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?
Yes, 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) is usually enough to protect against water. However, depending on the region, snow is also a factor. Snow can easily pile up higher and then freeze quickly because the heat pump regularly releases cold air. Additionally, condensate from defrosting cycles can no longer drain freely and then freezes inside the heat pump, which can quickly cause damage. But it really depends on the snow load of the area.
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WilderSueden15 Jun 2023 20:19It’s not just snow. During a cold front, the heat pump has to work hard to heat, which causes a lot of condensation that then freezes underneath. I remember seeing pictures here from about two years ago (?) when it got really cold. Naturally, this must not build up inside the heat pump.
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KarstenausNRW15 Jun 2023 20:35The base does not necessarily have to be above ground level. You can even make it a bit lower (then with grass or gravel). Place the heat pump on vibration-damping feet, such as silent blocks. Drainage can be integrated into the base structure (for example, using a suitable PVC pipe).
As WilderSueden mentioned, a lot of condensate naturally occurs in winter. However, this does not accumulate inside the heat pump; it drains downward. It is usually too warm inside the heat pump for freezing to occur. If necessary, the manufacturer may have installed a heat pump heater (I know this from Panasonic models).
As WilderSueden mentioned, a lot of condensate naturally occurs in winter. However, this does not accumulate inside the heat pump; it drains downward. It is usually too warm inside the heat pump for freezing to occur. If necessary, the manufacturer may have installed a heat pump heater (I know this from Panasonic models).
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Raiweired18 Jun 2023 22:18Good evening, I just received the response from my heating engineer. After checking, he wrote that there is no objection to filling with stones like in a drip strip up to the top edge of the concrete base. Alright, I will proceed that way.
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