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Placing objects next to an outdoor air source heat pump unit – what are the rules?
What are the rules, if any about placing objects next to a heat pump outdoor unit? in my case the unit will be on a patio about 1.3m from the sliding doors (non-opening side), and close to a boundary fence assuming the 1m rule has gone.
I would like to place something like a sink unit in the gap between the ASHP and the house. Something like this with semi-open sides and movable if neccessary. I can't see that the air flow would be significantly impacted, but is there anything else I should consider?
There are no 'regulations' as such @sandy ... expect the rules of physics, which basically come down to common sense.
Personally I wouldn't be happy with the arrangement you propose.
Airflow to the back of the ASHP is already constrained;
I would be bringing the external HP unit 400mm from the wall behind it, rather than the more common 300mm.
I assume you're wanting a free-standing sink because you're not permitted to fix to the brick wall.
Is it a party-wall, belonging to the adjacent house?
Is the space outside your patio doors at ground level?
or are we looking at a balcony?
I found this sink-on-frame on the amazon.de (German) site, which might be suitable.
But they still advise fixing to the wall behind, and the item is currently unavailable.
It's 380mm deep, which means that the ASHP would be standing fully forward of the sink.
Save energy... recycle electrons!
Most heat pumps have specs on minimum clearances, perhaps check this.
That said I agree with @transparent that an open frame construction would be preferable.
4kW peak of solar PV since 2011; EV and a 1930s house which has been partially renovated to improve its efficiency. 7kW Vaillant heat pump.
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