Heat Pump & HW Cylinder Location?

[sturharv]

I have a job where we are proposing a ground source heat pump system. The only location for the heat pump (about the size of a washing machine) and the cylinder will be in a purpose built outbuilding on the side of the property, I say 'outbuilding' but it will be quite substantial i.e. brick etc.

Would you insulate it? Or would you just insulate the pipes? Does anyone see any problems with doing this?

Many thanks

 

[doitall]

I would insulate it.

There's some delicate electrical stuff in a heat pump so if you can keep it dry and damp proof so much the better.

 

[Balenza]

sturharv wrote

Would you insulate it?

Should be no need. You'll spoil the aeshetically pleasing look of the system.

Most units are lined with some form of sound proofing anyway and this will act as insulation.
Regarding the electrics I fitted many an out door unit in the lashing rain with the pcb,s getting a soaking and it never seemed to do them any harm.
And in any case their is nothing much more than a sheet of tin separating them from the elements when its all put together.

 

[sturharv]

I suppose you see these in garages etc. which is only the same.

 

[sturharv]

Would you put a heat meter and / or smoke alarm in that plant building area?

Presumably the user will need a certain amount of control within the main house to prevent the need to go outside, what controls would need to go in the house?