Where is the best place to site an air source heat pump?

Almost always, we would recommend positioning the unit on the floor immediately outside your house or property. This has two large benefits: first, it reduces the amount of pipework you need in order for your air source heat pump to fully cater to your property, avoiding increased unnecessary heat loss.

How far from house can air source heat pump be?

All parts of the air source heat pump must be at least one metre from the property boundary. Installations on pitched roofs are not permitted development. If installed on a flat roof all parts of the air source heat pump must be at least one metre from the external edge of that roof.

Does it matter where a heat pump is placed?

The pump should also be installed in a place that's easy to access for services and other general maintenance. You don't want it to be in a position that's difficult to get to or that requires scaffolding or ladders in order to reach it. For this reason, it's best located on the ground at the back of a property.

Should an air source heat pump be in the sun?

A big myth is that air source heat pumps need to be placed in a sunny position or on a south facing wall; this simply isn't true, but they should be sensibly placed in an area that isn't too confined. Also check that you have sufficient electrical power available on your fuse board for this extra appliance.

How far from a wall should an air source heat pump?

The heat pump needs to be located in a way which allows for a good flow of air through the unit. If placed parallel to a wall, the minimum distance to the wall is 150 mm. A minimum clear distance of 1 meter in front of the heat pump is required.

This is Why Heat Pumps May NOT Be The Future

How high should a heat pump be off the ground?

Heat Pumps should be elevated 4 to 8 inches above ground level to keep coils clear of snow and ice and to allow for proper drainage.

How much space do you need around an air source heat pump?

For optimal efficiency, it's best to allow a minimum of 30cm around the sides and rear of the heat pump and 1.5m of unobstructed space in front.

What are the problems with air source heat pumps?

What side of house is best for heat pump?

For best performance for heating, locate the outdoor unit in the warmest location, e.g. on a north or west facing wall (and vice versa for cooling). Heat pumps are most efficient when the temperature differential between outdoor and indoor temperatures is at its lowest.

Will a heat pump work in 100 degree weather?

If outdoor temperatures reach extreme highs of 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit, then the heat pump's efficiency will be affected, and it will be less able to provide comfortable cooling abilities.

What is the main disadvantage of a heat pump?

Issues in Cold Weather

Air source heat pumps can experience issues such as icing in cold temperatures, which can ultimately damage the system. Although modern heat pumps do often have automatic defrosting. Their efficiency will also be lower at very cold temperatures, and use more electricity during those cold days.

Can a heat pump be located away from a house?

You can remotely locate the heat pump in a garage etc., but it is not necessary for noise or equipment size reasons – the heat pump is always going to be more cost effective to run if placed near where it and/or the hot water is used.

Does air source heat pump add value to your house?

So, heat pumps won't add value to your property and could even make it more difficult to sell. Energy-efficient boilers and solar panels offer more promising alternatives. Research by Safe Store estimates that an A+++ boiler will increase the value of a home by 1.9%.

Where is the best location for a heat pump condenser?

Typically, the best location for a heat pump condenser is a shady area, away from direct sunlight. The condenser also needs to be installed directly on the side of or behind the home, away from any shrubbery or vegetation (which could interfere with airflow.)

Are air source heat pumps noisy for Neighbours?

The air can produce noise when passing through the heat exchanger, with a variable intensity depending on the pressure. This causes buzzing sounds to be emitted and it's this constant hum that proves to be the most disturbing to homeowners and neighbours.

How far from ceiling should heat pump be?

There needs to be at least 5.9 inches from the top of the air handler to the ceiling. It is very important that you have that space because the air handler pulls in a lot of air from the top. Then it blows it out through the bottom.

Should I build a roof over my heat pump?

The pump works by bringing in external air, heating it, then pumping it into your house. If you cover it, the pump won't be able to suck in air. Instead, build a roof over the heat pump. Keep in mind a heat pump needs 18-24 inches of space all around so it can do its job properly.

At what temperature is a heat pump useless?

Heat pumps do not operate as efficiently when temperatures drop to between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for most systems. A heat pump works best when the temperature is above 40. Once outdoor temperatures drop to 40 degrees, heat pumps start losing efficiency, and they consume more energy to do their jobs.

Why is my electric bill so high with air source heat pump?

Improper maintenance of your heat pump could lead to a 25 per cent increase in your energy bills. Blocked and dirty filters reduce the amount of airflow that can pass through the system and may harm performance. It's also worth checking the fan regularly to ensure there isn't any debris, such as leaves, stuck in it.

How long do air heat pumps last?

How Long Does a Heat Pump Last? Because heat pumps are often relied on year-round, they don't typically last quite as long as furnaces and air conditioners. Their average lifespan is about 10 to 15 years.

Do heat pumps use a lot of electricity?

One of the most popular questions we hear is, “do heat pumps use a lot of electricity?” We are delighted to answer that they do not. Compared to more traditional methods of heating, ductless heat pumps are much more energy-efficient, which means they have less impact on your utility bills.

Do you need a plant room for an air source heat pump?

There is not enough outside space needed for a ground source heat pump – typically three times the total floor area of the property. For an ASHP, all you need is room for the unit to be fitted to an exterior wall, with enough space around it to get a good flow of air.

What size heat pump do I need for a 2200 sq ft house?

If you Google “heat pump calculator,” you'll probably find a rule of thumb like this: “You need 30 BTUs of heat for every square foot of living space you want to heat or cool.” If you have a 2,000-square-foot home, this rule of thumb suggests you need a 60,000 BTU heat pump.

How far away can a heat pump be installed?

If you decide to install your air-to-water heat pump outdoor unit in front of your house, you may wonder if there is a distance to the wall of your own house. The distance between the wall and the outdoor unit of the heat pump should be between 30cm and 50cm, depending on the manufacturer.

What do you put under a heat pump?

Use a CORE Heat Pump Foundation as a stable support base for your heat pump. These bases are affordable, extremely stable, durable, permeable (no ice build-up), and DIY friendly. Easy Installation Simply prep your ground, lay the grid down, infill with clean gravel and place your heat pump on it... simple!