Where Can an Integrated Heat Pump Water Heater Be Installed?
Where Can an Integrated Heat Pump Water Heater Be Installed? An integrated heat pump water heater can usually be installed in a utility room, garage, plant room, basement or other suitable service area with enough air available for the heat pump to operate correctly. The best location depends on the manufacturer’s permitted operating temperatures, airflow requirements, available space, condensate drainage and whether the unit uses room air or ducted air. Because the compressor and fan produce some noise and the unit discharges cooler air while heating the water, a small enclosed cupboard or a position close to a bedroom is not normally the first choice unless the appliance is specifically designed for that type of installation.
What makes a good installation location?
An integrated heat pump water heater combines a hot water cylinder with the main heat pump components, typically including the compressor, evaporator, fan and refrigerant circuit.
Unlike a conventional electric hot water cylinder, it therefore needs access to a suitable volume of air from which it can extract heat.
A good installation location should provide:
- Sufficient airflow around the unit
- An ambient temperature within the manufacturer’s operating range
- Enough space for installation and future servicing
- A suitable condensate drain
- Convenient hot and cold water connections
- An appropriate electrical supply
- Acceptable noise levels for nearby rooms
The exact requirements vary between manufacturers, so the installation manual should always be checked before choosing the final position.
For smaller properties, our 100 litre wall hung air source hot water heater provides the most compact option within the range.
For homes needing additional hot water storage, choose from the 200 litre residential heat pump water heating system or 300 litre residential heat pump water heating system.
For large homes and commercial properties, see the 400 litre commercial heat pump water heating system or 500 litre commercial heat pump water heating system.
Can it be installed in a utility room?
A utility room can be an excellent location, particularly where there is plenty of air available and the room is reasonably warm throughout the year.
There is one important point to consider. The heat pump extracts heat from the room and discharges cooler air while operating.
In a large utility room this may have relatively little effect, but in a small enclosed room the air temperature can fall quite quickly. As the room gets colder, the heat pump may become less efficient, and its Coefficient of Performance (COP) can fall.
Some units can overcome this by using ductwork to bring air in or discharge cold air elsewhere.
Can a heat pump water heater go in a garage?
Yes, a garage is often a practical location for a heat pump water heater.
There is usually more air available than in an airing cupboard, and any cooling effect from the heat pump is less likely to cause discomfort.
The main consideration is winter temperature.
If the garage becomes very cold, check the manufacturer’s minimum operating temperature and performance data. A unit may still operate at low temperatures, but its heating capacity and COP can be lower than when operating with warmer air.
Can it be installed in an airing cupboard?
Possibly, but this requires more careful consideration.
A traditional airing cupboard may not contain enough air for an unducted heat pump water heater. If the appliance continually recirculates the same air, the cupboard can become cold and the heat pump may struggle to operate efficiently.
A ducted heat pump water heater can be more suitable in this situation because the air intake, exhaust or both can be connected to another suitable location.
Duct diameter, maximum duct length, bends and grille resistance all affect airflow, so the manufacturer’s ducting limits need to be followed.
What happens to the cold air?
The cold air produced by an integrated heat pump water heater needs to be considered as part of the installation.
If the unit takes air from a room and returns it to the same room, that space will be cooled and usually dehumidified while the heat pump is operating.
This can actually be useful in some garages, utility rooms or warm plant areas.
Alternatively, some models allow the cold exhaust air to be ducted elsewhere. Depending on the design, the heat pump may also be able to take its incoming air from another room or from outside.
This flexibility can make it easier to install an integrated unit where indoor space is limited.
Does it need a condensate drain?
Yes. Condensate drainage is an important requirement that can easily be overlooked when choosing the location.
As air passes across the cold evaporator, moisture can condense out of it. This water needs to be removed through a suitable drain arrangement.
The condensate pipe should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and positioned so that water cannot back up into the appliance.
Should it be close to the bathroom?
It does not have to be directly beside the bathroom, but keeping the cylinder reasonably close to the main hot water outlets can be beneficial.
Long hot water pipe runs increase heat loss and mean more cooled water has to be discharged before hot water reaches the tap or shower.
The location therefore needs to balance airflow, noise, condensate drainage, servicing access and hot water distribution.
Where is the best place for an integrated heat pump water heater?
For many UK properties, a utility room, garage or dedicated plant area is the most practical location. These spaces usually provide better airflow, easier condensate drainage and less concern about fan and compressor noise than bedrooms or living areas.
The key is not simply finding somewhere that the cylinder physically fits. An integrated heat pump water heater needs enough air to operate efficiently, suitable temperatures throughout the year and adequate access for maintenance.
Get those points right and the installation location can make a noticeable difference to hot water recovery, COP, electricity consumption and the overall efficiency of the heat pump water heater.