Is a Cover Necessary for Your Heat Pump?
Due to the government’s boiler upgrade program, heat pumps are about to become popular in the UK. These green technological innovations not only save you money and reduce your carbon footprint but they are also very durable machines that can be used sustainably for up to 20 years.
If you already have an air source heat pump, you may know that it can be affected by various weather conditions. Wind can batter it, tree branches can strike it, snow can freeze it—but it will still continue to provide energy for you. However, over time, this exposure can reduce its efficiency.
Do you want to keep your air source heat pump in optimal condition and protected from harsh weather conditions? It might be worth looking into heat pump covers (also known as protective devices or enclosures).
Fortunately, we provide all the information you need about these convenient devices below!
What is an air source heat pump cover?
The purpose of an air source heat pump cover is just as the name suggests—it protects your heat pump from the impact of harsh weather.
Since air source heat pumps have an outdoor unit, they can be damaged by strong winds (which may also scatter debris) or snowy weather. If your home is located in an area where these conditions are particularly common, a heat pump cover can save you from regular maintenance.
Typically, heat pump protective covers enclose the external unit, shielding it from natural elements while maintaining good ventilation and airflow.
If you’re considering purchasing a heat pump cover, it’s important to do your research. Some enclosures prioritize aesthetics during construction, without considering how a certain design may decrease overall efficiency.
Does your heat pump need a cover?
Not all heat pumps require covers—in fact, there is a heated debate about whether heat pumps need covers or not. Heat pumps are highly durable machines, and obstruction of the external unit can decrease their efficiency.
However, if your home frequently experiences harsh weather conditions, it might be worth trying a heat pump protective cover.
By protecting your heat pump, you can prevent the external unit from being damaged by strong winds, prevent mechanical parts from being obstructed by weeds, and even make it less likely to freeze in winter.
Another key reason some people choose heat pump covers is to reduce noise levels. While heat pumps are not excessively noisy machines, if you live in a quiet neighborhood, you might notice a hum. Moreover, if there are many properties nearby, your neighbors might hear it.
However, the Energy Saving Trust suggests that unless the heat pump is working very hard (e.g., in cold weather or when producing hot water), you can expect the noise to be similar to the hum of a refrigerator. If this sounds like an issue you might have to deal with, it might be worth researching heat pump covers. By placing a box around the equipment, you’ll add an extra barrier to sound propagation, potentially reducing noise pollution.
Owners of protected buildings or residences within conservation areas may also find air source heat pump covers useful. If your home desires (or needs) to retain its traditional appearance, a heat pump cover can help maintain aesthetics. Most covers are made of wood and can be finished with traditional finishes or painted in specific colors to match the house.
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How much do heat pump covers cost?
The cost of heat pump covers can vary greatly, depending on the size and material you choose.
On the lower end, you might expect to spend a few hundred pounds on a mesh cage to cover your heat pump, while wooden protective covers typically cost a bit more.
For metal mesh covers, you can expect to pay £400 to £800, but this depends on the size you acquire.
On the other hand, wooden covers might be slightly more expensive, ranging from £500 to £900. Again, this depends on the size you acquire and whether you want any surface treatment on the wood.
Some companies offer sturdy metal covers that look very aesthetic but require specialized airflow management to aid ventilation and ensure the heat pump remains efficient. The cost of these systems can exceed £1,000, but it depends on which company you choose.
Different types of heat pump covers
Covers come in various shapes and sizes.
In terms of materials, there are generally two options: wood or metal.
If aesthetics are more important to you, a wooden cover is typically the better choice, but make sure there’s still enough space for the heat pump to work efficiently.
If you want a metal protective cover, you can opt for a mesh design to protect the heat pump from debris entering, or you can go for a sturdy metal enclosure that looks better but requires unique airflow management to aid ventilation.
In addition to style, you usually have a range of different sizes to choose from to ensure all heat pumps can fit within a cover with ample external space. There are no official recommendations for the space around a heat pump—the Energy Saving Trust simply states that “there must be some space around it to allow for good airflow.”
Next steps
Not every household needs a heat pump protective device, but it can be useful for certain properties. Whether you want to improve the appearance of the heat pump unit or prevent damage, there are plenty of choices available to you.
If you decide to purchase a heat pump, the next step is finding the right deal—that’s where we come in.
Simply fill out this free form, and let us take the reins. We’ll pass on your details to our professional heat pump specialists, and they’ll reach out to you with their most competitive prices.
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