How to Install a Heat Pump Package

A heat pump transfers heat from the source at a lower temperature to the heat sink at a higher temperature. A fundamental difference between a traditional air conditioner and a heat pump lies in the latter's ability to distribute heating and cooling. Heat pumps also use the same refrigeration cycle to produce heat by toggling between the condenser and evaporator through a reversal valve. Heat pumps commonly draw heat from the air or ground. You should only attempt to install a heat pump package unit with an adequate background in Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) servicing.

Things You'll Need

• Heat pump package unit
• Level mounting pad
• Lifting slings
• Rigging shackles
• Spreaders
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Power drill
• Mounting screws
• PVC pipe, 3/4-inch
• PVC primer
• Non-combustible connectors
• Duct sealant
• Filter rack
• Filter
• Copper wire
• Wire splicers

Instructions

1. Locate the heat pump package unit with clearance to the inlet and discharge air openings. Allow enough room for service access. Select a location with minimal direct contact with sun rays, usually facing north or east. Ensure overhead clearance from the elements. Use 30-inch minimal clearance specifications surrounding the unit. Install a solid, level mounting pad. Isolate the pad 30 inches from the building's foundation to avoid sound and vibration transmission.

2. Secure all access panels onto the heat pump package unit. Attach two lifting slings to rigging shackles hooked to the unit's base rail. Position two spreaders onto the top of the unit to protect from exertion. Check to see if the hoisting equipment can handle 750 pounds under weight. Operate the hoisting equipment and secure the unit to the mounting pad. Detach the lifting slings from the unit's base rail.

3. Locate the down-flow duct cover plates in the return air compartment. Dislodge and remove the down-flow duct cover plates with a flat-head screwdriver. Position the duct cover plates over the horizontal return duct openings. Drill six 1/8-inch holes into the cabinet using the duct cover plates as a guide. Secure two mounting screws through each duct cover plate. Install the duct cover plates on the horizontal supply line with the eight mounting screws supplied with the unit.

4. Construct a 3/4-inch PVC drain line with the condensate trap measuring at least 2 inches from the top of the outlet. Install the trap close to the pump package unit. Remove obstructions from the front of the heat exchanger panel. Secure the drain assembly fittings to the package unit with PVC primer. Route the drain line to a suitable disposal site.

5. Dislodge and remove the blower access panel with a flat-head screwdriver. Slide the blower shipping support away from the blower assembly until completely removed. Replace the blower access panel into its proper housing.

6. Read over the National Fire Protection Agency's (NFPA) 90B and local codes before installing duct work. Mount non-combustible connectors between the trunk ducts and air plenums to minimize sound and vibration transmission. Use a duct sealant to encase the ductwork from inside the structure. Route ductwork through the two horizontal returns if using horizontal applications.

7. Install a filter rack into the return air inlet. Route the return air duct through a filter before entering the unit. Be sure the filter areas meet the recommended requirements, including 325 ft .at a bare minimum for disposal filters and 525 ft. at a bare minimum for cleanable filters.

8. Verify the maximum over-current protection, minimum circuit ampacity and voltage on the unit's nameplate. Install a circuit disconnect meeting the National Electrical Codes specifications. Route outdoor-compatible conduit and secure the fittings to the heat pump package unit.

9. Disconnect existing power supply lines. Dislodge and remove the control access panel. Splice and connect L1 and L2 copper, field supply wires to the L1 and L2 connector terminals. Connect ground wire to the marked "ground" terminal. Secure low voltage circuit.

10. Run the copper, low voltage supply wires to the control access panel. Splice and connect the low voltage supply wires to the coded control board terminals. Transfer the black wire lead secured to the 240 Volt terminal to the 208 Volt terminal on the electrical transformer. Secure the control access panel into its correct housing.

11. Power the package unit and allow it to operate for a minimum of 15 minutes until the pressure and temperatures stabilize. Call an EPA certified technician to check the package unit if it is functioning incorrectly.

12. Disconnect the power supply. Slide off the blower access panel. Position the blue wire onto the marked HI, MED or LOW motor speed taps. Replace the blower access panel and reconnect the power supply.

References

• Whirlpool: Package Cooling Unit/Package Heat Pump Unit Installation Instructions