SAFEXE LTD Gas, Plumbing & Heat Pumps recently carried out an annual service on a Vaillant aroTHERM heat pump.
What started as a routine heat pump service quickly turned into a more detailed fault-finding exercise after a long list of installation, pipework and commissioning issues were found.
This is a good example of why correct heat pump installation, insulation, setup and commissioning are so important.
A quality heat pump still needs a quality installation
Vaillant aroTHERM heat pumps are excellent systems when installed and commissioned correctly.
However, a heat pump is only as good as the design, pipework, insulation, controls, settings and commissioning behind it.
On this visit, we found several issues that were affecting how the system operated.
Issues found during the heat pump service
During the service and fault-finding visit, we found:
External pipework not correctly lagged
Undersized lagging on external pipework
Pipework entering the wall without proper insulation
Sections of lagging missing
Leaks on pipework
Noise from pipework movement and poor support over time
Outdoor temperature settings incorrect
The heat pump not switching on when it should
These types of issues can reduce efficiency, increase running costs, cause unnecessary noise and prevent the heat pump from operating properly.
Why pipework insulation matters on heat pumps
External pipework insulation is extremely important on heat pump systems.
If pipework is not correctly lagged, or the insulation is too thin, heat can be lost before it reaches the property. This can reduce efficiency and make the system work harder than it should.
Pipework passing through walls also needs proper attention. Gaps, missing insulation and poor detailing can all contribute to heat loss, noise and long-term performance issues.
Correct commissioning is just as important as the installation
Heat pumps are not fit-and-forget appliances.
The controls, weather compensation, outdoor temperature settings, flow temperatures and system setup all need to be checked properly.
On this Vaillant aroTHERM system, the outdoor temperature settings were incorrect, meaning the heat pump was not turning on when it was supposed to.
That is not just a small setting issue. It affects comfort, efficiency and the customer’s confidence in the system.
Recommissioning and remedial heat pump work
Following the service and fault-finding visit, we have quoted to return and carry out remedial works, recommission the system and get it working to the best of its ability based on the existing installation.
Sometimes a heat pump system does not need replacing — it needs properly checking, correcting and setting up by someone who understands how the full system should operate.
Accredited Vaillant heat pump installers and service engineers
SAFEXE LTD Gas, Plumbing & Heat Pumps are accredited Vaillant heat pump installers and service engineers.
We carry out heat pump servicing, heat pump fault finding, commissioning checks, system improvements and remedial works across Exmouth, Exeter and East Devon.
Our heat pump services include:
Vaillant heat pump servicing
Vaillant aroTHERM fault finding
Heat pump commissioning checks
Heat pump recommissioning
Pipework and insulation inspections
Heating system performance checks
Weather compensation and control checks
Heat pump efficiency advice
Remedial works on poor installations
Heat pump repairs and system improvements
Heat pump servicing across Exmouth, Exeter and East Devon
We provide professional heat pump servicing and fault finding across:
Exmouth
Exeter
Pinhoe
Topsham
Woodbury
Budleigh Salterton
Sidmouth
Ottery St Mary
Honiton
East Devon and nearby areas
If your heat pump is noisy, inefficient, not heating properly, using more energy than expected or has never worked quite as well as it should, it may need a proper service and system check.
Heat pump installation, 0% VAT and finance
For customers considering a new heat pump installation, 0% VAT may apply to qualifying heat pump installations.
Finance is also available on selected heating installations where required.
SAFEXE LTD can advise on heat pump installation, replacement heating systems, heating upgrades, system design and long-term efficiency.
SAFEXE LTD Gas, Plumbing & Heat Pumps
📞 01395 489981
📱 07850 260101
📧 info@safexe.co.uk
🌐 www.safexe.co.uk