How to Install a Duke Power Heat Pump

Duke Power is a municipal power company in the Carolinas which sells a variety of energy saving and cost-reducing heat pumps to its consumers. In addition to offering repair programs for equipment it sells, Duke Power also offers comprehensive rebate plans and loans for heat pumps to qualifying homeowners, if the home meets insulation requirements. The pumps typically are installed by authorized Duke Power technicians and the homeowner agrees to make other energy-saving improvements. To successfully install a Duke Power water heater, an individual should have a working understanding of home plumbing systems and basic plumbing tools.

Level
Jigsaw
Measuring tape
2-by-4
Wire brush
Two adjustable wrenches
Propane torch
Flux
Pipe compound
Water heater heat trap fittings
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Set the water heater into place, and confirm that it's level. If not, slide wooden or plastic shims underneath the water heater until it is level.
- 2
  Hold the shutoff valve against the end of the cold water supply pipe, and measure the distance between it and the top of the water heater. Cut a section of 2-by-4 with the saw, to support the valve against the end of the pipe.
- 3
  Apply flux to the end of the cold water supply pipe and the shutoff valve, and solder them together with the propane torch.
- 4
  Cover the threads of the blue-coded heat trap fitting with pipe compound. Attach it to the cold water inlet. Arrows on the fitting indicate the direction of proper installation.
- 5
  Cover the threads of the red-coded heat trap fitting with pipe compound. Attach it to the hot water outlet. Arrows on the fitting indicate the direction of proper installation.
- 6
  Tighten both fittings with an adjustable wrench.
- 7
  Close the drain valve completely.
- 8
  Connect the cold water plumbing supply line to the water heater with flexible copper pipe -- which is often required by code -- according to the heater manufacturer's instructions.
- 9
  Open all the valves and turn on the water supply.
- 10
  Turn on one of the home's faucets until it flows steadily. This indicates the water heater is full.
- 11
  Turn the faucet off.
- 12
  Turn off the power to the water heater via the home's main circuit braker. Remove fuses, if possible.
- 13
  Open the electrical access plate on the top of the water heater.
- 14
  Connect the electrical supply from the water heater to the ground screw, using wire nuts to the ground screw. Close the access plate.
- 15
  Remove the thermostat access plate on the side of the water heater. Expose the thermostat.
- 16
  Change the thermostat with a screwdriver, until it reads between 120 to 125 degrees F. Replace the thermostat access plate.
- 17
  Restore the fuses and enable power to the water heater.
- 18
  Press the reset button -- which is typically large and red -- on the panel near the thermostat plate.

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