Frequently asked questions & answers

Product & Technology

Why do I need a heated drainage tray?

All heat pumps that obtain energy from the air (for example air-air heat pumps and air-water heat pumps) must melt the ice that forms on the outside parts of the heat exchanger in order to be able to work properly. Ice is formed at temperatures below 8°C and the amount is influenced by the humidity in the air and how effective your heat pump is. The ice is melted between 35 to 40 times per day. The more efficient your pump is, the more water will be produced! 

Pumps made in recent years are much more efficient than those of just 10 years ago. 

But isn’t the water absorbed by the ground? The problem is frost. Another is basements. Or a pedestrian walkway past the outdoor unit.

You can read more about this here.

Which drainage tray should I choose?

Here you can find out which drainage tray fits your heat pump’s outdoor unit!

Help with choosing a drainage tray

What are the differences between the ECO and NEO models?

Both the NEO and ECO models have thermostatically controlled heating pads. NEO has a thermostat that starts the heating process with the same power from +2° degrees. The ECO trays have a smart energy saving function with two thermostats. The primary thermostat starts heating the mat at half power from +2° degrees and the secondary one turns on full power at -8° degrees when it’s really needed.

How do your drainage trays work?

Our drainage trays collect the condensed water, making sure it does not freeze, even during the really cold months. For a more in-depth understanding of how our trays work click here!

What are the drainage trays made of?

Our drainage trays are manufactured from a special type of plastic that is UV and heat resistant. They have heating mats with long heating cables inside them.

How much power does the tray use?

Different drainage trays use different amounts of power. This also depends on where they are installed. In northern Sweden where there is colder weather for a longer period than in southern Sweden, the trays need to operate for a longer period than those installed in, for example, Scania in the far south of the country.

The product pages show a comparison between the NEO and the ECO versions of the heat trays. The comparisons are for the six-month period when the weather in Sweden is cold, i.e. from 1 October to 31 March.

Installation

How do I drain the water away from the tray?

The easiest way is to use our heated drainage kits. They are available from 1-12m in length and designed to be effective down to -34°. The hose used is insulated and has a thermostatically controlled low-power heating cable. 

I will only be draining off the water to 2 meters away - do I still need a heating cable in the pipe?

You already require additional heat from 20cm from the tray. It is also important that you choose a heating cable that has the right power and is thermostatically controlled so that it does not provide heat when it is not needed.

I need to drain the condensation to a downpipe - do I need a heating cable in the downpipe?

Villas built over the past 25 years often have downpipes connected to the storm drains and there will be some heat emanating from those. If the rainwater is drained to a French drain then you might need to use additional heating. Generally we recommend that a 30cm heating cable be plugged into the downpipe in southern Sweden, in the middle of Sweden a 60cm cable and in the northern parts a 100cm cable.

Who can install the drainage tray?

You can install the drainage tray yourself with a plug into a grounded electrical outlet. But an electrician or a cooling technician with an electrical certification can also install it.

Can I install the drainage tray myself?

Yes, you can! All installation instructions can be found under each product's document tab, or here.

How much power does the tray use?

Different drainage trays use different amounts of power. It also depends on the region where they are installed. In northern Sweden where there is colder weather for a longer period than in southern Sweden, the trays need to run for a longer period than those installed in, for example, Scania in the far south of the country. There is a table of comparison of all Pancake trays and Pro 791.

Which length of drainage kit do I need?

Are the house's drainpipes connected to the storm-water drains or to a French drain? – If yes, measure the distance from the middle of your outdoor unit to the nearest downpipe. Install 30cm of heating cable inserted into the downpipe in Götaland, in Svealand 60cm of cable and in Norrland 100cm.

Do you have a basement with a floor drain or other drain? – If yes, measure the distance from the middle of your outdoor unit to a suitable entry point to the basement. Perhaps there are existing entry points, e.g. for ventilation, a wooden window frame, otherwise you might need to drill through the outside wall. You only need to measure to the inside of the basement wall for the heating cable. In the basement you would usually use fixed pipes, without heating cable.

The last option is to dig a French drain. Google "digging a French drain".

What is a nylon cable-wire or draw-spring?

A cable-wire or draw spring is a tool used by electricians to easily pull installation cables through conduits. Available in building supply stores, such as Biltema, Jula, Hornbach, Clas Ohlson. Prices from around SEK 50.

I don't have a cable puller, is there anything else I can use instead?

You can use a stiffer cable, thicker steel wire or a wire rope; if the ends are too sharp, they can be taped so that they do not get stuck. Remember that it must be longer than the insulated hose. Then attach the end of the heating cable using good tape – and draw through carefully.

Other questions

Warranties

All heat trays and heating cables are delivered with a two-year factory warranty, which starts on the day of delivery. We provide repairs for at least five years, as well as spare parts.

Can I use my heating tray abroad?

It is possible to use our trays abroad. Just remember that the voltage should be 220-240v / 50hz. You must, of course, comply with each country’s electrical safety laws.

Support & guarantee

My heating cable in the hose no longer heats up, it seems to be broken, what do I do now?

1. If the heating cable is connected to an electrical outlet, you can check if there is power at the outlet. Try plugging in a small desk lamp to test, for example. If there is no power then check if the fuses are intact.

2. If there is power at the power outlet for the lamp, then send an email to [email protected],  attaching a picture of your purchase receipt, and we will contact you.

 

Purchase

Why is the price different if I buy a heat tray from an online store or at the same time as my new heat pump?

By law, each business has the right to set its own sales prices. Keep in mind that shipping costs may be added when buying from an on-line store. It may be worthwhile to order your drainage tray at the same time as your new heat pump. Installers and dealers are located across the country