Sensitivity Analysis of Installation Faults on Heat Pump Performance

Numerous studies and surveys indicate that typically-installed HVAC equipment operate inefficiently and waste considerable energy due to different installation errors (faults) such as improper refrigerant charge, incorrect airflow, oversized equipment, leaky ducts. This study seeks to develop an understanding of the impact of different faults on heat pump performance installed in a single-family residential house. It combines building effects, equipment effects, and climate effects in a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of installation faults on a heat pump's seasonal energy consumption through simulations of the house/heat pump system.