ᐅ Height of the heat pump outdoor unit base

Hello everyone, when I drive through new residential developments, I notice that the outdoor units of heat pumps are often installed on bases where the top edge (finished height) is sometimes about 40 cm (16 inches) above the surrounding ground level. Buderus shows an outdoor unit in their catalog installed on a base where the top edge is level with the surrounding lawn. Is it acceptable to install it that way, or is it just for the purpose of the photo? Is there a regulation that specifies how high the top edge of the base must be above the surrounding ground level?

Due to water concerns, it makes sense to place them on a base.
If you invest the necessary effort, going deeper might also be possible.

In the heat pump from Buderus that you showed, it is very likely that the base is also 30 to 40cm (12 to 16 inches) high but nicely clad.

xMisterDx schrieb:

With the heat pump from Buderus you showed, it is very likely that the base is also 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches) high but nicely covered.

I think you’re right, the base probably extends down to frost depth. However, I’m concerned about the height to fill back in. Can I backfill up to the top edge of a concrete base that, for example, is founded 80 cm (31 inches) below ground? I personally prefer that over a base that sticks out 20 or 30 cm (8 to 12 inches).

No, he assumed that the manufacturer might offer a metal base frame that can be covered or clad. So behind the brown metal shown in the picture, there is a metal frame that is up to 40 cm (16 inches) high before the actual technical part of the heat pump begins.
Something like this from Vaillant:

I can’t find the cladding right now...

But it’s not like this here:

So I assume it’s a marketing photo. If you wanted to do that, you would need proper drainage around the heat pump.

Yes, then the structure needs to be a bit higher. But 30-40cm (12-16 inches)? A typical foundation slab is only about 16cm (6 inches) above ground level.

As long as you are not at risk of storm surges, a few centimeters of a plinth should be sufficient.