Heat pump covers: Are they necessary?
Air source heat pumps come with countless benefits. But there are two main reservations that many of our clients have when umming and ahhing about whether a commercial heat pump is the right option for their business: noise and appearance.
An air source heat pump cover or enclosure could address both of these issues. But is it necessary? Or even sensible?
Here, we’ll explore all you need to know about heat pump covers – from the pros and cons to important requirements. But first…
Can an air source heat pump be covered?
Yes, an air source heat pump can be covered. But not just by anything!
Covering your heat pump without adhering to requirements to do with minimum clearances and free flow could have a catastrophic impact on your heat pump – at best reducing its efficiency and at worst causing damage to the unit.
Instead, if you’re keen to cover your heat pump, you’ll need to make sure you opt for a specially designed heat pump cover, enclosure or fence, which adheres to minimum clearances and maximises free air flow.
To give you some idea, the minimum clearance around any Clade unit is 800mm along the evaporator and 1.2m in front of any doors for access
What are the benefits of air source heat pump covers or enclosures?
So, what are the benefits of a heat pump cover or enclosure? Here are the main positives that tend to be cited by experts.
- Noise. An acoustic fence or enclosure can reduce the noise it makes.
- Aesthetics. A decorative heat pump cover can improve the look of your heat pump.
- Security. Heat pump covers, fences and enclosures all add an additional layer of security, protecting your heat pump from tampering and vandalism.
- Protection. A well-designed cover could protect your heat pump from the elements, as well as from dust and dirt – potentially extending its lifespan.
It’s also possible to get hold of temporary heat pump covers that aren’t designed to stay in place while your heat pump is running.
These can be a useful way to protect your heat pump from damage when it’s not being used.
What are the disadvantages of heat pump covers or enclosures?
Despite the benefits, it’s worth noting that heat pump covers or enclosures also come with disadvantages. Plus, there are risks associated with using a cover that’s poorly designed or installed.
- Cost. Covers, enclosures and fences all add to your overall heat pump costs. In particular, acoustic enclosures are the highest-cost option.
- Space. Covers, enclosures and fences will also increase the amount of space your heat pump takes up.
- Visual impact. Some options – like acoustic fences – have a big visual impact. Although they’ll hide your heat pump, you might not like how they look.
- Performance. If it isn’t designed correctly, a heat pump cover could reduce your heat pump’s efficiency and cause your energy bills to climb.
- Damage. A poorly designed cover could cause damage to your unit (for instance, by trapping moisture inside), cause wear and tear and even reduce your heat pump’s lifespan.
- Warranty. Always be cautious about covering your heat pump without consulting the manufacturer first, as this could void your warranty if they consider it improper use.
So, is an air source heat pump cover necessary?
Heat pump covers are the subject of much debate, even among professionals.
While many experts will claim that a heat pump cover can prolong the life of your heat pump by protecting it from the elements, others disagree and believe that the risks of poor performance and damage outweigh any potential benefits.
However, even if heat pump covers do come with advantages, they wouldn’t usually be considered necessary.
The only exception is if you need to reduce your heat pump’s noise output in order to meet local standards and regulations.
In this case, you could see acoustic fencing or enclosures as essential (although there are also other routes you can take to reduce heat pump noise).
Ultimately, if you’re umming and ahhing about whether a heat pump cover is necessary for your unit, the best thing you can do is ask your system designer during the design process.
They’ll be able to take into account your preferences and, if they think a heat pump cover, fence or enclosure would be a useful addition, they’ll add it to your system design.
That way, you can be sure that your heat pump cover will work in harmony with all the other elements of your system to maximise performance and efficiency.
What heat pump covers are safe to use?
Still keen to get a heat pump cover? Then you might be wondering what to look for to ensure your cover is safe to use and won’t cause damage to your heat pump.
Here are some tips.
- Opt for a specially designed heat pump cover, fence or enclosure
- Adhere to minimum clearances
- Allow sufficient airflow
- Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Consult with your heat pump manufacturer or designer to determine the cover’s safety and efficiency
Talk to us about all things heat pump covers, fences and enclosures
As you can see, heat pump covers aren’t usually necessary – but they do come with benefits.
If you’re thinking about covering your heat pump, the most important thing is to consult with your heat pump manufacturer or designer to make sure you won’t be negatively impacting your heat pump’s performance.
Remember, while the right enclosure can be a fantastic addition to your heat pump system, the wrong enclosure or cover can cause serious issues – from reducing your heat pump’s efficiency to increasing wear and tear and even limiting your heat pump’s lifespan.
At Clade, we’re heat pump manufacturers, designers, installers and maintenance experts.
So, we know what we’re talking about when it comes to heat pump covers, fences and enclosures. Feel free to reach out to our team of experts to learn more about covering your commercial heat pump – just get in touch.