Where Should the Outdoor Unit of a Heat Pump Be Installed?

A heat pump creates efficient solutions, comfort, and savings, but you first need to select a location in which to place the outdoor unit, and that decision will depend on usability, life, and noise level for both you and your neighbours. A proper air source heat pump installation will provide steady and reliable performance while avoiding unpleasant surprises. Let’s find the best location for your outdoor unit!

Free Airflow Is Essential

The outdoor unit’s role is to capture and transfer energy from the surrounding air and for heat exchange to work properly, air must circulate freely around the equipment. That means it should not be installed in a closed corner, pressed against a wall, or blocked by fences and garden objects. The standard recommendation is at least 30–50 cm of free space on the sides and at least 1.5–2 meters in front of the fan. Without this clearance, the pump has to work harder, consumes more energy, and wears out faster.

Never Install an Outdoor Unit on the Ground

When installing any air source heat pump, the outdoor unit should never be installed on the ground. It needs to be stable on a platform which can be concrete or metal, level and avoid vibrations. The correct positioning raises the equipment a few centimeters off the ground to protect it from moisture and snow.

One detail often forgotten is that there needs to be an ability for the water produced during the defrost cycle to drain freely to avoid long-term problems. If the unit is mounted to close to a wall or sitting on a non-permeable surface, then water can accumulate.

Distance from the House and Neighbors

While heat pumps are now incredibly quiet (and not silent), the outdoor unit should always be installed such that very little noise, if any, is audible from within living rooms or bedrooms. In 'old school' discussions, it seems there is often aversion to noise. Commonly discussed remedies include site location including side of house (where noise is often less distracting), facing the street, or in the garage/technical area of the dwelling. In residential communities that are close to neighbouring properties, installers would recommend sound-absorbing panels or alternative locations further-in-innovative to reduce noise where the propagating noise and remaining residence in the acoustic propagation zone.

Orientation and Weather Protection

The outdoor unit is built to withstand the outdoor elements, but the exposure to weather influences its longevity. It should never be place in a spot which will expose it to high winds or enabling snow to completely cover it in winter. A small canopy or a protective screen works well if it does not restrict airflow. Also, the units facing south or west will have sun exposure to intense sunlight, heating the casing in the summer and lowering efficiency slightly. For these reasons, a semi-shaded area would be beneficial.

Cables and Technical Routes

The air source heat pump installation also depends on the distance to the indoor unit and the electrical panel. The shorter and simpler the piping and cables, the lower the cost and the smaller the risk of energy loss. In practice, installers aim for a balance between accessibility, efficiency, and aesthetics. For example, a unit placed too far from the house requires trenching and extra costs for longer routes.

Appearance

Even if functionality comes first, the outdoor unit remains visible, and many homeowners prefer to conceal it with decorative elements such as a wooden fence with ventilation gaps, plants, or special technical enclosures. Still, the rule stays the same, the design must not obstruct airflow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mounting directly against a wall, with no space for airflow
• Placing directly on the ground, exposed to damp and frost
• Positioning next to bedrooms or noise-sensitive areas
• Fully covering the unit with structures that block ventilation
• Ignoring technical routes, which leads to hidden costs

Don’t Forget

The right placement means efficiency, quiet operation, and a longer lifespan. Random placement means higher consumption and premature repairs. If you’re at the installation stage, talk openly with your technical team, analyze each option, and avoid quick compromises.

Want to know the best spot for your air source heat pump installation? Schedule a consultation now with Expert Heating Solutions Ltd!