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R290 and Foundation Air Bricks

 
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
Last Post by L8Again 2 hours ago
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 L8Again
(@l8again)
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Topic starter 15/01/2026 9:35 am  

I am going around in circles. My property has foundation air bricks sited below the damp proof layer to ventilate the void under the property's suspended concrete floor.

I have spoken to the UK Technical Team for a well known German HP manufacturer and they are adamant that the air bricks need to sit outside of the R290 protection zone.

An Octopus Energy representative has posted on another forum 'Air bricks are not a concern.' This is reflected in the following guide:

IMG 1437

Clearly, both HP manufacturers cannot be right. Searching for Regulations on this is something of a Fools Errand. The Heat Pump association states the following:

'Where defined within the manufacturer safety-related protection area, there must be

no:-

- permanent or temporary sources of ignition during normal operation, such as,

but not limited to, open flames, electrical systems, sockets, lamps, and light

switches, electrical housing connections, sparking tools, or objects with high

surface temperatures, etc.

- building openings, such as windows, doors, light shafts, flat roof windows, and

ventilation system inlets and openings,

- property boundaries or neighbouring properties, walkways and driveways and

public access areas

- ground depressions, dips or low-lying recesses, and any water or sewage

services, and no open pump shafts, etc.'

I am considering either a Stiebel Elton or Valliant R290 heat pump but air bricks would be an issue. The irony here is that a Cosy heat pump safe zone would just fit between two air bricks.

 

Any thoughts/advice or should I give up and look at a R32 filled heat pump?



   
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