A common mistake with an air source heat pump can cost thousands of euros

An air heat pump installation error can result in a bill of thousands of euros, OP warn.

According to the company, air heat pump installation errors are common in damage statistics. Condensate may have been diverted incorrectly, the penetrations may have been insufficiently made, or the pump may have been installed at an angle. If, on the other hand, the device is attached poorly and it constantly vibrates, the fasteners may loosen and the pipe connections may become strained. It may lead to equipment failure or leakage.

“The consequences can be very expensive if water gets into the floor, wall structures or even into the neighboring apartment”, claims manager of Pohjola Insurance Blue Kujala says in the announcement.

When evaluating possible compensation, what is essential is what caused the damage. If the device has a normal fault, the home insurance covers the damage. When the cause is instead an installation error, home insurance usually does not help. In that case, compensation must be sought from the installer who made the mistake or from the installation shop.

It is worth checking that the installer can be found in Tukes’ qualification register.

1500 euros on average

OP’s average compensation has been around 1,500 euros. If water gets into the structures, the costs can be significantly higher.

Especially in summer, the most typical damage is related to condensation. It means water that condenses from the air and is led away through the exhaust pipe. In extreme heat, condensation can accumulate up to more than 20 liters per day. Periods of heat stress the device, so you should keep an eye on it especially carefully during the warm months.

If, for example, a pipe becomes blocked, a rapidly expanding water damage can occur. The filters and exhaust pipe should be checked regularly.