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Fragehiersel1 Mar 2023 10:29Hello,
we are planning to install an air-to-water heat pump to replace our very old oil heating system (mainly due to political pressure). We have some questions regarding the choice of location and the construction of the foundation. Our options for the location are very limited because of property boundaries and building regulations. Thank you for your answers.
1. Does the orientation (e.g., north, south) of the unit matter for efficiency or risk of freezing?
2. Is it possible to reduce the minimum distance of 3 meters (10 feet) to the neighbor if there is a lack of space?
3. Is it problematic if the fresh water pipe to the house (about 80 cm (31 inches) deep) runs underneath the heat pump concerning the foundation?
4. Is it sufficient to have a gravel bed under the heat pump to manage condensate, instead of paving as it is currently?
5. Should the outdoor unit be installed with some weather protection?
we are planning to install an air-to-water heat pump to replace our very old oil heating system (mainly due to political pressure). We have some questions regarding the choice of location and the construction of the foundation. Our options for the location are very limited because of property boundaries and building regulations. Thank you for your answers.
1. Does the orientation (e.g., north, south) of the unit matter for efficiency or risk of freezing?
2. Is it possible to reduce the minimum distance of 3 meters (10 feet) to the neighbor if there is a lack of space?
3. Is it problematic if the fresh water pipe to the house (about 80 cm (31 inches) deep) runs underneath the heat pump concerning the foundation?
4. Is it sufficient to have a gravel bed under the heat pump to manage condensate, instead of paving as it is currently?
5. Should the outdoor unit be installed with some weather protection?
M
motorradsilke1 Mar 2023 12:33Very important: place it somewhere where you don’t have to walk past it. The unit blows out a lot of cold air when it’s running.
We buried a PVC drainpipe (used for sewer/drainage) for the condensate and filled it with some coarse gravel. Around the pipe, there are large fieldstones, but these are not absolutely necessary; the pipe alone would be enough.
Our outdoor unit is located on the north side, but it could probably have been installed on any other side as well.
We buried a PVC drainpipe (used for sewer/drainage) for the condensate and filled it with some coarse gravel. Around the pipe, there are large fieldstones, but these are not absolutely necessary; the pipe alone would be enough.
Our outdoor unit is located on the north side, but it could probably have been installed on any other side as well.
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WilderSueden1 Mar 2023 13:52Good ventilation is important. So, not in the corner behind the garage next to the tall hedge. If necessary, you can also install such a unit on the garage roof.
I would try to avoid placing it directly on the fresh water pipe if possible. The foundation should reach frost-proof depth, which is often around 80cm (31 inches), and this can conflict with the water pipe. You might also need to replace the pipe at some point, and you wouldn’t want to have to remove the heat pump for that (unless the pipe is in a conduit).
I would try to avoid placing it directly on the fresh water pipe if possible. The foundation should reach frost-proof depth, which is often around 80cm (31 inches), and this can conflict with the water pipe. You might also need to replace the pipe at some point, and you wouldn’t want to have to remove the heat pump for that (unless the pipe is in a conduit).
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neo-sciliar1 Mar 2023 14:03Hello,
You probably already talked with your home builder about whether a replacement is even possible or sensible (oil heating is high-temperature, heat pumps are low-temperature). Correct?
Regarding your questions:
1.) No
2.) That depends on the regional building regulations and your neighbor
3.) Yes, because the foundation must be frost-resistant
4.) Yes. Condensate has to be able to drain downward during defrosting; otherwise, an ice layer forms beneath the heat pump and keeps growing.
5.) Yes and no. It’s not mandatory, but it could have a positive effect on the service life.
You probably already talked with your home builder about whether a replacement is even possible or sensible (oil heating is high-temperature, heat pumps are low-temperature). Correct?
Regarding your questions:
1.) No
2.) That depends on the regional building regulations and your neighbor
3.) Yes, because the foundation must be frost-resistant
4.) Yes. Condensate has to be able to drain downward during defrosting; otherwise, an ice layer forms beneath the heat pump and keeps growing.
5.) Yes and no. It’s not mandatory, but it could have a positive effect on the service life.
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