The outdoor unit is part of the heating system, not simply a box to hide. A good location protects performance, service access and everyday comfort.
Start with airflow and clear space
The fan needs an unobstructed path to draw in and discharge air. Do not assume a narrow recess, enclosed balcony or decorative screen is suitable. Ask the installer to mark the manufacturer’s required clearances for the exact model, including space above, behind and in front. Screens, planting and stored items must not reduce those clearances later.
Plan drainage and winter conditions
In heating mode an air-source heat pump periodically defrosts. Water must drain where it will not freeze into a slip hazard, block a path or damage a wall. Discuss the base, fall, drain route and local frost conditions before installation. The proposal should show where that water goes.
Treat sound as a design question
Request sound data for the selected model and its proposed position relative to bedrooms, patios, boundaries and neighbouring windows. Distance, reflections and time of day affect what people hear; a catalogue number is not a promise at a boundary. Check local rules and ask the installer to explain compliance.
Keep service access practical
Technicians need room to remove panels, inspect pipework and work safely. Avoid places requiring a climb, moving heavy furniture or access through a neighbour’s property. Consider leaves, snow, wind exposure and the delivery route too.
Put the decision in writing
Ask for a sketch or marked photographs showing the position, clearances, base, drainage and pipe/cable route. Energy Saving Trust’s controls guidance is a useful reminder that the outdoor environment is part of system performance. Ask Thermovo to review your site plan.
Before requesting a project quotation
| Check | Information to prepare |
|---|---|
| Project scope | State the country, project type, operating conditions and required delivery date. Identify which decisions still need an installer or designer. |
| Topic-specific evidence | clearances, airflow, drainage and service-access drawings |
| Responsibility and acceptance | Record who supplies, installs, commissions and services the equipment. Ask which documents and checks are included, and confirm exclusions in writing. |
This checklist helps define a request; it is not a model performance claim, installation design or promise of availability.
Relevant equipment · Request a project quotation — Installation and site planning · About Thermovo
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Heat Pump Noise: Site Assessment and Acoustic Evidence · Buying a Heat Pump: From Supplier Selection to Handover
