This is a very popular option as it often provides sufficient space for the required heat pump clearance from the house wall and adjacent properties, which minimises noise. A firm, level base is crucial here.
Place the heat pump in a suitable location: How it works
Choosing a heat pump is an important step towards an energy-efficient heating solution. In addition to selecting the right model, the installation location of the heat pump also plays a decisive role in the efficiency, noise level and service life of your system. In this guide, we highlight the decisive factors when choosing a location for your heat pump.
Heat pump types and their location options
In the following, we will concentrate on air-to-water heat pumps, as the location of ground or groundwater heat pumps is usually determined by the energy source (soil, groundwater) and not by flexible outdoor placement options.
There are two main types of air-to-water heat pumps that have a significant influence on the installation location: Monobloc heat pumps and split heat pumps. Both have specific characteristics, which we explain below.
Special features depending on the design
With monobloc heat pumps, the entire refrigerant circuit is located in a single unit, which is usually located outside the building. The heating water pipes are routed directly to the outdoor unit. Here it is crucial to keep the pipe runs to the house as short as possible in order to minimise heat losses.
Split heat pumps, on the other hand, consist of an outdoor unit and a separate indoor unit. The outdoor unit contains the noise-generating components (fan, evaporator, compressor), while the indoor unit houses the heat exchanger and control unit. Refrigerant pipes connect both units. This allows the outdoor unit to be positioned more flexibly as, unlike monobloc heat pumps, there are no water-bearing heating pipes running outside the house.
Heat pump outdoor unit: Choosing the right installation location
The placement of the outdoor unit is crucial for the efficiency and noise level of your system. Whether you install your Carrier heat pump in the garden, discreetly in front of the house or by means of space-saving wall mounting - each option requires careful planning.
Practical implementation: Tips for choosing the optimum location
Regardless of the design, it is advisable to consider the following practical tips when determining the installation location for the outdoor unit of the heat pump:
Site analysis: Walk around your property and check possible locations for your Carrier heat pump. Such an analysis is particularly important when retrofitting a heat pump in existing buildings in order to make optimum use of existing conditions.
Noise emissions: To optimally minimise the noise level of your heat pump, select the installation location so that it is sufficiently far away from bedrooms and children's rooms as well as from neighbouring properties. Also keep sufficient distance between the heat pump and the house wall to ensure free air circulation and avoid sound reflections. If there is still a risk of noise problems, noise protection hoods, protective walls or evergreen hedges can help to shield the noise.
Air circulation: The location of your Carrier heat pump must allow sufficient free space in front of the intake and exhaust openings. Avoid corners, niches or close proximity to dense plants that could obstruct the air flow.
Weather: Although heat pumps are ideal for outdoor use, it is still advisable to protect them from extreme weather conditions. Strong winds or heavy snowfall can impair air circulation. A canopy or placement under an overhanging roof can provide optimum protection for the outdoor unit.
Frost protection: Ensure that your heat pumps are properly drained of condensation where they are installed. The condensate and cold exhaust air should not be directed onto sidewalks or surfaces that can ice up in winter. Reliable drainage prevents black ice and increases safety.
Maintenance: Good accessibility to the appliance is essential in order to be able to carry out maintenance work and any repairs easily and thus ensure the longevity of your system.
When choosing the installation site for your Carrier heat pump, it is also important to observe property boundaries and minimum distances from them. As a rule, this is three meters in Germany - although some federal states allow less. You can find the relevant information in the respective state building regulations or by contacting the relevant building authority.
Examples of suitable installation locations for the outdoor unit
The flexibility of modern air-to-water heat pumps from Carrier enables various installation locations around your home. The most common and often most ideal positions are:
The system can be positioned compactly here, but requires particularly careful consideration of sound propagation so as not to impair comfort. These locations often offer good accessibility to the heat pump and a shorter connection to the indoor unit. Ensure sufficient distance from public paths. Depending on the heat pump model and structural conditions, wall mounting is also possible.
Such an installation location protects your heat pump from direct weather influences. However, it is important that the air circulation is not restricted and that service access is guaranteed.
If there is sufficient space and the structural requirements are met, the flat roof of a garage, an extension or even the main house can provide an ideal installation location for the heat pump. The heat pump is often not directly visible there, and potential noise emissions can be reduced due to the greater distance from living areas. Here too, secure mounting, ensuring air circulation and professional condensation drainage are crucial.
Regardless of where you want to install the outdoor unit of your Carrier heat pump, an individual assessment by a specialist partner is essential. They will help you find the best location for your heat pump that meets all technical and legal requirements and blends harmoniously into your home.
The indoor unit: Integration into your home
The indoor unit of a split heat pump is usually ideally located in the basement or in a dedicated utility room. Allow sufficient space for the appliance itself as well as for the installation of the pipework and electrical components. The indoor unit of a split heat pump in the house should be positioned so that it is easily accessible for maintenance work.
In the case of monobloc heat pumps with a purely indoor installation, the entire heat pump is located in the house and draws in outside air via two large wall openings. This type of installation is less common, as it requires sufficient space for the unit itself as well as for the supply and exhaust air ducts and places special demands on soundproofing and insulation in the installation room.
Find the ideal installation site for your Carrier heat pump with professional planning
Deciding on the location of the heat pump is a complex task that requires an individual assessment. The ideal installation location for a heat pump is always a combination of technical requirements, noise protection requirements, accessibility and aesthetic preferences. Our certified Carrier partners will determine the best option for installing your heat pump, taking into account your specific requirements and all structural conditions.
