Heat Pump? What the heck is that?

[Brian E. Kelly]

http://www.home-heating-systems-and-...g-cooling.html

[Bruce M. Graham, III]

Bob,
Here is a simple version, they can be more complex in design but it all goes back to the basics. In the summer time in ac mode the heat pumps will heat the loop so it goes up to the cooling tower for some evaporative cooling and in the winter the heat pumps will chill the loop hence the boilers to bring the loop back up to operating temp, about 85 deg. The biggest problem was generally when the inlet strainers on the heat pump would get stopped up.

[Jeffrey Moore]

Not all heat pumps have the supplemental heat strips installed. In your area it is a necessity due to your low temps though.

[Bob Elliott]

Thanks Bruce
Now send me the other two pages darnit.

I do not recall seeing a big chiller unit on the roof however.

Brian thanks for the link as I will check that out too.

Glad it may be awhile before I see another of this type system, but want to be better prepared to know what I am looking at.

[Bruce M. Graham, III]

Bob,
That is a page from a 126 page pdf from one of the energy management companies I dealt with back in the day. enjoy
http://www.wattmaster.com/pdfs/WM-WHP-IO-02A-All.pdf and another with more detail http://www.mcquayservice.com/mcquayb...gNews/1002.pdf

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by bgraham

Bob,
That is a page from a 126 page pdf from one of the energy management companies I dealt with back in the day. enjoy
http://www.wattmaster.com/pdfs/WM-WHP-IO-02A-All.pdf and another with more detail http://www.mcquayservice.com/mcquayb...gNews/1002.pdf

Should be everything I need .(thank you)

[David A. Andersen]

Thanks Bruce!

The Head Engineer explained that's what it is.

Missed that.

Bob,

With this type pf system, all you should need to inspect is the individual condo unit. All of the other stuff falls under the Association.

It helps to know (so you can advise your client) that a two pipe system like this allows for both heating and cooling at the same time, in the same building. Conventional Chiller-Boilers can only do one thing at a time (which is a pain in the spring and fall when it is hot and cold from day to day. Either the boiler or the chiller will be in service at a given time.

Won't get a 20 degree delta T with this one!

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by dandersen

Thanks Bruce!


Missed that.

Bob,

With this type pf system, all you should need to inspect is the individual condo unit. All of the other stuff falls under the Association.

It helps to know (so you can advise your client) that a two pipe system like this allows for both heating and cooling at the same time, in the same building. Conventional Chiller-Boilers can only do one thing at a time (which is a pain in the spring and fall when it is hot and cold from day to day. Either the boiler or the chiller will be in service at a given time.

Won't get a 20 degree delta T with this one!

I am guessing you do not know my Pseudonym.

Dave your client has assessments,reserve funds,and special assessments to deal with that can be game changers.

Yes you are right that your Inspection is between the walls only.

Just not mine.

Email or phone me to discuss further.

[David A. Andersen]

Yes you are right that your Inspection is between the walls only.

Just not mine.

I know where your coming from, but this system takes much more than a Home Inspector or even the common HVAC contractor to evaluate.

The control system alone would run most HVAC Co's out of the building!

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by dandersen

I know where your coming from, but this system takes much more than a Home Inspector or even the common HVAC contractor to evaluate.

The control system alone would run most HVAC Co's out of the building!

I know what you are saying to but I need to understand the big picture.
Knowing that if I flick a wall switch the lights come on is not enough for guys like us.

[David A. Andersen]

Yes, I totally understand. I am not one that will call you out for going overboard in your home inspections!

Just that this type of system can get extremely complex when understanding a simple residential system can be overwhelming to some.

I don't want you to become disillusioned if you don't fully understand one of these monsters!

Get that site engineer to help you out if you end up in that complex again. I'm sure they would be more than willing to walk you through the equipment and principles behind it.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by dandersen

Yes, I totally understand. I am not one that will call you out for going overboard in your home inspections!

Just that this type of system can get extremely complex when understanding a simple residential system can be overwhelming to some.

I don't want you to become disillusioned if you don't fully understand one of these monsters!

Get that site engineer to help you out if you end up in that complex again. I'm sure they would be more than willing to walk you through the equipment and principles behind it.

David that's our job

All I do every day is educate myself.

I just came in from chating with Gas Company reps as to be a Home Inspector you must love learning.

If you total it we probably spend more time with education than most college Grads.

I am not sure if you do many Multi-unit buildings but if you ever have any questions just send me an email.

[David A. Andersen]

Will do.

I only do 3-4% Multi-unit.

Thanks.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by dandersen

Will do.

I only do 3-4% Multi-unit.

Thanks.

I probably do 80% Townhouses and Condos.
I excel at explaining to first time buyers, so that's why I put in the extra time on site.

[David A. Andersen]

Educating the buyer is what it is all about.

"Quick" is not what it is about...

I tell every client that I don't want them to leave with any questions unanswered.

I also tell them that they have free phone consults for the rest of my life (most are younger than I).