More and more people decide to install a heat pump. This is undoubtedly an ecological solution. From 2024, installing a heat pump in new homes will be a mandatory market standard. Currently, we are moving away from fossil fuels, but also from gas, in favor of heat pumps. You must remember how important the role of the antifreeze valve is. It's worth learning more about this.
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Heat pump - operation at negative temperatures
The heat pump undoubtedly reduces CO2 emissions by even more than 20% compared to gas boilers . It also reduces the reduction of greenhouse gases and does not emit exhaust gases. Importantly, it uses renewable energy. However, many people are still concerned about whether the heat pump will work properly at negative temperatures. Well, in winter, heating must be effective, because only then can you achieve thermal comfort in your home. However, heating with coal is not the best choice, not least because of the air pollution it leads to. Fortunately, in low temperatures, a heat pump can operate efficiently.
You just need to make sure that the heating system is well selected. You also need to know that even at very negative temperatures, the operation of the heat pump can be as effective as at other times of the year. When the outside temperature drops, e.g. in autumn or winter, the amount of energy accumulated in the heat pump allows for effective heating of the house. The refrigerant does not freeze. If you have a large surplus of thermal energy, you can use it to heat water. We must not forget that the heat pump contains expansion valves, which in turn ensures the continuity of the refrigerant circulation. The compressor for the heat pump is also important and should be highly efficient. Don't forget about the important role of the anti-freeze valve for the heat pump, whose operating principle is based on opening or closing the thermostatic insert.
Anti-freeze valve for heat pump
The antifreeze valve ensures functionality and prevents potential failures of the heat pump. You need to know that in the case of a monoblock heat pump, sometimes there is a loss of water circulation. This is especially the case when there is a power failure. The situation becomes problematic when it occurs in sub-zero temperatures. Then the medium in the installation may freeze. This is dangerous because the medium turned into ice may damage the exchanger in the heat pump or other elements of the installation. Unfortunately, repair in such a case is very expensive. The problem is also that you then have no heating at home. For this reason, it is worth or even necessary to invest in an anti-freeze valve.
What is the antifreeze valve made of and how does it work?
The antifreeze valve should be made of strong and reliable materials resistant to mechanical damage. Its construction is very simple. It consists of an air admittance valve. Below is the valve body and thermostatic insert. Even lower there is a cartridge with a thermostatic insert and a discharge valve. It should be mounted vertically on the return and supply ducts, of course in the coldest part of the installation. Valves should not be thermally insulated. The operation of the valve is very simple. It has a specially calibrated thermostatic insert. This insert opens the water outlet. This happens when the medium temperature drops below 3 degrees Celsius, while the thermostatic insert closes the vent when the temperature is 4 degrees Celsius. The amount of water that flows from the installation depends on specific factors such as:
- type and quality of installation;
- outside temperature;
- length of external sections;
- water temperature in the installation.
Which antifreeze valve for a heat pump is worth choosing?
The Afriso AAV 100 anti-freeze valve, G1", PN10, Kvs 55 m3/h, opening temperature 3°C, is suitable for a monoblock air heat pump. It is made of strong brass. It perfectly protects the internal elements of the pump, but also the entire installation against negative influences. effects of freezing the medium. You can also choose the Afriso AAV 300 anti-freeze valve, G1 1/4", PN10, Kvs 70 m3/h, opening temperature 3°C . This model is mounted on the return and supply pipe outside the building. It should be as close to the outdoor unit as possible. It is also intended for a monoblock heat pump. Also noteworthy is the Caleffi antifreeze valve. This product is also made of brass. It works perfectly both at very low and very high ambient temperatures, i.e. from minus 30 to 60 degrees Celsius.