If you own a listed building and want to install an air source heat pump, there are important rules to follow.
Listed buildings are historic buildings with unique designs that are protected by law.
Installing an air source heat pump on a listed building can be a bit tricky. However, it is possible if you follow the right steps.
See one of our recent Grade ll listed building installs using a Viessmann Vitocal 150-A heat pump here.
Getting Permission
First, you’ll need permission to install an air source heat pump on a listed building. This is called Listed Building Consent (LBC). It is required because your building is protected to keep it looking as it did in the past.
To get permission, you’ll need to explain where and how the air source heat pump will be installed.
You’ll need to show that the heat pump won’t change the look of the building too much or damage it in any way. Usually, it’s best to work with an architect or expert installers. They understand how to work with listed buildings to make sure the plan is approved.
Keeping the Building Looking Good
When you install an air source heat pump, it’s important to keep the building looking as original as possible. The best place for the heat pump is somewhere less visible, like the back of the building, where people won’t see it from the road. Sometimes, people hide the heat pump behind a wall, fence, or plants to keep it out of sight.
Inside the building, any changes for the air source heat pump should be carefully designed and planned. This avoids damaging important parts of the building like the walls, decorations, or woodwork that are part of the building’s history.
Staying Quiet
Air source heat pumps make some noise when they are working. This can be a problem, especially for older, quieter buildings. Because of this, the rules for listed buildings may include noise limits. The pump should be quiet enough so it doesn’t bother people who live nearby or visitors to the building.
Many air source heat pumps are designed to be very quiet, but you might need to show the council how much noise the pump makes before they give you permission.
Improving Energy Efficiency
An air source heat pump is a great way to save energy and reduce heating costs, which is good for the environment. Sometimes, listed buildings have special rules about energy because they’re older, and improving energy efficiency can be challenging. Even if it’s a bit harder, an air source heat pump can help the building stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer, without needing too many changes to the building.
Planning Permission
For most buildings, an air source heat pump can be installed under something called Permitted Development Rights (PDR), which means you don’t need extra permission. However, listed buildings usually don’t get these rights because of their age and history. So, besides getting Listed Building Consent, you’ll likely need planning permission too. This means the council will check to see if the air source heat pump is a good fit for the building and surroundings.
Final Thoughts
So, can you have an air source heat pump installed on a listed building? Yes, you can! It just takes a bit of planning, special permission, and careful choices about where and how to install it. An air source heat pump can make your listed building more comfortable and energy-efficient without harming its historic charm.
If you need technical advice for your property and want to see if your listed building is suitable for a heat pump, contact us today.
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