There are a number of considerations when deciding the best place to put a heat pump.
Switching from a gas boiler to a heat pump involves some key differences to keep in mind. Whilst boilers are installed indoors, a heat pump unit is typically located outside your home.
Before installing an air source heat pump, careful planning of the unit’s location is essential to ensure optimal energy efficiency and compliance with permitted development guidelines. Selecting the right spot with proper airflow and ventilation will enhance performance and energy savings.
What are the Installation Rules?
There are several guidelines outlined by local planning in the UK that you will need to comply with.
- The heat pump should be at least 1 meter away from the property boundary.
- It should not be installed on a listed building or scheduled monument without prior permission.
- The unit must not be closer to a public road than the nearest part of the house (for properties within conservation areas or world heritage sites).
- For flat roof installations, the heat pump should be at least 1 meter from the roof’s edge. Pitched roofs may require special permissions.
Beyond these rules, you generally have flexibility in selecting a suitable location. Our expert installers work closely with each of our customers to find a location that meets their individual requirements without compromising efficiency.
Key Factors for you to consider.
There are some key factors to consider when deciding the best place to put an air source heat pump.
Accessibility: An easily accessible location simplifies both installation and servicing. This reduces costs and downtime in case of repairs. Routine maintenance is essential for optimal performance, so accessible placement is advantageous.
Air Flow: Since air source heat pumps extract thermal energy from the air, the location should allow for excellent ventilation and airflow to support this process.
Quiet Location: Modern air source heat pumps are generally quiet, but they must pass a noise assessment test in the UK to ensure minimal disruption to neighbouring properties. Choose a location that minimises sound disturbance for both you and your neighbours.
Shelter: The unit should not be placed in a location that will limit airflow. However some shelter from harsh weather can help protect the pump. Raising the unit slightly off the ground may also help in areas prone to snow accumulation.
What Locations should you avoid?
To obtain optimal efficiency, there are several areas that we would recommend you avoid.
- Tight Spaces: Confined spaces can limit airflow, impacting the unit’s ability to function effectively.
- Obstructed Areas: Air source heat pumps need unrestricted airflow. Avoid placing the unit near trees or structures that could block ventilation.
- High Pollution Areas: In urban environments with high pollution, airborne particles may damage the pump and reduce its lifespan.
- Flood-Prone Areas: For units installed at ground level, avoid areas susceptible to flooding to prevent water damage.
- Weak Structural Walls: For wall-mounted units, ensure the wall is structurally sound to handle the unit’s weight.
- Noisy Locations: Whilst heat pumps aren’t exceptionally noisy, we would still recommend placing the unit away from bedrooms, neighbour’s property lines, or any area where sound might be disruptive.
What are the most suitable locations?
Here are some of the most suitable spots for installing your heat pump:
- Garden: A large garden offers ample space for the outdoor unit, ensuring plenty of ventilation. This is the most common location.
- Driveway: Many modern homes install heat pumps near driveways, typically on a wall at least 1m from the ground and away from electric vehicle charging stations.
- Flat Roof: This location is less common but often used in areas prone to flooding. The pump must be at least 1 metre away from the roof edge.
- Sheltered Area: If noise is a particular concern, you might consider a custom-built shelter that insulates sound but allows for proper airflow.
Summary
At Custom Renewables our award-winning installers can offer expert guidance on the most suitable installation location for your property. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.

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