The Kelvinator Heat Pump Hot Water System is an efficient and cost-effective solution for domestic hot water needs, designed to provide a continuous supply of hot water for various household applications. This system operates by utilizing heat pump technology, similar to a refrigeration-style air conditioner, to extract heat energy from the surrounding air and transfer it into water stored in a dedicated hot water storage tank. This method of heating is highly efficient as it primarily moves and concentrates existing heat rather than generating it, leading to significant energy savings compared to conventional electric hot water services.
The system comprises two main components: a heat pump unit and a hot water storage tank. The heat pump is the primary heating device, responsible for the energy transfer process. The hot water storage tank, available in capacities of 270, 340, or 425 litres, is designed to store and maintain the hot water supply throughout the day. It features an enamel-coated steel preservation tank, thick thermal insulation, an outer metal casing, and a sacrificial anode to protect against corrosion. An electric element, controlled by a thermostat, is also integrated into the tank as an auxiliary heating device.
The Kelvinator Heat Pump Hot Water System offers two primary operating modes: automatic mode and electric heating manual mode. The automatic mode is the default setting, where the heat pump autonomously starts and stops based on the water temperature inside the storage tank. It activates when the water temperature drops below a preset restart temperature and deactivates once the desired temperature setpoint is reached. This ensures a consistent supply of hot water while optimizing energy consumption.
The electric heating manual mode, activated by pressing the auxiliary heating boost button located on the side of the heat pump, allows for rapid heating of the water. In this mode, the heat pump operation is temporarily suspended, and the electric heating element within the storage tank takes over to quickly raise the water temperature to the thermostat's factory preset of 60°C. This mode is particularly useful for quickly boosting water temperature or as a backup in case the heat pump requires servicing. The electric heating manual mode operates for up to a one-day period, after which the system automatically reverts to its normal automatic mode, even if the boost button remains depressed. This design ensures that users are always aware of the system's operational status and any potential issues requiring attention, preventing unexpected increases in electricity bills.
The system is designed for connection to either a continuous tariff or an extended off-peak tariff (off-peak 2), which typically provides power for approximately 18 hours per day. It is crucial to note that this heat pump is not suitable for connection to standard night rate off-peak tariff (off-peak 1), which offers only about 8 hours of power per day. Connecting to an unsuitable tariff may compromise the automatic sanitization function, potentially failing to comply with Australian Standard AS 3498 for legionella control and could void the warranty. Users are advised to confirm or change their electricity supply to an extended off-peak tariff if necessary.
Water temperature regulation is a critical aspect of the system's operation. The heat pump is designed to achieve maximum efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by maintaining water temperatures between 47°C and 60°C. However, the system delivers water in excess of 50°C, which can cause severe burns or scalding. To ensure safety, especially for personal hygiene outlets, a tempering valve (supplied) must be fitted to limit the hot water temperature delivered to these outlets to a maximum of 50°C, in compliance with AS/NZS 3500. Children should not be left unsupervised near hot water outlets.
The system also incorporates a periodic sanitization function to prevent legionella bacteria growth. This function automatically heats the water to 60°C once a week. If the heat pump is installed on an extended off-peak tariff, this function will operate during the available power supply hours.
Maintenance of the Kelvinator Heat Pump Hot Water System is essential for maximizing its lifespan and ensuring efficient operation. Regular inspection of the air inlet and outlet of the heat pump is recommended to ensure free airflow and remove any foreign objects or blockages. Over time, sediment can accumulate within the system, particularly in areas with poor water quality. To address this, it is recommended to flush the system every 5 years, or more frequently in poor water quality areas.
The flushing procedure involves several steps:
- Power Disconnection: Turn off the power to the hot water system at the switchboard by locating and turning off the circuit breaker.
- Water Cooling: Turn on the nearest hot water tap and allow the water to run until it reaches a safe temperature for draining, as the water inside the tank can be very hot.
- Drainage Assessment: Identify a suitable outdoor drain to direct the water, ensuring it will not cause property damage or create unsafe conditions.
- Mains Water Shut-off: Turn off the mains water supply to the hot water system using the isolation valve on the inlet piping.
- Pressure Release: Lift the lever on the pressure and temperature relief valve (TPR valve) to release pressure inside the tank. Exercise caution to prevent the lever from snapping back and damaging the valve seat. Water will discharge from the relief valve drainage pipe.
- Pressure Reduction Confirmation: Once water stops discharging from the relief valve drainage pipe, it indicates that the tank pressure has equalized with atmospheric pressure. Deactivate the relief valve lever, returning it to its normal position.
- Tank Draining: Disconnect the tank inlet and position a drainage solution as needed. Activate the relief valve lever again to allow air into the tank, facilitating water drainage. Continuously monitor the process and the drainage location.
- System Flushing: After the tank is fully drained, flush the system by inserting a garden hose into the inlet and draining several times to remove all sediment.
- Relief Valve Deactivation: Deactivate the relief valve, returning it to its normal position.
- Piping Reconnection and Refill: Reconnect the inlet piping to the storage tank and turn on the isolation valve to allow mains water to refill the tank.
- Air Expulsion: Turn on the nearest hot water tap to expel air from the system. Close the tap once water flows freely for a period.
After flushing, air needs to be bled from the heat pump water lines to ensure the circulating pump operates effectively. This involves twisting the knob on the small drain valve on the circulating water outlet connection anti-clockwise until water flows freely for 10 seconds or more, then twisting it clockwise to stop draining. All filters, including tempering valve filters and those on individual fixtures, should be cleaned as they may become blocked by debris during the flushing process. All isolation valves designed to be open during normal operation must be fully open, and the tank must be full of hot water before restoring power.
The TPR valve easing gear must be operated gently at least once every 6 months to ensure it is not continually leaking or blocked. Continuous leakage when the heat pump is not operating may indicate a problem and requires inspection by an authorized person. Failure to operate the relief valve easing gear regularly can lead to the storage tank failing or, in extreme cases, exploding.
Anode replacement is another critical maintenance task. The sacrificial anode inside the storage tank protects the vitreous enamel-coated steel tank from corrosion. It slowly oxidizes over time, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, the anode must be inspected and replaced every 2 to 5 years, depending on the supply water quality, to maintain the storage tank warranty. This procedure must be performed by an authorized service person or plumber using a manufacturer-authorized spare part.
If the hot water system is not used for two weeks or more, highly flammable hydrogen gas may accumulate in the water heater. To safely dissipate this gas, it is recommended to turn on a hot tap (sink, basin, or bath outlet, not a dishwasher or clothes washer) for several minutes until gas discharge ceases. During this procedure, smoking, open flames, or electrical appliances operating nearby must be avoided.
The system also includes various safety features and warnings. Users are advised not to operate or stop the system by switching power on or off, use damaged power supply cables, or allow water to run into electrical parts. Opening any part of the system during operation or disassembling/modifying it can cause electric shock or failure. Flammable gases or combustibles should not be stored near the hot water system to prevent corrosion or explosions. If any abnormality, such as the smell of smoke, is detected, power should be isolated at the main switchboard, and the local Electrolux Customer Care Centre should be contacted. Children should be supervised to prevent them from playing with the appliance. Water may drip from the heat pump's condensation discharge pipe during heating, which should be drained to a suitable location away from building footings. The pressure relief valve's discharge pipe must remain open to the atmosphere and be installed in a continuously downward direction in a frost-free environment. If the heat pump is installed in a location prone to freezing, it must be on a continuous power supply at all times, as the freeze protection system only works when powered, and damage due to freezing without power may void the warranty.
Overall, the Kelvinator Heat Pump Hot Water System is designed for reliable, efficient, and safe operation, providing a sustainable solution for domestic hot water needs with appropriate installation, usage, and maintenance.
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