Heat pump installation complaints concern industry body

The Institute of Refrigeration Heating Air Conditioning Engineers (IRHACE) and Refrigeration Air Conditioning Companies Associations (RACCA) have been fielding a number of complaints regarding Heat Pump installations through its administration body, NZ HEVAC Ltd.

Steve Coatham, General Manager of NZ Hevac Ltd, says, “The issues being raised include quality of installation, Building code compliance, the installed solution not performing to expectations and significant power bill increases.”

Unfortunately, NZ Hevac cannot assist consumers with these complaints as they are not directed at its members and the costs for the associations to investigate non-member work is prohibitive.

Mr Coatham says that poor Heat Pump installs brings the industry into disrepute with consumers. The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry has been endeavouring to gain certification for a number of years for these installations. Electricians and Plumbers all require certification, yet those handling refrigerants do not. A voluntary scheme designed by IRHACE and RACCA, in association with Ministry for the Environment, has been implemented and over 500+ members of the associations comply on a voluntary basis with this programme called “No Loss”, which is specifically is targeted with issues relating to the use of refrigerants and their environmental impact. Many of those installing Heat Pumps are not part of this voluntary process.

IRHACE and RACCA are presently completing a project that will provide a tiered registration process for the industry. They are planning to present this to the Government in the near future.
 

Consumer safety is paramount for IRHACE and RACCA. Most Heat Pump installs require refrigeration/air conditioning expertise (it is illegal to vent refrigerants into the air) as well as an electrical certificate of compliance - which can only be done by a registered electrician.

“Our understanding is that many installers do not have these specialist refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation system skills or provide electrical certification. A Heat Pump unit that has less than a full refrigerant charge can increase power consumption by over 100% of expected levels.

“We believe it is important that consumers ensure that Heat Pump, air conditioning and ventilation installers have IRHACE or RACCA membership. Membership requires specific trade qualifications as well as agreement to a Code of Conduct which provides capability for the associations to arbitrate on disputes relating to member activities.”

IRHACE and RACCA would welcome the opportunity to work closely with government and associated authorities in providing relevant and cost effective solutions relating to Heat Pump installation issues.

ENDS

For further information:
Steve Coatham
General Manager
NZ Hevac Ltd
steve@irhace.org.nz
09-2621405, 027-2621405