TECHNOLOGY

WATER / WATER

Operating & Maintenance

Instructions

Contents

Thank you

Page 3

Safety instructions and regulations

Page 4

1. Composition of your Termeo Nap heating system by SOFATH

Page 5

2. Description of your Termeo Nap installation

Page 6

2.1 The underground water table

Page 6

2.2 Underfloor heating

Page 7

2.3 The water/water heat pump

Page 8

3. Accessories

Page 9

4. Temperature control

Page 12

5. Turning on and shutting down the system

Page 13

6. Maintenance

Page 14

Troubleshooting

Page 15

Thank you
You have just fitted your home with a SOFATH geothermal heating system thank
you.
By entrusting your home heating system to SOFATH geothermal energy, you are
guaranteed a feeling of comfort throughout the year.
The SOFATH heating system is produced with the greatest care and undergoes
numerous tests before being commissioned by a qualified technician. SOFATH
boasts proven technology and is a recognised, reliable system.
We recommend that you carefully read these operating and maintenance instructions
and store them in a safe place. You will then be able to refer to them if you make any
adjustments to your equipment. These instructions will guide you in the correct usage
of your SOFATH heating system and provide you will all the advice required for your
equipment to function optimally.
For further information, please contact your SOFATH distributor.

Storage of documentation
Please keep these maintenance and operating instructions safe, together with any other
documents (technical manual, thermostat instructions, wiring diagrams etc.) given to you
by your SOFATH distributor so that they are available if you need them. You will then be
able to pass them on to the new owner if you move house.

Comments
These maintenance and operating instructions contain information concerning the Termeo
Nap system by SOFATH.
The drawings and descriptions in these instructions are not contractually binding.
Technical specifications may change without warning.

Safety instructions and regulations

General
All repairs must be carried out by a qualified professional. During the warranty period,
it is compulsory for any repairs to be carried out by your SOFATH distributor.
SOFATH can in no way be held responsible for damage to persons or property
resulting from non-observance of this requirement.
Leaktightness Control
In compliance with EU order no. 2037/2000 article 16 and 17, installations containing
more than 3kg refrigerant fluid are required to perform an annual leaktightness
inspection.
Fluid
The refrigerant fluid used (R407C) is an HFC fluid of the L2 group. It is completely
harmless for you and the equipment. It is:
- non-flammable: no risk of explosion;
- non-toxic;
- non-corrosive: the pipe containing the fluid will remain intact on the inside.
The load in each circuit is such that this fluid can be used in the home or in premises
open to the public.
R407C belongs to the new HFC group of refrigerant fluids, which have a limited
impact on the environment (ODP* = 0). Indeed, R407C actually helps to combat the
greenhouse effect by reducing CO2 emissions.
In the event of technical damage to equipment in your home during storms,
for example consider setting up reserves for your heating system with your
insurance company. When starting up your equipment at the start of winter,
you may notice some damage to your heat pump.

*ODP Ozone Depletion Potential

1. Composition of your Termeo Nap heating

system by SOFATH

Termeo Nap water/water system by SOFATH

with pool and cooling options

Pool
kit(1)

Domestic
Hot Water

Photos not contractually binding

Water/water
heat pump

Main fuse box

SOFATH
electrical panel

Thermostats
Housing

Air cooling by
fan convector units (1)

(1)

optional

2. Description of your Termeo Nap installation

Termo Nap' by SOFATH is a geothermal
heating system based on water/water
technology that combines water with an
antifreeze solution in order to transfer heat
collected outside into your home.
Termo Nap' is composed of three main
elements which enable it to function:
- a water-table catchment (not provided by SOFATH),
- a heat pump,
- the underfloor heating.

2.1 The underground water table (service not provided by SOFATH)

Water is drawn from a well up to the heat pump via a network of perfectly clean
pipes, and then returned to the water table.
The installation of the well, the pump and the filter is entrusted to a well-digger who
will first evaluate the feasibility of the project. The well-digger is also responsible for
its maintenance. We recommend that the filters are cleaned regularly.
Should the device malfunction or break down, please contact the firm that carried out
the work.

Provided by Sofath
or
plumber/heating engineer

Provided by Sofath

Provided by well-digger/driller

2.2 The underfloor heating

-

Description
The underfloor heating system delivers heat absorbed from the ground
and part of the energy consumed by the heat pump to your home.

SOFATH underfloor heating is composed of various crosslinked

polyethylene (XLPE) coils 60 to 100 m long. The water circulates
inside the tubes, providing you with an optimum feeling of comfort, as it ensures the
uniform distribution of heat around the home.
Underfloor coils

Installation of underfloor heating must comply with standards in force. Please

remember that the pipes are built into the tiles of your home. If laying parquet
flooring, carpets, vinyl flooring, etc., please remember that thermal resistance must
comply with the UTD in force. You must not undertake any work on the tiles without
the prior agreement of your SOFATH distributor.
Radiating floor principle
Underfloor heating has several advantages. The entire floor acts as a radiator,
mainly diffusing heat by radiation. Furthermore, because of its significant effective
surface area compared with conventional radiators, underfloor heating diffuses
heat at very low temperatures. This principle results in a gentle, homogenous
temperature throughout the house. It does not dry out the air or cause soiling on
the walls and makes it easier to arrange furniture.

Maintenance

The underfloor heating (or any other hydraulic circuit)

requires no periodic maintenance (see section 6.3).
-

In case of leak/piercing

If an underfloor heating tube is accidentally punctured, you must shut off the
isolation valves that are situated on the distributors. Then, turn off the heating
power supply.
All repairs must be carried out by a qualified professional. During the warranty
period it is compulsory for any repairs to be carried out by your SOFATH
distributor.

2.3 Water/water heat pump

Description

Your Termeo Nap generator, installed in a well-ventilated utility area,

contains all the thermodynamic modules which transfer energy from
the ground collector to your underfloor heating.
These modules are fitted with SCROLL compressors and are located
in the heat pump housing.
- Utility Area/Ventilation
The heat pump must be placed in a well-ventilated, enclosed room, preferably on a
concrete base.
It must not be covered or used as a support of any kind (plant, clothes dryer, pets,
etc.). Access to the electrical panel must be kept clear at all times.
The electrical panel is placed above or next to the heat pump.
- Maintenance
The generator does not require any special maintenance (see 6).
NB: if there is a problem, do not open the heat pump housing. This must be done by
a qualified professional.
2 year warranty: parts

3. Accessories
3.1 Domestic Hot Water (optional)
The SOFATH system can produce domestic hot water.

The SOFATH water heater is a bi-energy thermodynamic and electrical

system.
Domestic hot-water production is connected to the geothermal heating
system of the house. It results from the raised temperature of the
refrigerant fluid on the compressor discharge. Controlled by a
thermostat, the fluid is then transferred to a copper pipe exchanger
around the tank. Outside the heating period, the tank functions as a
conventional electric water heater.

CAPACITY: 300 LITRES

2 year warranty: parts

NB: The circuit containing the refrigerant fluid is outside the tank, thus eliminating
any risk of domestic water being polluted by the fluid.

Turning on the domestic hot water heater

Never turn on the water heater or the heat pump when there is no water in the water
heater. Before turning on the water heater, fill it completely with water, having first
turned on the hot water taps. Only turn off the taps when the water flow is regular
with no pipe noise (demonstrating that all of the air has been eliminated). When the
hot water tank has been filled, set the electrical switch on your homes fuse box to
on or automatic (in the case of two-rate tariff subscription).
Maintenance
Periodically (at least once a month), it is necessary to put the security unit in the
drainage position for a few seconds. This manoeuvre allows any deposits that may
have gathered to be evacuated. Deposits can cause deterioration of the water heater
tank (not covered by the warranty).
- Drainage This procedure is essential if the equipment spends periods of
time not being used, in an area subjected to frost.
1. Turn off the power supply.
2. Shut off the cold water intake.
3. Using the security unit handle, commence drainage by turning on a
hot water tap.
4. Protect the security unit from frost.
- Scale elimination: This must be carried out once a year in hard-water areas;
contact a professional.
9

Anode inspection: This must be carried out every two years; contact a
professional.
Wearable parts are as follows: the thermostat, the anode, the resistor and
the seal. Water heater drainage is only required when replacing the anode
or the seal.

All replacement operations must be carried out by a professional with genuine

manufacturer parts.
3.2 Swimming pool (optional)
Your Termeo Nap generator can also be used to heat
the water in a swimming pool. In this case, the house
heating is closed, and heat is produced via a stainless
steel or titanium* heat exchanger and transferred to
the pool water. Automatic temperature control allows
the home and the pool to be heated at the same time,
with priority given to heating the home. When the
home heating function is activated, the pool heating
function is deactivated.
* depending on the products used for your pool water treatment.

It is compulsory to cover your pool when it is not being used.

Maintenance
The pool exchanger does not require any special maintenance.

Treatment unit must always be downstream of

the Sofath exchanger

Limit of pool installer's responsibility: the

pool installation connects hydraulically to
the Sofath exchanger
Sofath
exchanger

Pool water inlet

Treatment
bypass line

to Sofath
compressor

Bypass line, DN 50 (nominal

diameter), around Sofath
exchanger

Sofath
electrical panel

Sensor
2 X 0.75 mm
Drain

Filter

Distributor
3 X 1.5 mm Manual override
Prefilter; pool pump

Filtration electrical
control panel

10

3.3 Air cooling (optional)

In the summer, it is possible to reverse the direction of refrigerant
fluid circulation in your heat pump: your Termo Nap' generator
will draw heat from the ambient air in the home by means of the
underfloor system or fan convector units, which can be installed
as freestanding units or as a ducted system. The heat is expelled
into the ground outside, via the buried ground collector. This
lowers the temperature in the home by 3 to 4C.
For optimum cooling, glazed areas must be protected as far as possible with
shutters. Windows and doors must not be left open.
Underfloor cooling provides excellent comfort, but cannot be combined with an air
conditioner (particularly when humidity levels or outdoor temperatures are high): too
great a drop in the indoor temperature would cause condensation on the cold parts of
the floor.
Similarly, when operating in cooling mode, the circuits in "wet" rooms (bathroom,
kitchen, etc.) must be suitably insulated. This can be done either manually, by
shutting off the circuit valve concerned, or by using a motorised head that closes as
soon as the cooling mode is switched on.

Maintenance
Periodically, filters and extractor and blower ducts must be cleaned. This operation
eliminates any possible deposits that could cause damage to the fan convector units.
To clean your filters, you can either use a soft cloth and soapy water or vacuum the
filters.

Wall-mounted fan

Free-standing fan
convector unit

Ducted fan convector unit

convector unit
The pool and air cooling options cannot be supplied on the same mixing
valve. There is a 4-hour time lag between the cooling mode being switched off
and the pool mode being started.
3.4 Electric resistance (optional)
For periods of exceptional cold, an extra electric resistance can be added. It is
activated automatically when the temperature drops below a certain point. For this, a
temperature probe installed outside (preferably facing north or east) is connected to a
regulator in the SOFATH electrical panel that switches on the electric resistance
when necessary.

11

4. Temperature control
Regulation enables the home's heating and air cooling systems to
be controlled. It is provided by one or several thermostats acting
on the compressor of the heat pump.
In a heated room, the sensation of well-being varies according to
different parameters:
- the hygrometry rate of the air (how dry the air is),
- air movement,
- the temperature of the walls in the room,
- the room temperature.
4.1 Inertia
Thermal inertia is an important factor with regard to comfort and a key element for the
choice of temperature control.
What is thermal inertia?
It is the quantity of heat stored in the construction materials, which allows a certain
amount of regulation of the inside temperature regardless of temperature deviations
outside.
The thicker the tiles of a under floor heating are, the greater the time it takes to
increase or decrease the temperature of the room.
4.2 Regulation Advice
Temperature control is provided by a room thermostat, which can be electronic or
mechanical. In both cases, it is recommended that you set your comfort-level
temperature at the start of the heating season by setting the thermostat every 24 hrs,
preferably in the morning to minimise the influence of solar gain.
To ensure comfort and inertia it is not recommended that you constantly readjust the thermostat, or you may not find your comfort level.
4.3 In the event of prolonged absence
In the event of prolonged absence, it is possible to lower the temperature by a few
degrees.
4.4 The volume heated
The SOFATH heat pump has been designed to heat a specific volume. Increasing
this volume will inevitably result in a heating deficiency and over-consumption,
therefore it is wise to make provision for electrical reserves as a backup (if you are in
doubt, contact your SOFATH distributor).
4.5 The type of thermostat
If you replace your thermostat, only a dry contact type thermostat must be used.
PID (integral plus derivative) or chronoproportional thermostats are not compatible
with your SOFATH installation.

12

5. Turning on and shutting down the system

Your SOFATH system is composed of the generator housing and an electrical
panel, located nearby. The electrical panel is protected by a circuit breaker located
on your home's main fuse box.
This is the procedure to follow to start up your SOFATH system:

Before starting up your SOFATH system, make sure that

the hot water tank is filled with water.

Switch on the heating circuit breaker on your homes main

fuse box.

Switch on the GENERAL OUTAGE circuit breaker on your

SOFATH electrical panel.

Switch on the HEATING THERMOSTAT circuit breaker.

Switch on the ZONE A circuit breaker. It activates the

compressor.

Adjust the thermostats or the remote control (for wall-mounted models) to the
desired setting (see the instructions for your model).

Main fuse box for

your home

SOFATH
electrical panel

If you have selected the cooling option:

Set the SUMMER/WINTER circuit-breaker to the "SUMMER" position to start

the cooling function.
If you have selected the pool heating option:

To activate the pool heating function, press the green

"START/STOP" button in the pool kit. This button is connected to
your heat pump.
Pool heating thermostat: the temperature displayed is the current
pool water temperature. If the SET 1 or SET 2 indicator is lit, this
signals that pool heating has been requested.
The inside of the SOFATH electrical panel

optional

Illustration not contractually binding

13

6. Maintenance
6.1 Heat pump
Use a soft cloth and soapy water to clean the SOFATH Caliane heat pump housing.
Wring the cloth before cleaning the equipment then wipe the housing with a dry, soft
cloth. Never use alcohol, solvent, chemical or abrasive detergents as they could
damage the paint work.
No special maintenance is required, apart from an annual inspection of the
installation, in compliance with the European order 2037/2000.
6.2 Water-table catchment
For maintenance information, please contact your well-digger. We recommend that
the filters are cleaned regularly.
6.3 Underfloor heating
The underfloor heating (or any other hydraulic circuit) requires no maintenance.
We recommend that you check that the circuit is clean every seven years or so, in
order to determine whether it is necessary to rinse out the circuits. The aim of this
operation is to eliminate any deposits that may have formed in the circuits. This can
be carried out by your SOFATH distributor, or by a plumber or specialist firm
experienced in this operation.
We also recommend that you check the hydraulic pressure of the
underfloor circuit twice a year. It should not vary (or vary little) from the
starting pressure value. You can check this value using the pressure
gauge on the top of your heat pump. The black needle must be at
approximately 1.5 bar cold and when stopped. The red needle, on the
other hand, acts as a reference marker and enables you to check that
there has been no reduction in pressure in your hydraulic installation.
If make-up fluid is required, add water or glycol water (depending on
your system) until a pressure of 1.5 bar is obtained.
If you find that make-up fluid has to be added frequently, we
recommend that you check the leaktightness of the circuit.
6.4 Domestic Hot Water
See chapter 3.1 Domestic Hot Water.

14

Troubleshooting
Here are some things to check before calling customer service.

Problem
The general circuit breaker of
the house is tripping

Things to check

The compressor does

not start

The compressor starts

for a few seconds and then
stops
The red indicator light on the
energy counter (optional) is
flashing
The inside temperature is not
warm enough

The temperature inside is too

high
Whistling noise

Insufficient domestic hot water

No hot water

Water leaking on the security

unit

The water pump(s)

do(es) not work

The indoor hydraulic installation

is making noises

Check that your subscription corresponds to the homes

requirements or that there are not too many appliances in
operation.

Ensure that the main fuse box and SOFATH electrical

panel circuit breakers are switched on (see chapter 5.1:
"Starting up and shutting down the system").
Check that the room thermostats are not set too low.
Check that the 25-minute time lag has passed.
Check that the well pump's power supply is functioning correctly
and that the filters are not blocked (make sure they are cleaned regularly).
Check that the underfloor water pumps are working
correctly. Remove the central screw of the water pump
using a flat screwdriver, turning it clockwise.
Following electrical connection it is normal for the indicator light
to flash because the counter registers the total consumption
without distinguishing between peak and off-peak hours.
Check the thermostat setting. Turn it up if necessary.
Check whether or not you need electrical reserves (mezzanine,
large volume, etc.).
Check that the floor coverings are compatible with the
underfloor heating system.
Check the thermostat setting. Turn it down if necessary.
If solar gain is significant, it is not helpful to lower the
thermostat (check that the thermostat is not in demand).
Check that air is not penetrating behind the thermostat.
When stopping or starting the compressor, a whistling noise
can be heard near to the generator. This is completely normal.
Check that the day/night switch is on auto and that the circuit
breakers (located on the main fuse box for the house)
corresponding to the water heater are switched on.
Check that there is no obstruction in the domestic hot water
system.
Estimate the consumption of daily hot water.
Check that the day/night switch is on auto and that the circuit
breakers (located on the main fuse box of the house)
corresponding to the water heater are switched on.
During non-heating periods, check that the heating thermostats
are at the lowest setting. A thermostat set too high with the
circuit breaker of its zone turned off prevents the electrical
element from functioning correctly.
It is normal for water to run from the security unit; the quantity
depends on the pressure of the network, but must not,
however, exceed 3% of the water heater volume per 24 hour
period.
Check the aquastat heating request.
Check that the thermostat is requested.
Degum the water pump(s): remove the central screw of the
water pump and reset the shaft using a flat screwdriver, turning
it clockwise.
Check that the valves are open.
Purge the system (to remove any air in the circuits).
Restore water pressure to normal (approx. 1.5 bar cold and
when stopped).

15

Manufacturer:
THERMATIS Technologies

SOFATH Natural Heating

BP 100 ZI Morlon 26802 PORTES-LS-VALENCE CEDEX FRANCE
Tel.: + 33 475 573 030 - Fax: + 33 475 572 400
Simplified joint-stock company with a capital of 1 000 000
Commercial registration: RCS ROMANS: B 408 193 639
APE (principal activity) code 292 F
Website: www.sofath.com E-mail: sofath@sofath.com

September 2007 V1.1 GB

Your SOFATH distributor: