Air source heat pumps are growing in popularity for homeowners that want to reduce their reliance on conventional energy sources. With that mind, more people are interested in how air source heat pumps are installed.

How long does it take? Where is the heat pump installed? And do you need planning permission?

Read on for the answers to all your questions in our simple guide to air source heat pump installation…

Where are air source heat pumps installed?

The installation of an air source heat pump is relatively straightforward, as they are fitted to the outside of your property. Typically, air source heat pumps are placed at the back or the side of a house. That minimises the disruption to your home’s appearance and makes things simpler when it comes to planning permission.

To remain a permitted development, air source heat pumps should be installed at least a metre from your home’s boundaries. Essentially, that stops it being a problem for your neighbours. It will also need to be on a flat surface, whether that’s the ground or a flat roof.

How long does air source heat pump installation take?

In contrast to ground source heat pumps, air source pumps absorb heat from the air, meaning there’s no need to dig under or around your property. This makes the installation a lot simpler and quicker.

However, they will need heating pipes and a power cable to connect them to your home. All in all, you can expect the process to be complete in 2-3 days.

Do you need to be in or out of the property?

Need to stay in?

It’s perfectly fine for you to be in your home when air source heat pump installation is taking place. However, the existing heating system will need to be turned off for part of the installation, so it could get a bit cold.

Need to go out?

Your installation team will need access to the inside of your property to connect the air source heat pump to your heating system and your home’s power supply. If you can’t get a day off work or have other commitments, make sure you choose a trusted, reputable company. That way, you can give them access or a spare key to your property with complete peace of mind that they’ll get the work done and keep things tidy.

What about planning permission?

Fortunately, in most cases, air source heat pump installation is not complicated by planning permission. As mentioned earlier, there are a few requirements for your air source heat pump installation to make it a permitted development.

As well as being a metre from your property’s boundaries and minimising the impact on your home’s appearance, it’s required that:

• It is your first air source heat pump. Any subsequent installations with need planning permission.
• It will only be used for heating
• It will be installed on a flat ground surface or a flat roof. If installed on a flat roof, the heat pump will need to be a metre from the edge.
• The volume is 0.6 cubic metres or less
• Your home isn’t a listed property or situated within a conservation area

Installing an additional air source heat pump? Or maybe one closer to your property’s boundaries? You’ll have to apply for planning permission.

Stress free air source heat pump installation

If you’re looking to have an air source heat pump installed in South Yorkshire, NBEC can help. We’re a team of MCS Certified renewable energy experts with specialist know-how when it comes to air source heat pumps.

With our help, you can replace costly conventional heating with renewable power at a fraction of the cost. Take your first step towards lower energy bills and reduced carbon footprint today with a free, no obligation quote.