ᐅ Air source heat pump is not heating, but hot water works fine
Created on: 4 Oct 2018 07:21
S
Snowside
Hello everyone,
After it initially seemed like our construction would proceed without major issues, we now face a serious problem.
We have an air-to-water heat pump from Tecalor, installed by our plumbing specialist and inspected by Tecalor about 10 weeks ago. (We have been living in the house for just over 12 weeks.) The Tecalor representative was very impressed with the heating contractor’s work and assured us that he has known him for a long time and that he always does an excellent job. He said there was hardly any need to check much because the quality of work is always that good.
Well, now that the warm season is over, we discovered on Monday that our system is not heating. We do have hot water, but the underfloor heating does absolutely nothing. The plumbing company came by on Tuesday but could not get the heating to work either. I immediately tried to arrange an appointment with Tecalor on Tuesday, but the woman on the phone told me the earliest available appointment was Monday. Considering the temperature in the bathroom was only 16°C (61°F), I found that offer quite unreasonable and told her so, but all I got was a dismissive "What am I supposed to do if all employees are busy?" Reluctantly, I accepted the appointment; what else could I do?
Of course, we are now facing the worst-case scenario: on Monday, someone from Tecalor comes and tells us the system must be replaced, but that this can only happen after several weeks, and until then we will be freezing. Fortunately, the weather is expected to warm up again next week, but that’s no solution either.
Is there anything I can do or demand? Even something like a portable heater for the bathroom, with the cost covered by the plumber or Tecalor? Or are there any other legal or contractual claims in cases like this?
This whole situation makes me even more frustrated because this is not the first time we have had minor disagreements with the plumbing company (prices for ceramics, the outdoor unit of the air-to-water heat pump placed too close to the garage, price of the maintenance contract). Why should I even take on a maintenance contract with a company that makes such serious mistakes? My trust in their work has definitely been shaken. And then I have to listen to the Tecalor employee telling me how great their work is.
I hope you understand my problem and my question. I think my frustration comes across clearly.
Best regards
After it initially seemed like our construction would proceed without major issues, we now face a serious problem.
We have an air-to-water heat pump from Tecalor, installed by our plumbing specialist and inspected by Tecalor about 10 weeks ago. (We have been living in the house for just over 12 weeks.) The Tecalor representative was very impressed with the heating contractor’s work and assured us that he has known him for a long time and that he always does an excellent job. He said there was hardly any need to check much because the quality of work is always that good.
Well, now that the warm season is over, we discovered on Monday that our system is not heating. We do have hot water, but the underfloor heating does absolutely nothing. The plumbing company came by on Tuesday but could not get the heating to work either. I immediately tried to arrange an appointment with Tecalor on Tuesday, but the woman on the phone told me the earliest available appointment was Monday. Considering the temperature in the bathroom was only 16°C (61°F), I found that offer quite unreasonable and told her so, but all I got was a dismissive "What am I supposed to do if all employees are busy?" Reluctantly, I accepted the appointment; what else could I do?
Of course, we are now facing the worst-case scenario: on Monday, someone from Tecalor comes and tells us the system must be replaced, but that this can only happen after several weeks, and until then we will be freezing. Fortunately, the weather is expected to warm up again next week, but that’s no solution either.
Is there anything I can do or demand? Even something like a portable heater for the bathroom, with the cost covered by the plumber or Tecalor? Or are there any other legal or contractual claims in cases like this?
This whole situation makes me even more frustrated because this is not the first time we have had minor disagreements with the plumbing company (prices for ceramics, the outdoor unit of the air-to-water heat pump placed too close to the garage, price of the maintenance contract). Why should I even take on a maintenance contract with a company that makes such serious mistakes? My trust in their work has definitely been shaken. And then I have to listen to the Tecalor employee telling me how great their work is.
I hope you understand my problem and my question. I think my frustration comes across clearly.
Best regards
Then just wait for the winter first, in case the outdoor unit freezes.
For this exact situation, I had a chimney with a fireplace installed. I was initially annoyed about the coal expense, but after reading things like this, it does make a bit more sense to spend the money.
I wish you a quick resolution of the malfunction.
For this exact situation, I had a chimney with a fireplace installed. I was initially annoyed about the coal expense, but after reading things like this, it does make a bit more sense to spend the money.
I wish you a quick resolution of the malfunction.
Please review all settings.
Are all summer settings deactivated?
Has the summer bypass valve (if installed) been replaced?
What temperatures, heating times, etc., are set?
If everything seems correct, consider adjusting the heating curve.
The operating manual should explain how to make these adjustments.
Are all summer settings deactivated?
Has the summer bypass valve (if installed) been replaced?
What temperatures, heating times, etc., are set?
If everything seems correct, consider adjusting the heating curve.
The operating manual should explain how to make these adjustments.
As I’ve already mentioned, I don’t believe it’s a matter of settings. The Tecalor technician had inspected the system, made all the adjustments in my presence, and explained everything to me. Then, the plumbing contractor was also on site but couldn’t get it running. Unfortunately, I rule out the possibility that it’s just a settings issue.
The question I hoped to have answered is more about whether I should or could take action towards Tecalor or the plumbing company. I’m not trying to start a legal dispute here. I just don’t want to be left without heating in the cold house come December and then hear something like, “Well, you should have formally notified them in writing, etc., etc., they would have had to provide you with a temporary heating system under § 0815.”
The question I hoped to have answered is more about whether I should or could take action towards Tecalor or the plumbing company. I’m not trying to start a legal dispute here. I just don’t want to be left without heating in the cold house come December and then hear something like, “Well, you should have formally notified them in writing, etc., etc., they would have had to provide you with a temporary heating system under § 0815.”
Wait for the appointment on Monday first. If the technician doesn’t find anything or can’t do anything, there’s still plenty of time to take further measures if needed. You can bring up the subject of a backup heater if he indicates that today’s visit won’t be successful.
But is it normal for new buildings to be this cold? Due to residual moisture or something like that? We (an apartment from the early 2000s) turned on the heating today, mostly to get rid of the dusty smell rather than because it was actually cold. It was still around 20°C (68°F) everywhere.
But is it normal for new buildings to be this cold? Due to residual moisture or something like that? We (an apartment from the early 2000s) turned on the heating today, mostly to get rid of the dusty smell rather than because it was actually cold. It was still around 20°C (68°F) everywhere.
Well, I would say our specialist company that installed the system doesn’t know anything about the settings. Everything was done by the field service. I once had a question and the only response was, "Try this, I’m not doing it, or call xxx." When were the settings and the inspection carried out?
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