ᐅ Installation of an Air-to-Water Heat Pump – Is This Setup Correct?
Created on: 6 Jun 2020 13:58
M
Mertha257
Hello dear forum members,
We have been considering the installation location for our planned air-to-water heat pump for several days now. It is intended to be placed on the east side of the house, specifically in the gap between the bay window wall and the back wall of the garage (see image).
The discharge direction would be toward the east, away from the house, but after about 3 meters (10 feet) there is the neighbor’s garage/garden shed.
After researching various manufacturers, the heat pump fits in this space, as the minimum clearances from walls at the back and sides range between 15–40 cm (6–16 inches), which we can achieve.
However, I have two concerns:
1.) Possible thermal short-circuit: Given the enclosure by the bay window, our own garage rear wall, and the neighboring building, will the air-to-water heat pump be able to discharge the used, cooler air effectively enough and far enough so that sufficient fresh, warm air can flow to the intake? I do not want to compromise the efficiency of the heat pump due to the installation location. Unfortunately, there is no other feasible place to install it...
2.) Noise impact: It is often advised that air-to-water heat pumps should not be placed in wall niches or corners to avoid sound amplification/reflection. Although I plan to decouple the heat pump as much as possible and build a proper foundation, our bedroom is located on the first floor directly above this spot.
What are your thoughts on these two points? Do you have any experience regarding this? Point #1 is especially important to me, as I have found some good approaches to avoid or reduce noise.
Thank you very much for your advice!
Have a great weekend everyone!
We have been considering the installation location for our planned air-to-water heat pump for several days now. It is intended to be placed on the east side of the house, specifically in the gap between the bay window wall and the back wall of the garage (see image).
The discharge direction would be toward the east, away from the house, but after about 3 meters (10 feet) there is the neighbor’s garage/garden shed.
After researching various manufacturers, the heat pump fits in this space, as the minimum clearances from walls at the back and sides range between 15–40 cm (6–16 inches), which we can achieve.
However, I have two concerns:
1.) Possible thermal short-circuit: Given the enclosure by the bay window, our own garage rear wall, and the neighboring building, will the air-to-water heat pump be able to discharge the used, cooler air effectively enough and far enough so that sufficient fresh, warm air can flow to the intake? I do not want to compromise the efficiency of the heat pump due to the installation location. Unfortunately, there is no other feasible place to install it...
2.) Noise impact: It is often advised that air-to-water heat pumps should not be placed in wall niches or corners to avoid sound amplification/reflection. Although I plan to decouple the heat pump as much as possible and build a proper foundation, our bedroom is located on the first floor directly above this spot.
What are your thoughts on these two points? Do you have any experience regarding this? Point #1 is especially important to me, as I have found some good approaches to avoid or reduce noise.
Thank you very much for your advice!
Have a great weekend everyone!
M
Mertha2578 Jun 2020 22:34rbommes schrieb:
Another question: Is it even allowed to place the outdoor unit here?
Doesn't it need to be at least 3 meters (10 feet) away from the neighboring property since it is part of the thermal envelope? In Schleswig-Holstein, a 3-meter (10-foot) distance from the property boundary appears to apply. We will now ask our neighbors for written permission to install the air-to-water heat pump just 1 meter (3 feet) away.
Mertha257 schrieb:
For Schleswig-Holstein, it seems that a 3m (10 feet) distance to the property boundary applies. We will now ask our neighbors for written consent to place the air-to-water heat pump just 1m (3 feet) away. What makes you think the neighbors will agree to sign that?
Snowy36 schrieb:
What makes you think the neighbors will agree to that?
I would advise against it... there’s a reason these rules and discussions exist.
Just position the thing so the wind blows toward you instead... 
hausnrplus259 Jun 2020 10:41Snowy36 schrieb:
As far as I know, there are (unfortunately) no universally applicable distance rules for installing air-to-water heat pumps? For Northern Ireland, I have read that there are no general distance regulations for installation, but rather noise protection rules.