Sir, – Why are domestic heat pump systems so unreliable and costly while the underlying technology is well established as efficient, reliable and durable?
Heat pumps use the same components as car air conditioners, fridges and freezers, which I have experienced functioning for over 20 years without failing or being serviced.
However, within shouting distance of my home, four heat pumps, less than five years old, have been replaced. The reason why €10,000 appliances need to be replaced just because a single component fails is very concerning. I have identified 12 heat pump installation violations of building regulations and manufacturer’s instructions in my home. All of which would have cost little or nothing to resolve if they were done right first time.
These issues have been raised with the SEAI, the CCPC and the BCMS on numerous occasions and witnessed at three site meetings with directors from the manufacturer, heating consultant, the builder and Fingal County Council, to no avail.
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These violations result in inefficient systems operation and early failures at enormous inconvenience, cost, and health and safety risks to consumers, who are then being ripped off with exorbitant and exaggerated call-out charges when phone support may resolve what might only be a system reset. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL TERRY,
Co Dublin.