Common installation mistakes with heat pumps – and how to avoid them

When installing heat pumps, boilers and buffer tanks, small mistakes can have major consequences. From air trapped in the system to incorrectly installed components, installation errors often lead to system failures or reduced performance.

To gain insight into the most common problems, we spoke with two technical specialists from Hewa: Rinaldo and Edwin. They share their practical experience and provide tips on how installers can avoid these mistakes.

Common installation mistakes

Rinaldo: “Most mistakes occur during the venting of installations. What we often see is that too few air vents are installed. This is seriously underestimated. In a heat pump system, air trapped in the system can cause major issues.”

“Incorrect pipe connections also happen regularly. For example, when the supply and return lines are not connected properly. The sizing of the pipes is also very important.”

“With heat pumps, the pipe diameter must be large enough. Sometimes installers use pipes that are too small, which results in insufficient flow.”

Problems with buffer tanks

Edwin: “I regularly see problems related to buffer tanks. Sometimes we receive reports that a buffer tank is leaking. Later it turns out that the issue is not the tank itself, but a mistake in the installation.”

“There can also be confusion about installation packages. Customers do not always understand exactly what an installation package includes and assume everything will be fully installed, while some parts still need to be connected by themselves.”

What causes installation mistakes?

Rinaldo: “Most mistakes come from a lack of experience with newer technologies. Many installers have worked with gas boiler systems for decades. But a heat pump installation works differently and requires a different way of thinking.”

Incorrectly installed components

Edwin: “I also regularly see components installed incorrectly.”

• A frost protection valve installed indoors when it should be outside.
• A dirt filter installed in the wrong pipe.
• Sensors placed in the wrong position in the system.

“If a frost protection valve is installed indoors, it cannot measure the outside temperature. That means the protection mechanism will not function properly.”

The impact of installation mistakes

Rinaldo: “Installation mistakes can sometimes have major consequences. I remember a project where the wrong cable was installed to a technical room. The cable had to be replaced, which eventually cost around €10,000.”

How do you recognise an installation mistake?

Signs that something may be wrong include:

• Air in the system
• Unexplained leaks
• Insufficient heat output
• Error messages in the control system

How can installation mistakes be prevented?

According to both specialists, the solution is relatively simple: take your time and follow the documentation.

“Use the installation diagrams and technical drawings. When you carefully review the connections of a buffer tank or heat pump, it usually becomes clear where everything needs to be connected.”

It is also important not to rush the installation.

“If you work too quickly, you are more likely to forget a sensor or connection. Then the system has to be partially drained later to fix it.”

Conclusion

Most installation mistakes can be avoided with proper preparation, correct documentation and sufficient knowledge of heat pump systems.

At Hewa we support installers with clear hydraulic diagrams, technical documentation and reliable products such as heat pumps, buffer tanks and professional installation materials.