If you are planning on installing a heat pump in your home you are probably wondering where is it going to be located. Can heat pumps be installed inside or outside?
In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common questions about the location of heat pumps and finally answer the question of whether or not a heat pump can be located inside or outside your home.
Does a heat pump have to be outside?
There are different types of heat pumps and by far the most popular is an air-source heat pump. These types of heat pumps require an indoor and outdoor unit so that they can create airflow between the outdoor and indoor units. However, other types of heat pumps, such as ground and water heat pumps can be located inside your home.
Both water and water heat pump systems do not require airflow and for that reason, they can be placed inside your house, whether it is in a garage, a basement, or another area that you have available.
Understanding the different types of heat pumps
In order to understand whether or not a heat pump can be located inside your home, you need to understand the most common types of heat pumps and exactly how they work.
Air source heat pump
An air source heat pump is the most common type of heat pump and the system works by transferring air from the outside unit to the inside of your home. Because it relies on airflow to control the temperature, this type of heat pump requires an outdoor unit.
Ground source heat pump
A ground source heat pump or geothermal heat pump uses the natural heat of the ground and transfers it to your home. For this reason, this type of heat pump does not require an outside unit.
Water source heat pump
Water source heat pumps are another system that does not require an outdoor unit. It works just like an air source heat pump but instead of using air, it uses water. By removing the heat from the water in the summer, and by heating the water during the winter.
Where would a heat pump be located?
The ideal location for a heat pump is dependent on the type of heat pump system you decide to install in your home. This is why it is so important to research the different types of heat pumps available before you commit to installing them in your home.
While some types of heat pumps such as ground sources, and water sources can be located in various places, an air-source heat pump will require both an outdoor and indoor unit. Additionally, there are some things you should consider before installing an air source heat pump.
Air source heat pumps are heating system that requires an outdoor and indoor unit. As an HVAC system, a heat pump requires both the inflow and outflow of air and for that reason it needs to have an outdoor and indoor unit so that the air is able to flow from the outside of your home inside and vice versa.
If you are installing an air source heat pump you also need to make sure that the outdoor unit is placed in an area without vegetation, because it can block the airway of the heat pump. This could lead to lower efficiency and in some cases, it might require repairs if leaves, dust, or any other debris finds its way in. Additionally, it will also prevent you from having to replace your heat pump filter frequently.
Why you should not put a heat pump in a cold area
You should avoid placing the heat pump in a cold area that does not get a lot of sunlight. The reason is that heat pumps are prone to failure and eventually freezing in cold weather. Therefore, placing the heat pump in the warmest location possible will allow you to prevent any failure while also increasing the lifespan of your heating system.
This also helps to increase the efficiency of the heat pump, because if the difference between the temperature outdoors and indoors is lower, then the energy consumed by the heat pump to control the temperature inside your home will also be lower.
Heat Pump Location FAQ
Does a heat pump have an indoor and outdoor unit?
While the most common type of heat pump, an air source, requires an indoor and outdoor unit, some types of heat pumps do not need an outdoor unit, including water and ground heat pumps. These types of heat pumps do not require an outdoor unit, and for that reason, you can place them in any space in your home.
Why is a heat pump placed outside of the house?
Air source heat pumps are the most common type of heat pump available, and because they require airflow from outside of the home, and indoors, they have to be installed outside of the house. However, some heat pump types, such as geothermal and water source, can be placed inside the house.
Can heat pumps be installed anywhere?
Only ground and water source heat pumps can be installed anywhere because they do not require airflow. Conversely, an air source heat pump will require an outdoor unit, so that the air is able to move from indoors to outdoors, and from outside to the inside of your home.
Can a heat pump be installed in a garage?
Both geothermal and water-source heat pumps can be installed in a garage, however, an air-source heat pump cannot be installed in a garage. The reason is that an air source heat pump requires the inflow of air.
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