Heat pumps are an increasingly popular method of heating in construction. They not only provide a comfortable temperature in winter, but also cool in summer and are responsible for preparing domestic hot water. Before installing such a system, a number of various formalities must first be completed. Here are the key rules that you need to know before installing a heat pump!
From the article you will learn:
- what conditions must be met before installing a heat pump,
- what formalities must be completed when installing various types of pumps (air, water, ground),
- how to proceed when installing a heat pump in an area under conservation protection.
Legal regulations regarding the installation of heat pumps
The issues of installing a heat pump are regulated by Polish law. In this case, the provisions of the spatial development plan and the Planning Act apply. This matter also applies to construction, water and mining law.
First of all, you should consider whether the installation of a heat pump requires a building permit. Basically, two provisions of the Act of July 7, 1994 - Construction Law (Article 29(2) point 16 and Article 30) do not provide for such a necessity. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. First of all, such a permit may be needed when an investor applies for funding for renewable energy sources. In this case, he should check the requirements of the institution whose program or subsidy he intends to use. Obtaining a building permit is also necessary when the heat pump is installed in a historic building - we will discuss this topic below.
Type of heat pump and formal issues
The formalities that must be completed when installing a heat pump depend largely on its type and the heat source it uses. So let's look at the air, water and ground models one by one.
Air heat pump
The regulations regarding the installation of an air source heat pump are very simple. As long as the device is not installed in an area protected by a conservator or the Natura 2000 program, the investment does not require any formalities . Fortunately, the air heat pump is the most popular type of this device, which means that most owners will not have any problems installing a heating system.
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Water heat pump
Installing a water-type heat pump is definitely more complicated in legal terms. This is because it requires the construction of a well to capture groundwater as a bottom source. In this case, the rules are defined by both geological and mining law, as well as water law. If it is necessary to drill a well with a depth exceeding 30 meters, you will need to obtain a water permit issued by the starosta for the installation of a water pump . The application must be accompanied by, among other things, a water law report, i.e. technical documentation of the installed device. It contains all information necessary from the point of view of Article 132 of the Water Law Act.
These regulations do not need to be concerned in the case of a heat pump used only to meet the household's water demand - for example, to prepare domestic hot water. Therefore, if the owner only wants to draw up to 5 m 3 of water per day from an intake shallower than 30 m, he is not subject to the obligation to apply for apply for a water permit.
Ground heat pump
The installation of a ground heat pump is regulated by the provisions of geological and mining law. The key criterion in this case is the type of collector in the device. There are models with vertical and horizontal collectors available on the market.
Installing a horizontal collector on your own land is not subject to any legal regulations. The owner may carry out all work on his own. However, the issue of the vertical variant, the design of which must be presented to the starost, is different. If the investor does not express any objection within 30 days, the investor has the right to start geological works.
However, this type of work requires following specific rules. First of all, they can only be performed by qualified specialists. No one else is authorized to drill a well for a ground source heat pump. Moreover, if the drilling depth is to exceed 100 m or be 30 - 100 m in a mining area, a mining operation plan must be prepared. It must be approved by the district mining office.
It is also worth remembering that within a period of up to 6 months from the completion of geological works, "Documentation of geological works carried out in order to use the earth's heat" must be submitted to the given geological administration body. It should include a summary of the scope of research and works related to the installation of the ground heat pump.
Rules for installing a heat pump in a building entered in the register of monuments
The regulations regarding the installation of a heating system with a heat pump are additionally stricter in the case of buildings under conservation protection. Such an investment may be carried out both in a historic building and in an area entered in the register of monuments. Both situations, of course, require consent issued by the provincial conservator of monuments. What else?
If the heat pump will be installed in an area entered in the register of monuments, the intention to perform specific works must be reported before they begin. If the installation is to be located in a historic building, an additional building permit is required. Naturally, it is provided by the conservator.
The situation is somewhat similar when the installation of a heat pump installation is to take place in an area covered by the Natura 2000 program. According to the law, it is then necessary to carry out an environmental impact assessment of the investment. A building permit will only be granted if the team of specialists determines that the installation will not pose a threat to the natural surroundings.
Why is it worth installing a heat pump?
Installing a heating system with a heat pump may seem a bit complicated, especially in terms of formalities. However, the effects are worth all the effort. It is an ecological solution that draws energy from the air, ground or water, i.e. from renewable sources. This principle of operation naturally translates into measurable savings. Moreover, one universal device is able to provide the building with both heating and cooling, and even domestic hot water
In the Onninen wholesale assortment you will find a wide range of high-quality heat pumps that will ensure the efficiency of any heating installation. These are products of renowned brands that are recognized all over the world. So if you are looking for an economical, environmentally friendly solution, check out our offer and choose a modern device that will completely change the face of heating in any building.
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