Heat Pump Theft

Redlander

I'm thinking of installing an air source heat pump but the only practical location is at the front of the house and I'm concerned that it might vulnerable to theft. Is that a serious issue? Do thefts of heat pumps actually occur? What can I do to minimise the risk?

Netexporter

The risk of theft is pretty low. They are too heavy, and not valuable enough, to be worth deploying a multi-person gang on. The chances of you getting permission to put it at the front of the house are pretty low, too. (although there are some amendments to planning rules coming, so watch this space).

matt_drummer

Mine is on the front of my house and it is still there.

Unless you live in a conservation area the front of the house falls within permitted development.

Planning permission is not required for the front of a building as long as all the other conditions of permitted development are met.

The chances of being able to install a heat pump at the front of your house are extremely high, not pretty low!

koru

Secondhand value is going to be pretty low. But if you are concerned, you can buy metal cages to protect them. And install a security camera.

matt_drummer

Redlander said:

I'm thinking of installing an air source heat pump but the only practical location is at the front of the house and I'm concerned that it might vulnerable to theft. Is that a serious issue? Do thefts of heat pumps actually occur? What can I do to minimise the risk?

I just saw your other thread, you live in a conservation area.

You won't be able to install a heat pump on the front of your house without planning permission.

I would imagine the chances of approval are quite low!

Redlander

matt_drummer said:

I would imagine the chances of approval are quite low!

I've looked at past planning applications and I've found one that permitted an ASHP at the front in a conservation area. I've not yet found any that were refused on those grounds.

matt_drummer

Redlander said:

matt_drummer said:

I would imagine the chances of approval are quite low!

I've looked at past planning applications and I've found one that permitted an ASHP at the front in a conservation area. I've not yet found any that were refused on those grounds.

Good, you'll be OK then.

Jemma01

They are rather ugly and bulky, I wouldn't buy a house with a huge pump in my face. That's just my thoughts as a buyer. You might not be planning to sell your house, but consider what the future might hold.

MP1995

Jemma01 said:

They are rather ugly and bulky, I wouldn't buy a house with a huge pump in my face. That's just my thoughts as a buyer. You might not be planning to sell your house, but consider what the future might hold.

Would you rather a gas boiler that pumps out 215 grams for every kwh or a heat pump that (with the generation mix taken into account) will pump out 20grams per kWh based on a very low scop of 3.

It's an interesting quandary, destroy the planet quicker as you don't like a square box with a fan in it.