Heat Pumps: The Art of Commissioning

Our series concludes with a focus on the pivotal role of heat pump commissioning, ensuring you have a complete end-to-end understanding of HVAC systems. After considering design and real-world applications, commissioning is an imperative final step to ensure optimal system operation, longevity, and client satisfaction.

Our veteran hosts, Bruce Manclark and Matt Ryan, will once again steer us through this intricate process and provide insights into why commissioning is paramount. Marc Cregeur from Earth Advantage will introduce the RESNET Standard 310 as an alternative pathway to meet ENERGY STAR requirements and unlock the 45L Tax Credit. And, bringing a final holistic perspective to the table, Mike Frey of Noyes Development will share a builder's view on the benefits of a well-commissioned system, emphasizing ENERGY STAR compliance and the consequential tax credit advantage.

With foundational design tools such as Manuals J, D, and S serving as the blueprint, the importance of commissioning centers on verifying the installation adherence to this design. The process goes beyond mere checks; it's about quality control, reducing callbacks, and achieving a heightened standard across the board - from installers and designers to commissioners and verifiers. The end goal? Satisfied customers basking in the efficiency of a well-commissioned system.

Delving deeper, Matt will touch upon specific tools integral to commissioning and discuss the:

• Significance of TruFlow plates and manometers in measuring equipment airflow
• Role of velometers for granular room-by-room air assessments
• Indispensability of refrigerant scales, gauges with temperature clamps, and thermometers for accurate indoor/outdoor temperature readings

Matt will then elaborate on the differences in commissioning Unitary systems versus Mini Split systems:

• Unitary - expect insights into airflow verification, refrigerant charge validation, equipment-specific TruFlow tests, room-by-room balancing, and more
• Mini Split - differentiate between ducted and ductless systems, shedding light on system charge verifications, the importance of diligent record-keeping from rough-in to finish, and the nuances of temperature splits, among other key processes

To receive Continuing Education (CE) credits, log in through our website to access the course.

You can also watch the training recording on the BetterBuiltNW YouTube channel.

This session is a part of a three-part series on how to effectively design, install and commission air source heat pumps (ASHPs) in residential homes.

This series has been developed by and for building industry professionals (builders, designers, HVAC contractors, raters, and beyond) to better understand ASHP applications and to provide tangible design principles and construction practices that can be integrated into your building process. View the other sessions Heat Pumps: Mastering Design Principles and Heat Pumps: The Ultimate Installation Guide.