Additive Nature of Installation Faults Lead to Major HVAC Problems, Says Study
GAITHERSBURG, Md.—Improper installation of HVAC equipment can negate any energy efficiency gains promised by the equipment, according to a recent study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The NIST study sought to develop an understanding of the impact of different faults on heat pump performance installed in a single-family residential house. The study’s authors are Piotr A. Domanski, Member ASHRAE, and W. Vance Payne, Member ASHRAE, of NIST, along with Hugh I. Henderson, Member ASHRAE, of CDH Energy Corp. They found that duct leakage, refrigerant undercharge, oversized heat pump with nominal ductwork, low indoor airflow due to undersized ductwork, and refrigerant overcharge have the most potential for causing significant performance degradation and increased annual energy consumption.
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