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Protecting Heat Pump Installations From Freezing

11 Apr 2022
Article

Heat pump installations may freeze up in the colder months of the year but there are solutions out there to protect them. When a heat pump freezes up, and in the worst-case capillaries burst, then component replacement costs can stretch into the £0000’s. Likewise should power drops occur in colder weather then the automatic anti-freeze devices within the heat pump will fail.

So, what can be done to protect these systems? Anti-freeze valves are a cost-effective solution to protect heat pump installations from freezing, such as the Caleffi 108 Series (pictured).

How the Anti-freeze valve works

The 108 Series valve itself is designed to be installed in the flow and return pipe work from the heat pump and installed on the external pipework. By opening at temperatures below 3C, the valve allows system content to be dripped/discharged safely, preventing the system from freezing. At temperatures above 4C, the valve then shuts again to stop unnecessary draining. Overall, it does exactly as it implies, it prevents the freezing of heat pumps and pipework. With the valve designed specifically for heat pump installation, Caleffi has ensured it is compact and easy to install, whilst remaining a top-quality product.

Protecting exposed installations

Even for installations in areas that are especially exposed - those that are usually hit hardest by freezing - the Anti-Freeze Valve continues to work efficiently. The Anti-Freeze Valve becomes especially useful in the coldest months as it helps to save thousands of pounds in having to replace frozen installations by maintaining the heat pump and pipework.

With no room for damages, the valve protects the end user’s investment and the installers hard work. Given the installation costs of renewable technologies compared to standard gas or oil installations, the benefits of a relatively small outlay to protect this investment are clear.