all heat pump mountings.
• Describe basic steps in leak testing and charging a heat pump unit and discuss basic requirements for post-installation checkout of heat pump insulation and piping.
• Describe both the general post-installation checkout of the electrical system and tests to check specific electrical connections.
• Explain how to check the operation of the system thermostat, outdoor thermostats, and defrost controls.
• Name ways to increase blower output and explain why operator instructions are important.

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