How did you connect the heat pump to the ventilation system?
Arthur Taylor| Posted inPassivHauson
I am building my own home in central Maine using a double studded wall with 8″ of Thermax between the studs. My heating contractor says I can’t connect the heat pump to the ventilation system.
– art
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Replies
Arthur,
There are several types of air-source heat pumps used for space heating. One type is called a ductless minisplit. Another type is a central unit connected to an air handler and forced-air ductwork.
If you are installing a ductless minisplit, your contractor is right. Such a heating system can't be connected to a ventilation system.
If you have an air handler and a distribution system consisting of forced-air ductwork, it is possible to use the ductwork to distribute ventilation air -- but it's usually not a very good idea. To learn more about ventilation systems, seeDesigning a Good Ventilation System.
Martin - Thanks for the response. In Steve Baczek's Passive House article, page 53 he says "a 1-ton minisplit provides supplemental heating and cooling, which is distributed by a recovery ventilator that also provides fresh air". How is he doing this?
- art
Arthur,
There are three possibilities:
1. Steve Baczek has rigged up a system that allows him to connect a ductless minisplit to an HRV.
2. Steve Baczek is unclear about what type of HVAC equipment was installed in the house he designed, and is describing it wrong.
3. A Fine Homebuilding editor is confused, and changed Steve Baczek's words, making the description inaccurate.