Can I move a heat pump? Here’s what homeowners should know

Thinking about moving your air source heat pump? Whether you're remodeling your home, expanding your living space, or reclaiming valuable outdoor areas from your electric heating system, there are plenty of reasons to consider a move. A properly placed heat pump can improve performance and even extend the life of your system. However, because heat pumps are carefully designed for your specific home setup, relocation isn’t something we recommend. In this blog, we’ll guide you through key questions to consider before relocating your unit, as well as common mistakes to avoid.

Can you move a heat pump?

Technically, yes, you can move a heat pump. However, we don’t recommend it. Heat pumps are carefully customised to match your home’s specific needs, including layout, insulation, and heating setup. Moving it can affect its performance and may come with added cost or complexity. If you're considering it, it's best to speak with an expert to make sure it’s the right choice for your home.

Can you move a heat pump yourself?

Moving a heat pump yourself might seem like a practical idea, especially during a renovation, but we strongly advise against it. Heat pump systems are custom designed to suit your home's unique layout and your specific needs. They're not one-size-fits-all, and they're definitely not DIY friendly. These systems are carefully integrated into your home's electrical systems, and moving them improperly can lead to serious issues like electrical faults or complete system failure. That's why we don't recommend relocating a heat pump, especially if you're thinking of doing it yourself. It's always best to leave this kind of job to a qualified professional who understands the complexity involved.

How much does it cost to move a heat pump?

Just like the air source heat pump installation cost, the price of relocating one can vary based on several key factors. Every situation is unique, but here are some things that can influence the overall price:

Distance of the move: moving the unit a few feet will generally cost less than relocating it across the property or to a different floor.
Access to the new location: hard to reach areas may require more time, equipment, or labour.
Changes to electrical or plumbing connections: if wiring or drainage needs to be rerouted, this can affect the cost.
Type and size of the heat pump: larger or more complex systems may require more work to move safely.
Permits or local regulations: in some areas, additional inspections or permits may be needed.

What should you consider before relocating your heat pump?

Before relocating your heat pump, several important factors need to be considered to make sure it continues running efficiently and cost effectively. Your air source heat pump installation was initially tailored to your home’s specific needs, taking into account insulation, heating setup, water tank size, and unit placement. Moving it isn’t just about shifting the device; it’s a customised process that requires careful planning.

While different heat pump models may have specific requirements, key considerations include:

Airflow
Stable surface
Accessibility
Connection distances

Where you can and can’t move heat pumps to

You can move a heat pump to:

Areas with plenty of fresh air circulation
Stable and level surfaces
Places with easy access for maintenance and repairs

You can't move a heat pump to:

Tight corners, enclosed spaces, or areas blocked by thick bushes or walls
Unstable or uneven surfaces that cause wear and tear
Locations too far from your home’s electrical or ductwork connections

What does moving a heat pump involve?

Moving a heat pump involves more than just physically relocating the unit. It requires professional labour to safely disconnect and reconnect electrical wiring, which may need to be extended depending on the new location’s distance from existing connections. Additional materials such as longer cables or piping may be necessary, and sometimes structural or system modifications within the home are required to accommodate the new setup. Because of these factors, costs can vary depending on how far and how complicated the move is. Given the costs and the fact that a heat pump is tailored to your home, we don't recommend moving it.

Why we don’t recommend moving a heat pump

Like we said before, heat pumps are carefully customised to suit each home’s unique needs. When preparing a quote, we consider factors like your home’s insulation, existing heating system, desired temperature, water tank size and location, outdoor unit placement, and whether radiators need upgrading.

We gather this info during a discovery call (often with photos) before creating a bespoke system design. A technical assessment, including a heat loss check, is conducted to ensure feasibility. Our design team works closely with you throughout the process. Once the designs are finished, one of EDF Heat Pumps' local installers will take over.

Because heat pumps are so tailored, moving one can disrupt its performance and affect warranty, so we don’t recommend relocating a heat pump unless absolutely necessary.

Make the right choice for your heat pump

Now that we’ve unpacked what’s involved in relocating a heat pump, you can see it’s not a decision to take lightly. While it’s possible to move a heat pump, it’s a task that involves significant complexity and potential risks. Heat pump installation, from the very first step, is tailored to your specific needs of the space and the system. For the best results, always seek the help of a qualified professional.

Thinking of upgrading?

Whether you’re upgrading your system to an air source heat pump, now is a great time to explore ways to save. Air source heat pump grants can help cover a significant part of your installation costs, and with our air source heat pump tariffs, you could save even more on your energy bills. Check out our air source heat pump guide to help you make the best choice for your home every step of the way.

Explore more about heat pumps

FAQs

Can you take a heat pump with you when you move house?

Yes, but in most cases, we strongly recommend you don't take your heat pump with you when you move. There are quite a few things to consider, like how it could affect the system’s efficiency, void your warranty, and even mess with your Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. Plus, heat pump installations are designed specifically for your home’s needs, from insulation and current heating setup to the size of the water tank and even the placement of the units. All of this is carefully planned out to make sure you get the most efficient and reliable system possible.

If you’re thinking about a move, it’s definitely best to speak with a professional who can walk you through all the options and help you figure out the best plan. It’s not just about moving a unit, it’s about making sure everything works together for your home!

How long does it take to move a heat pump?

The time it takes to move a heat pump can vary depending on several factors. These may include:

Size and complexity of the unit
Distance it needs to be moved
Type of installation at the new location
Any system adjustments needed

On average, it could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on these variables. A professional installer will be able to assess the specifics and provide a more accurate estimate based on your unique situation.

Why would you consider moving a heat pump?

There're a few reasons why you might consider moving a heat pump, but it’s always about making sure your system works in the best way for your home! For example, if you’re changing up or rearranging your home's layout, you might want to move the heat pump to a better spot, but it’s important to remember that heat pumps are designed specifically for your home’s needs. Moving the unit could mess with that careful planning and even affect how well the system works in the long run.

Can heat pumps be moved indoors?

No. Heat pumps are designed to be installed outdoors as they require access to fresh air to operate efficiently. Moving a heat pump indoors would prevent it from working.

Will moving a heat pump affect the warranty?

Your warranty will be invalidated if the heat pump is moved without approval from the manufacturer or your installer. We recommend checking your warranty details or contacting your installer before moving the unit.

Can heat pumps be located in an attic?

The simple answer is no. Heat pumps shouldn't be moved to an attic, as they need access to outdoor air to function effectively. Moving one indoors would stop it from working.