How to Keep Your Aerothermal System in Perfect Condition: Maintenance and Optimisation

Aerothermal energy has established itself as an efficient and sustainable climate control solution for homes and buildings. To ensure that your system works optimally, prolong its useful life and maximise energy savings, proper maintenance is essential. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about aerothermal maintenance and how to optimise its performance.

Legal requirements for aerothermal maintenance

Maintaining aerothermal equipment is not just a recommendation, but a legal requirement established in the Regulation on Thermal Installations in Buildings (RITE). According to the regulations, the frequency of maintenance varies depending on the power and use:

• Heat pumps for hot water with a rated power of 12 kW: every 4 years for homes and every 2 years for other uses.
• Heat pumps for domestic hot water with a rated power of less than or equal to 12 kW: every 4 years for homes and every 2 years for other uses.
• Heat pumps for domestic hot water with a power between 12 kW and 70 kW: every 2 years for homes and annually for other uses.
• Installations with a power greater than 70 kW: mandatory monthly maintenance.

Although the regulations establish these frequencies, experts recommend annual preventive maintenance to ensure system efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns.

Recommended article:  Aerothermal in summer.

Routine maintenance: essential tasks

Routine maintenance of an aerothermal system includes various checks and operations that are essential to maintain its efficiency. These tasks must be carried out by specialised technicians:

Technical checks

• Verification of supply voltage and input power
• Checking the condition of the compressor and the operation of safety devices
• Inspection of the plate heat exchanger
• Detection of air bubbles in the water circuit
• Checking the tightness of electrical and hydraulic connections
• Checking the operating pressure
• Checking the operation of the compressor heater

Maintenance operations

• Filling the water circuit and bleeding the system
• Cleaning the fan grille
• Cleaning the condensation drain tray
• Cleaning the coil fins
• Inspection and cleaning of filters

It is important to note that in coastal areas, where units are exposed to salinity, maintenance intervals should be halved to prevent premature deterioration of components.

Extraordinary maintenance: key to system longevity

In addition to routine maintenance, aerothermal systems require extraordinary maintenance, which includes:

Chemical cleaning of the heat exchanger

It is recommended to chemically clean the plate heat exchanger every 3 years of operation. This process removes accumulated impurities and residues, restoring the efficiency of the exchanger and improving system performance.

Refrigerant gas check

Checking the refrigerant gas content is crucial for the optimal operation of the system. Over time, small leaks can develop in the joints, causing refrigerant loss and negatively affecting the performance of the unit1. If leaks are detected, it is necessary to:

• Identify and repair the leaks
• Refill the refrigerant circuit according to the manufacturer’s specifications
• In the event of partial leaks, completely empty the circuit before refilling it

Optimising aerothermal systems for greater energy efficiency

To maximise the efficiency of your aerothermal system and reduce energy consumption, consider these optimisation strategies:

Smart monitoring and control

Smart control systems allow you to adjust the operation of the aerothermal system according to changing environmental needs by monitoring factors such as indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity and solar radiation.

Taking advantage of the outdoor temperature

Aerothermal systems can be adjusted to the outdoor temperature, increasing their performance in winter to extract more heat from the air and reducing it in summer to prevent the interior from overheating, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

Calibration of controls and sensors

Periodically check the calibration of your system’s controls and sensors to ensure accurate and efficient operation2.

Practical tips for aerothermal maintenance

To ensure the optimal performance of your aerothermal system, follow these practical tips:

Regular inspections

Perform regular visual inspections of the indoor and outdoor units, looking for signs of wear on components and connections. Pay attention to any unusual noises that may indicate internal problems.

Regular cleaning

Keep the outdoor unit clean, making sure it is free of debris, leaves and vegetation that could obstruct air flow. Use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner to clean the casing.

Hiring professional maintenance

Although there are tasks you can do yourself, it is advisable to hire an annual maintenance service with specialised technicians. A professional will be able to carry out a more thorough and detailed inspection, make precise adjustments and solve problems before they turn into costly breakdowns.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance of your air source heat pump system is not only a legal requirement, but also a smart investment that ensures its efficiency, extends its service life and maximises energy savings. By following the routine and special maintenance guidelines and implementing optimisation strategies, you can enjoy all the benefits this sustainable and efficient technology has to offer.

Remember that, although the RITE regulations establish specific maintenance frequencies, experts recommend annual checks to prevent problems and ensure optimal performance. Trust certified professionals to maintain your aerothermal system and enjoy sustainable comfort for many years to come.