It’s common for our customers to ask “Where should I put my air source heat pump?” before getting it installed. Depending on the size and space of your property, it can become a complex task. However, modern ASHPs are versatile and far more flexible, often giving you the advantage of using small, intuitive places for installation. Proper heat pump positioning is crucial to maximising performance and longevity, so it’s important to get it right.
As the expert heat pump installers, we’ve put together a list of things to consider for the best placement to maximise efficiency to get the most out of your investment.
Considerations for your ASHP
Using these best practices to situate your heat pump will help maximise its performance and energy efficiency and in turn, save on your heating bills. A practical location also makes maintenance convenient and increases the longevity of the device.
1. Sufficient air flow is a must
A reliable air flow is crucial for an ASHP to process and circulate heat. It consists of two parts: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit will need to be positioned where it can extract ambient (outdoor) air, and the indoor unit should be in a space where it can efficiently expel heated air around your home.
Placing both parts in a large, well-ventilated area is the ideal way to tackle this. Avoid placing the pump in any enclosed spaces such as an attic, or too close to walls, fences or any other structures that could restrict air flow. As a rule of thumb, try to allow for 1-2m around each unit. Most people have success placing the outdoor unit at the side of their house, or in their back garden for consistent air flow.
2. Ensure easy access
Similar to a boiler, it’s recommended to service your heat pump annually to keep everything in check. To ensure servicing and maintenance for your heat pump is quick and convenient, it’s in your best interest to make sure it’s accessible for a service engineer. Locking your air pump in a small space, such as an airing cupboard, makes it very difficult to conduct repairs, replace parts, and investigate the device.
3. Be mindful of noise
At Heat Different, we offer a variety of high-quality, modern heat pump equipment with noise-reduction technologies. However, sound produced from an air source heat pump could vary depending on the model, installation, and how close the outdoor unit is to your home. Don’t fret though – the average modern ASHP produces from 40-60dB – comparable to the sound of a fridge or quiet conversation.
If you’re worried about noise, we would advise placing the outdoor unit on a solid surface that can absorb vibrations, such as concrete. If possible, it’s also best to situate the unit away from bedroom windows or neighbours. At the end of your garden or the side of the house are great examples of placements that will mitigate disturbance.
4. Protecting your unit
A heat pump is a costly investment, so make sure to consider how you can extend its longevity. Making sure it’s protected from the elements is fundamental to this. If you can, it’s a great idea to position a heat pump above ground level. This protects it from debris, snow and flooding during heavy rain. The simplest way to do this is to install the unit on a sturdy platform or mounting bracket. This also helps secure a consistent air flow to boost performance.
Moreover, avoid locations that are too open to the wind, which can negatively impact performance. Try a slightly sheltered area or a spot with a natural wind break, such as a hedge, making sure it’s not fully enclosed.
5. What we recommend
In an ideal scenario, we would recommend positioning the unit in close proximity to your property. Positioning your heat pump closer to your home reduces the amount of pipe work needed to link it to the interior, avoiding increased unnecessary heat loss from long pipe systems. Secondly, any service or maintenance required will be quick and hassle free.
Always make sure there is enough space around the unit to allow for free air flow. Where possible, elevate the unit to shield it from the elements.
Bespoke heat pump design and installation with Heat Different
We know it’s not always as cut and dry to install a unit with so many considerations. That’s why our team is here to help, offering catered solutions for you and your property. We have the expertise to work out a compromise for properties that have limited space or unique architecture, whilst still preserving the unit’s performance and integrity.
Get in touch to arrange a consultation with no obligations. We are friendly and approachable, always transparent with advice and costs, and offer a great range of high-end heat pump products for design and installation.
Send an enquiry today to start your journey towards a more sustainable, cost efficient heating system.