ᐅ Ground Source Heat Pump Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Created on: 27 Nov 2011 09:29
O
ostsee
Hello everyone,

We are planning to install a ground source heat pump.

Does anyone have experience with the maintenance of these systems?

Is there a regular inspection by the chimney sweep or anyone else to check the system?

Or put another way, are there any wear parts that need to be checked and possibly replaced periodically?

For example, the pump, any filters, etc.?

And what other operating costs can be expected?

Best regards,
Ostsee
P
PeterLustig49
25 Oct 2013 11:19
€uro schrieb:

1. Energy Saving Ordinance / KfW Certification - Optimization
2. Air volume plan / ventilation concept according to 1946-6, if mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is planned
3. Heating load calculation according to 12831 (This includes agreements on room temperatures)
4. Heating surface sizing for radiators / underfloor heating / wall heating according to EN 442, 1264 => heat pump optimization
5. Sizing of domestic hot water preparation
6. Pipe hydraulics
7. Selection / recommendation of heat generators
8. Consumption forecast etc.

I have read here in the forum that involving an HVAC planner is always advisable when dealing with heat pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.

My heating installer says that the architect handles all of this. And if not, then the architect is not worth the money...
Does the architect handle this? At which phase? Execution planning?

Should I also bring in an HVAC planner? When is the right time to involve them?
What is the approximate additional cost for HVAC planning?
€uro
25 Oct 2013 12:55
PeterLustig49 schrieb:
...I read here in the forum that involving an MEP planner for heat pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is always advisable.
Definitely! Anyone claiming otherwise, please speak up!
PeterLustig49 schrieb:
...My heating installer says the architect handles all that. And if not, then the architect isn’t worth their money... Does the architect take care of this? At what stage? Construction documentation?
Is your heating installer just following the architect? ;-) What proven training does an architect have in MEP systems to be legally reliable in this area? Just something to consider! ;-)
For large projects, no architect wants to take responsibility for essential MEP planning! For single-family homes, they tend to be more generous, knowing full well that the homeowner is unlikely to sue later! ;-)
It’s relatively easy to hold the architect accountable in advance by simply making the expected energy consumption part of the contractual agreement. ;-) This will quickly separate the wheat from the chaff! ;-)
PeterLustig49 schrieb:
...Should I involve an MEP planner as well, and if so, when should I bring them in? What are the approximate additional costs for MEP planning?
Why separate? A solid initial assessment of the essential building services (heating, domestic hot water, and where applicable ventilation) and planning/dimensioning of the system is part of every building project, no matter the size!
For example, in a single-family home, the costs are much lower since billing according to HOAI is usually not necessary or applicable. It is entirely sufficient to professionally clarify the critical technical aspects!

Best regards.
P
PeterLustig49
25 Oct 2013 14:31
€uro schrieb:
Why an extra step? A solid basic assessment of the key building services (heating, domestic hot water, and if needed, ventilation), as well as planning/dimensioning of the system technology, is part of every construction project, no matter the size!
For example, in a single-family house, the costs are significantly lower because billing according to HOAI is usually not necessary or required. In this case, it is completely sufficient to professionally clarify the critical focal points!
Best regards

Thank you for the response and tips @ €.

At what stage should the MEP planner be involved? Already during the conceptual design phase?

Can you give me a rough estimate of what I should budget for the MEP planner? $10,000, $5,000?

Where can I find a good MEP planner?
Any recommendations for Hesse?
€uro
26 Oct 2013 07:59
Hello,
PeterLustig49 schrieb:
....When should the building services engineer be involved? Already during the design planning phase?...
At the latest, when the building structure (components) is defined.
Quite often, I find details that can be improved with little effort (small cause, big effect).
Architects usually pay little attention to building services because they view the building from a completely different perspective.
PeterLustig49 schrieb:
....how much budget should I allocate for the building services engineer? 10k, 5k?
Certainly well below that!
For this “small” scope, a building services planning according to HOAI would be far too expensive and, in my opinion, unnecessary. It is completely sufficient to clarify the essential or critical points.
PeterLustig49 schrieb:
…Where can I find a good building services engineer? ...
Business directories, the internet, the usual sources.
Here you should make sure that the engineer specializes in “small” projects. This is somewhat more challenging. Most firms focus on “large” projects (commercial, hotels, industrial), with corresponding cost structures and technical expertise.
PeterLustig49 schrieb:
....Any recommendations for Hessen?
Unfortunately, I don’t have any. However, unlike with energy-efficient building refurbishment, an on-site presence is not necessary for this.
For detailed questions, feel free to contact me directly via e-mail or private message.

Best regards
K
K.Brodbeck
27 Oct 2013 08:07
Hello PeterLustig49,

From an architect’s perspective, I fully agree with the previous speaker! I cannot imagine any university or technical college training an architect to simultaneously be a building services engineer (also known as MEP planner).

As an architect, you are an all-rounder. You need to have a good understanding of all trades (and not just superficial knowledge), as well as all legal aspects (building permits/planning permission, contracts, etc.) and design skills. Design doesn’t only mean making something look good, but also ensuring it functions well (for example, floor plans), especially in collaboration with specialist planners (what good is the most beautiful floor plan if you can’t fit in the building services or if it cannot be realized structurally?).

A building services engineer specializes in one area and is brought in by the architect. Building services planning is not part of the architect’s contract!

We always recommend hiring a building services engineer, but usually the builders of a single-family home try to save on this cost (just like the architect’s fee ;-).

Best regards

K.Brodbeck