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Air source heat pumps are becoming more and more popular as a way to heat our homes more efficiently. They use much less energy than traditional boilers and, in fact, produce much more energy than is used to power them. Because they help to reduce your carbon footprint, you can get money towards their installation from the government via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. While an air source heat pump is viable for the majority of households, it will need to be placed carefully to ensure that it runs efficiently and without damage or disruption.
There are a few factors that will influence the decision of where to place an air source heat pump—these range from ventilation issues to noise disruption and even aesthetics. First, let's take a quick look at how air source heat pumps work so you can understand these considerations.
An air source heat pump works by extracting heat from the outside air, and then using it to heat a refrigerant liquid. This converts the liquid to a gas which is then compressed, which raises the temperature even further. The resulting heat is used in the property's central heating system or heats the air inside directly through fans. Air source heat pumps can be used with radiators or underfloor heating, and are effective at heating a property all year round.
They also work as an air conditioner. The process can be reversed, drawing heat from inside the property to outside, which will cool the house down on warmer days.
Another option is a ground source heat pump. This works in the same way as an air source heat pump, but instead of extracting heat from the surrounding air, it extracts heat from beneath the ground.
Explore further: How Does An Air Source Heat Pump Work
An air source heat pump system consists of several key components. With monobloc heat pumps, all components are located in the outdoor unit whereas, for split heat pumps, there are both indoor and outdoor units.
The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser.
The indoor unit houses the heat exchanger and air handler.
If you are installing a monobloc system, then you will only need to think about the outdoor location. If you are considering a split system, then you will also need to think about where the indoor unit will be located.
There are pluses and minuses to both systems. A monobloc system is cheaper and much easier to install and requires less space overall, but it can be more expensive to run because more energy is required to heat the liquid outside and transport it in. It can also have a slightly higher noise output.
Many properties will already have a hot water cylinder. Most properties built before the 1980s will have one, although they have usually been less common in new builds.
If you need to install a hot water cylinder, the installation process is pretty easy, and deciding on placement also shouldn't be too difficult. It can usually be installed in a utility area, airing cupboard, or loft.
It should be as close as you can get to a bathroom and the kitchen. This will help to reduce heat losses through pipework. The further the water needs to travel, the more heat will be lost along the way. It might only be a small amount each time, but it soon adds up. This type of system is designed to be efficient, so helping it to be as efficient as it can be through thoughtful placement of its components will make it even better.
The most important consideration with the outdoor unit of an air source heat pump placement is ventilation. To work efficiently, the unit will need enough space to allow for good airflow. This means that it shouldn't be boxed in between a wall and a fence, for example.
The average size of an air source heat pump is 1-1.5m high and 0.5-1m wide.
If you are installing a split system, then finding space for the indoor unit is often relatively easy. It is around the same size as a standard gas boiler, so you likely already have space available for it. It is a good idea to ensure that the unit is in a central location to make it as efficient as possible to move hot water around the home.
A ground source heat pump introduces further space considerations. You would need sufficient land for the underground pipes to be laid. A horizontal system (where the pipes are laid horizontally) needs 1/4 to 1/2 of an acre. A vertical installation system (where the pipes are placed in vertical boreholes) needs a fraction of that, but the installation process is much more extensive.
Gain insights: How Does A Ground Source Heat Pump Work
Modern air source heat pumps are much quieter than their older counterparts, but they do still make noise. This is something that should be taken into account when deciding where the outdoor unit should be installed.
Our team will carry out a noise assessment to help advise you on the best place for installation that will be as least disruptive as possible.
If you live close to your neighbours, you should also think about avoiding placing the outdoor unit too close to their home, so that they are not disturbed by the noise. Building regulations about placement will cover this element, however. See below for the details.
The installation of an air source heat pump will usually come under permitted development rules. This means that planning permission will not be required. There are some regulations, however, that dictate where the heat pump should be placed for it to remain within permitted development.
These include:
Many people find an air source heat pump unit to be not the most attractive thing to have outside their home. Their design has come a long way in terms of aesthetics but, still, you might want to consider choosing a spot for your heat pump installation that is fairly discreet.
Choosing a back patio rather than a front driveway can prevent the heat pump unit from interfering with your curb appeal. Or you could place it in a location that would help it blend in with the rest of the property.
Some people erect an enclosure around their air source heat pump to hide it. While this is a creative solution, it isn't advised. Remember that the heat pump needs sufficient air flow for it to work efficiently. Cold air bouncing off the walls of an enclosure will reduce the flow of air and prevent the heat pump from working to its full capacity.
Instead, you could erect a fence to block off the area where the heat pump is located but that doesn't fully surround it. Yes, it will still be visible from some angles, but it will still be more hidden.
Ideally, your air source heat pump should be installed on the ground against one of the outside walls of your property. This makes it easier to access for servicing and maintenance, and it also means that pipework can be kept to a minimum.
If it isn't possible to place the heat pump on the ground, it can instead be mounted on the wall using brackets or a flat roof. You should ensure that it isn't placed too high up so that it can still be easily accessed if it needs to be, or that there is easy access to the flat roof.
You might see advice stating that an air source heat pump should be placed in direct sunlight or a south-facing garden. Conversely, you might also see advice that your heat pump should never be in direct sunlight and should be placed under shade.
Neither of these are true. In reality, it doesn't matter how much sun your air source heat pump does or doesn't receive. The heat transfer from the evaporator is through convection, not radiation, and the sunlight doesn't affect its operation all that much.
The heat from the sun won't help to increase the heat of the water. On the other hand, it also won't hinder the components from working properly. Because of how they are designed, the unit will only need to get rid of a tiny amount of heat when it is sitting in direct sunlight. You would see more variation from normal air temperature changes from winter to summer.
Avoiding placing a shade over your heat pump can also be sensible because you run the risk of reducing air flow and doing more harm than good to the unit's efficiency.
Check out: How Efficient Are Air Source Heat Pumps In Winter
Some spots would be inadvisable to place a heat pump. As a general rule, you should focus on ensuring that it has good air flow, is easily accessible, has noise reduction, and is safe.
Avoid placing the heat pump in a confined space of any sort. It can't be inside the house, in a shed, a garage, or even an alleyway. It has to be out in the open to ensure that the unit has good air flow.
Discover: Can You Put An Air Source Heat Pump In Garage
Your air source heat pump should not be somewhere where there are hard-to-navigate obstructions. Most of the time, you can leave it alone to run but there will be times when it needs servicing or maintenance so it needs to be accessible. Think tall trees, nearby buildings, machinery, or outdoor permanent furniture.
The ground beneath the air source heat pump must be solid and structurally sound. Placing it on a poorly constructed platform or similar risks the unit getting damaged and altering its performance. Once it is in place, the air source heat pump needs to stay still and be safe.
The unit will make noise. There is no avoiding that. So you should avoid placing it in areas where this could cause a problem. For example, placing it underneath a ground-floor bedroom window could interrupt the sleep of whoever resides there.
When you install an air source heat pump with us, we will always ensure that it is placed in the best position to ensure optimal performance. Our highly-trained team of installers will visit your property to assess potential location sites. They will also discuss your preferences with you to ensure that you are happy with where to place the air pump.
Once we have determined the location, the installation process will be efficient and professional. Our team is highly trained and has a wealth of experience with air pump installation. You will receive a clear and detailed quote before work begins, and we will keep you informed of any issues that crop up during the process.
Contact us today to find out how we can help with your air pump installation.
Air source heat pumps require sufficient space and air flow to run as efficiently as they should. You should also keep in mind the potential for noise pollution to your own and neighboring properties when deciding on a location for the outdoor unit. Most properties won't require planning permission, but it is best to check if you live in a listed building or a special location.
