Thinking about installing an air source heat pump in your home?
One of the most common questions we get is:
“Where can the heat pump actually go?”
The answer depends on your property layout — but don’t worry. No matter the type of house you live in there’s almost always a solution.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the ideal location for a heat pump, how much space is needed, and how to meet local planning rules in Scotland.
🧊 First Things First: What Are the Main Heat Pump Components?
There are typically two parts to an air-to-water heat pump system:
- Outdoor unit – sits outside your home, draws in air, and houses the fan and compressor.
- Indoor units – usually installed in a cupboard or utility room; includes the controller, hot water cylinder and buffer tank (if needed).
The various components need to be thoughtfully placed for the system to work efficiently and quietly.
🌬️ Where Should the Outdoor Unit Go?
The outdoor unit needs to:
✅ Be installed on a flat, stable surface (e.g. concrete pad)
✅ Have plenty of free airflow around it
✅ Be close to your internal heating system for pipe efficiency
✅ Comply with Scottish permitted development rules
Here are the most common options:
✔️ Rear Garden or side of house
- Most common placement in local homes
- Allows optimal air circulation
- ✖️ Avoid placing:
- Under bedroom windows
- In enclosed or echo-prone corners
- Right next to neighbouring properties
We’ll work with you to find a spot that’s efficient, quiet, and discreet.
📐 How Much Space Do I Need?
Outdoor unit footprint: typically 1.1m x 0.45m
Clearance varies but allow around 25cm behind the unit, around 10cm minimum to the left of the unit and 60cm to the right of the unit. Front clearance should be at least 60cm. Units with R290 refrigerant require additional clearances from open drains and electricity outlets. Indoor hot water cylinder: about the size of a tall fridge freezer
🛠 What About the Indoor Unit?
The indoor elements — hot water cylinder, controller, and sometimes a buffer tank — are usually installed in:
- A utility room
- An airing cupboard
- A loft or converted garage (space permitting)
We’ll help configure this to suit your daily routine and minimise disruption.
📋 What Do Scottish Planning Rules Say?
In most cases, installing a heat pump in Scotland falls under permitted development, meaning no planning permission is needed — if:
✅ The outdoor unit is at least 1m from the property boundary
✅ The noise level at neighbouring windows is under 42 dB
✅ Only one ASHP unit is installed on the property
We’ll complete the noise impact assessment and design everything to meet local rules — saving you the paperwork.
🔧 Why Correct Placement Matters
Getting the location right means:
✅ Quieter operation
✅ Better efficiency (shorter pipe runs = less heat loss)
✅ Longer lifespan
✅ Happy neighbours
At Latent Heat Edinburgh, we assess airflow, acoustics, plumbing, and aesthetics in every install — because the little details make a big difference.
🏡 Summary: Where Can a Heat Pump Be Installed?
| Area | Suitable? | Notes |
| Rear garden | ✅ | Most common and efficient location |
| Side of house | ✅ | Ideal in tight urban plots – space permitting |
| Front garden | ⚠️ | Not permitted developments |
📍 Why Choose Latent Heat Edinburgh?
We’re local. We understand the layout of homes in Edinburgh and the Lothians — from Victorian terraces and 60s semis to country cottages and new-builds.
✅ Site-specific design
✅ Help with planning rules
✅ Friendly advice and efficient installation
✅ Clean, quiet and discreet systems
Book a free home survey, and we’ll show you exactly how it could work for your property.