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!
Tego12 schrieb:
Of course, you have now picked out the unimportant aspect and ignored the original poster’s topic regarding noise disturbance at a specific installation location, but be that as it may I have already addressed this extensively further above.D
Daniel-Sp7 Jun 2020 12:20Mertha257 schrieb:
Do you actually have this device in operation?
I naturally don’t want to bring a larger noise source directly into the house, especially since our bedroom is located above the utility room.We have an identical Novelan LICV in a timber frame house. Utility room on the ground floor, children’s room above. We have had no issues with noise or efficiency. It is also modulating. I would choose to install it again.
Regards
Daniel
@Mertha257:
You have already identified the expected problems yourself. Air short-circuiting is the worst thing that can happen to you. These air source heat pumps usually work at least somewhat effectively above +2°C (36°F); however, with this installation method, you are essentially creating a negative perpetual motion machine. After some time, even in spring or autumn, it will turn into a large, beautiful block of ice. Noise is generally not a major issue with small split units running in whisper mode.
You have already identified the expected problems yourself. Air short-circuiting is the worst thing that can happen to you. These air source heat pumps usually work at least somewhat effectively above +2°C (36°F); however, with this installation method, you are essentially creating a negative perpetual motion machine. After some time, even in spring or autumn, it will turn into a large, beautiful block of ice. Noise is generally not a major issue with small split units running in whisper mode.
[QUOTE="hausnrplus25, post: 408657, member: 50370"]
@Snowy36
How many meters is the air-to-water heat pump from the living room where you can still hear it, and how many meters from the bedroom where, thankfully, you no longer hear it?
It is placed about 1 meter (3 feet) away from the living room wall on the northwest side. The bedroom is on the opposite side of the house, which is 12 meters (39 feet) long. I don’t think this helps much now... I just wanted to say that you can always hear those units a little bit, which is why no one I know would put one next to the bedroom, let alone squeeze it in there. Most have them positioned at the front near the main entrance.
If the main entrance is facing north and that’s not possible, then at least not directly next to bedrooms. The system is modulating, and when it’s running hard to heat water, you can hear that. It doesn’t bother me in the living room. Just stand next to such a unit when it’s running, and you’ll hear it through normal windows — it’s just the way it is.
@Snowy36
How many meters is the air-to-water heat pump from the living room where you can still hear it, and how many meters from the bedroom where, thankfully, you no longer hear it?
It is placed about 1 meter (3 feet) away from the living room wall on the northwest side. The bedroom is on the opposite side of the house, which is 12 meters (39 feet) long. I don’t think this helps much now... I just wanted to say that you can always hear those units a little bit, which is why no one I know would put one next to the bedroom, let alone squeeze it in there. Most have them positioned at the front near the main entrance.
If the main entrance is facing north and that’s not possible, then at least not directly next to bedrooms. The system is modulating, and when it’s running hard to heat water, you can hear that. It doesn’t bother me in the living room. Just stand next to such a unit when it’s running, and you’ll hear it through normal windows — it’s just the way it is.
M
Mertha2578 Jun 2020 09:23Hello everyone,
Thank you all for your last 6-7 posts; it’s really great to get such quick and constructive feedback here!
This week, I’m going to take another look at the topic and a potentially feasible installation option; I’ll get back to you here again.
For now, many thanks – this has been very helpful!
Best regards
Thank you all for your last 6-7 posts; it’s really great to get such quick and constructive feedback here!
This week, I’m going to take another look at the topic and a potentially feasible installation option; I’ll get back to you here again.
For now, many thanks – this has been very helpful!
Best regards
hausnrplus258 Jun 2020 12:28@Snowy36
Thank you. 1m (3.3 feet) next to the living room is a good reference.
Thank you. 1m (3.3 feet) next to the living room is a good reference.
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