ᐅ Electricity Bill Extremely High Due to Heat Pump Malfunction?!
Created on: 4 Sep 2018 11:44
B
benkler1401
Hello everyone,
Unfortunately, we are currently facing some issues with a significantly increased electricity bill due to a malfunction in our heat pump system.
We moved into our semi-detached house in December 2017. The heating system is an air-to-water heat pump with a split unit.
On April 23, 2018, we noticed a malfunction in the indoor unit.
We reported this to the builder and the installation company. Initially, the system manufacturer contacted us by phone.
On May 25, 2018, a service technician from the manufacturer finally came to fix the problem.
The technician verbally informed me of the following:
- The issue concerns a fault in the outdoor temperature sensor, but it is still functioning as it should.
- The installation company had configured almost all settings incorrectly.
- The control panel recommended by the manufacturer for the heating system on the ground floor was not installed by the installation company.
As a result of these issues, from February 1, 2018, to May 25, 2018, the heat pump did not provide heating; instead, heating was done exclusively via the electric flow heater.
Shortly after, we received an electricity bill for the period from December 1, 2017, to March 25, 2018, showing an additional charge of 1000€ caused by the failure of the free heat pump energy.
The problem is that the indoor unit in the basement makes no sound in case of a malfunction, and during this fault, heating appeared to work without restriction.
Now we are trying to find out who is responsible for the extra 1000€ electricity cost.
1. The builder refers us to the manufacturer and installation company.
2. The installation company refers us back to the manufacturer and no longer responds.
3. The manufacturer claims it is our fault, stating that the system is now working perfectly and that we ignored the malfunction, so it is our responsibility.
Our question is:
Can this really be true? Is it reasonable to expect that if a system is installed and configured incorrectly by a professional company, and, for example, control panels on the ground floor are omitted, that we should go down to the basement every day to check for malfunctions even though everything seems to be working properly?
Thank you.
Best regards
Unfortunately, we are currently facing some issues with a significantly increased electricity bill due to a malfunction in our heat pump system.
We moved into our semi-detached house in December 2017. The heating system is an air-to-water heat pump with a split unit.
On April 23, 2018, we noticed a malfunction in the indoor unit.
We reported this to the builder and the installation company. Initially, the system manufacturer contacted us by phone.
On May 25, 2018, a service technician from the manufacturer finally came to fix the problem.
The technician verbally informed me of the following:
- The issue concerns a fault in the outdoor temperature sensor, but it is still functioning as it should.
- The installation company had configured almost all settings incorrectly.
- The control panel recommended by the manufacturer for the heating system on the ground floor was not installed by the installation company.
As a result of these issues, from February 1, 2018, to May 25, 2018, the heat pump did not provide heating; instead, heating was done exclusively via the electric flow heater.
Shortly after, we received an electricity bill for the period from December 1, 2017, to March 25, 2018, showing an additional charge of 1000€ caused by the failure of the free heat pump energy.
The problem is that the indoor unit in the basement makes no sound in case of a malfunction, and during this fault, heating appeared to work without restriction.
Now we are trying to find out who is responsible for the extra 1000€ electricity cost.
1. The builder refers us to the manufacturer and installation company.
2. The installation company refers us back to the manufacturer and no longer responds.
3. The manufacturer claims it is our fault, stating that the system is now working perfectly and that we ignored the malfunction, so it is our responsibility.
Our question is:
Can this really be true? Is it reasonable to expect that if a system is installed and configured incorrectly by a professional company, and, for example, control panels on the ground floor are omitted, that we should go down to the basement every day to check for malfunctions even though everything seems to be working properly?
Thank you.
Best regards
I do believe you share some responsibility. As a homeowner, you should take care of your house, which includes checking the heating system from time to time. If this is neglected for almost three months, then neither the construction company, the installer, nor the manufacturer can be held accountable.
B
benkler14014 Sep 2018 13:16We had a semi-detached house newly built, including the land, heating system, tiles, and all other details. We were able to make minor individual changes or selections. However, we were only informed about the type of heating system (heat pump), not the installation company or other specifics. Everything was commissioned by the developer. After completion, we received a brief introduction to the heating system from the installation company, which unfortunately lacked expertise and was installing this system for the first time. As a layperson, it is difficult to determine whether the information provided during the introduction was accurate or not. At handover, there were no malfunctions; the problems only appeared after about 2–3 months.
As homeowners, it is naturally our responsibility to take care of various matters, but if everything operates smoothly, I wouldn’t think to check everything. If I had to inspect everything in the house daily (water pipes, electrical wiring, heating system, appliances), I would have to quit my job and sell the house because I wouldn’t have the time or money to do so.
As homeowners, it is naturally our responsibility to take care of various matters, but if everything operates smoothly, I wouldn’t think to check everything. If I had to inspect everything in the house daily (water pipes, electrical wiring, heating system, appliances), I would have to quit my job and sell the house because I wouldn’t have the time or money to do so.
You say "had the house built" -> You were the builder.
And developer -> You were "just" the buyer.
So what?
As a buyer, it is easier to claim hidden defects with possible compensation for consequential damages.
As the builder, you are responsible. According to common legal practice, you should have identified the defect promptly, certainly not only after several months.
Additionally, from a warranty perspective, your contracting party is no longer liable; the problem seems to be resolved now. Consequential damages (operating costs) are typically not covered by warranty or guarantee.
Whether the average user is even technically capable is legally of secondary importance at first. Either way, if you manage to get a 50/50 cost split as a gesture of goodwill, then congratulations. Otherwise, I see slim chances, especially since the damage does not justify an elaborate expert assessment.
And developer -> You were "just" the buyer.
So what?
As a buyer, it is easier to claim hidden defects with possible compensation for consequential damages.
As the builder, you are responsible. According to common legal practice, you should have identified the defect promptly, certainly not only after several months.
Additionally, from a warranty perspective, your contracting party is no longer liable; the problem seems to be resolved now. Consequential damages (operating costs) are typically not covered by warranty or guarantee.
Whether the average user is even technically capable is legally of secondary importance at first. Either way, if you manage to get a 50/50 cost split as a gesture of goodwill, then congratulations. Otherwise, I see slim chances, especially since the damage does not justify an elaborate expert assessment.
benkler1401 schrieb:
As a homeowner, you naturally have to take care of many different things, but if everything is running smoothly, I wouldn’t think to check everything all the time.There are many levels between checking daily and not looking at the heating system at all for three months during the main heating season. Especially in the first few years, you tend to pay close attention to energy consumption and adjust the heating to your own habits.
There were times when I really read the electricity and heating meters every day to track the effects of adjustments. Now I do it about once a week on average. You don’t necessarily have to be as meticulous as I am, but reading the meters once around the end of the month definitely makes sense.
I’m surprised that it didn’t interest you at all.
H
HilfeHilfe4 Sep 2018 17:09Hello, it really gets difficult. As a homeowner, you also have responsibilities. Many forget this once they move out of a rental property. The landlord carries the risk. I can tell you that we had constant problems with the pump during the first two years. I recorded water and electricity usage every two weeks. Currently, it’s every four weeks. This helps to detect such irregularities immediately.
Similar topics