ᐅ Alternatives to Outdoor Installation of an Air Source Heat Pump

Created on: 12 Jan 2022 17:45
C
ConnyJash
Hello dear house building forum,

We are building a KFW55 semi-detached house with approximately 150m² (1,615 sq ft) of living space. The project is being carried out with a general contractor. During planning, it turned out that the proposed location for the air source heat pump (behind the garage, at the neighbor’s property line) is not allowed because:
  • The location is behind the building boundary line
  • The required setback of 3m (10 feet) from the neighboring property is not met
After consulting with the city’s planning department, the only possible location seems to be in the middle of our terrace. Since this is very unattractive, I am looking for alternative solutions.

Our general contractor has suggested the following options:
  • Ground source heat pump, with additional costs of at least 15,000 EUR
  • Exhaust air heat pump, probably no additional costs
I now have the following questions:
  • Where can I find reliable information about alternatives to outdoor installation of an air source heat pump? Which organizations or professionals could provide expert advice (possibly for a fee)?
  • What is the difference between an air source heat pump and an exhaust air heat pump?
  • Is an exhaust air heat pump even suitable for a KFW55 house?
Thank you very much and best regards,
ConnyJash
face2620 Jan 2022 15:18
Mycraft schrieb:

It looks something like this

Something like this... but it can also be a bit more compact 😀

For example, if the outlets are planned directly around the corner of the house, you usually don’t need ducts like the ones shown in the picture.
Mycraft20 Jan 2022 15:31
I don’t have any other images available showing the installed condition. The towers with the air intake/outlet from the manufacturers are well known, but that doesn’t really help if you still don’t know what it will look like in the end.

It can also be a bit bigger overall 😀 depending on who you end up dealing with.
kati133720 Jan 2022 15:43
Our "Tecalörchen," shown once from the inside and once from the outside. For us, the fresh air supply was routed over the carport because we didn’t want a large hole in the front wall of the house.

Große weiße Heizungsanlage mit schwarzem Bedienfeld im Technikraum, Lüftungsrohre oben.


Außenansicht eines roten Backsteinhauses mit weißem Anbau und Baumaterial auf Sandboden.
Tolentino20 Jan 2022 15:44
It’s quite a bulky piece. It wouldn’t work for me. I need the separation of the units...
kati133720 Jan 2022 15:46
Yes, and at the time this photo was taken, the ventilation system was not yet connected. Insulated ducts are now running along the ceiling where you can see this opening.
face2620 Jan 2022 15:54
So, ours is the IDM ILM 2-7. It’s a bit larger than a large freezer. You don’t see any ventilation ducts because the wall openings are right next to the wall.
The water storage tank is located separately.

But I don’t think you can fit an indoor installation in 5.5 square meters (59 square feet). I have to say, I’m a bit doubtful that the “standard” equipment will fit that easily. What else should go in there? Washing machine? Dryer? Connections? Electrical distribution panel?
There are also clearance distances that must be maintained...