The Modern Heat Pump - What will it look like?

Heat pumps have steadily gained popularity in the quest for sustainable and efficient home heating and cooling solutions. That’s why Warmur exists. Yet, for all their benefits, many homeowners are hesitant to install them due to concerns about their appearance. While function has traditionally taken precedence over form, recent trends show that heat pump aesthetics are now a focus, with manufacturers, designers, and even homeowners embracing innovative solutions to blend or beautify these systems. 

Let’s look at how heat pumps have evolved aesthetically, the variety of designs available, and some creative ways to integrate them into any home environment. If you want to talk about all things ‘heat pump’ contact us.

Part 1:

Types of Heat Pumps: Design and Aesthetic Differences

One of the main factors influencing the appearance of a heat pump is the type of unit and its specific configuration. Heat pumps come in several models, including air-source, ground-source, and even hybrid systems. For this discussion, we’ll focus on two major types of air-source heat pumps commonly seen in residential settings, each with distinct aesthetic characteristics.

1. Front-Facing Fan Units:

UK air-source heat pumps generally feature a front-facing fan within a rectangular or square housing. These units are sometimes described as bulky or visually intrusive when installed outside a home. Manufacturers have made strides in streamlining these designs to be more visually pleasing, with smoother finishes and softer colours that blend better with most homes. For those who prefer to hide the units altogether, customised covers, wraps or enclosures can help camouflage them within garden or outdoor settings.

2. Top Fan Units:

Another common design places the fan at the top of the unit, generally seen in the US. These top-fan heat pumps tend to be more compact and can fit into tighter spaces, making them ideal for patios or areas with limited room. By placing the fan on top, the unit often has a lower profile from the front, making it less prominent. Manufacturers also have begun incorporating sleeker materials and finishes to help these units look less industrial and more harmonious with residential architecture.

3. New Designs: The “Octopus” Style:

Recently, innovative designs like the Octopus’s Cosy 6 heat pump have emerged, signalling a shift towards even more aesthetic and flexible installations. Inspired by organic shapes and minimalist lines, this style features a core unit with the fan tilted forwards and slightly upwards. This style appeals to those who appreciate design-forward, tech-integrated aesthetics in their homes, although others still think it is an ugly unit.

4. Inside Units

Exhaust air or ducted air flow heat pumps can be used where there is limited or no outside space. These units can be likened to other white good appliances in the home and as a result can be tucked away. However, installation of these units can result in lower efficiencies compared to heat pumps with outside units. For those who cannot get over the visuals of the current outdoor units it might be worth investigating these options.  

Part 2:

Enhancing the Aesthetic Appeal of Heat Pumps

While manufacturers work to design more visually appealing models, homeowners are finding creative ways to incorporate or camouflage heat pumps. Here are some popular methods:

1. Enclosures and Covers:

Enclosures offer a straightforward solution to visually conceal a heat pump without compromising functionality. These can be custom-built to match a home’s architectural style or landscape, often made from materials like wood, metal, or latticework that allow airflow but create a more harmonious appearance. Caution needs to be taken with this method as air clearances are still vital to prevent microclimate and enable heat pumps to work at optimum capacity.

2. Green Walls and Planters:

For a more natural touch, heat pumps can be masked with green walls or planters. Vertical gardens, hanging planters, or strategically placed shrubs can soften the look of a heat pump unit, helping it blend seamlessly with an outdoor garden. This method has gained popularity not only for aesthetic reasons but also as a way to add greenery and promote a calming outdoor space.

3. Paint and Custom Wraps:

Some homeowners opt to paint their heat pump casing to match their home’s colour scheme or even apply a custom wrap. Specialised outdoor-grade paints or vinyl wraps can transform a standard heat pump into a visually coordinated part of the home’s exterior. However, it’s essential to use materials that don’t obstruct ventilation or insulation for safe operation. Wraps, made popular by wrapping vehicles, can now be used for heat pumps to generally help them blend into their surroundings. The wrap can be applied pre or post installation and can vary from a single colour to a complex digital pattern, like stones, bricks or anything else you fancy.

4. Integrated Outdoor Furniture:

Another unique approach is to incorporate the heat pump into functional outdoor furniture, such as a built-in bench or a storage box with ventilation. These solutions are especially effective for smaller outdoor spaces where maximising functionality is key. Not only does the heat pump serve its heating and cooling function, but it also doubles as a useful, multipurpose element in the outdoor area. See the finalists at Nesta’s hot stuff heat pump design challenge.

Part 3:

Future Trends in Heat Pump Design

As the market for heat pumps grows, aesthetic considerations are becoming more prominent, and we can expect even greater advancements in the years to come. Here are a few trends we may see:

1. Minimalist and Compact Units:

Designers are focusing on creating smaller, quieter, and less visually intrusive units that are easier to integrate into both modern and traditional homes. The goal is to create models that provide efficient heating and cooling without demanding too much visual attention. A note of caution here as there may be a sound compromise for this design strategy to work. In the past reducing size did increase the noise of the units and as a consequence many have become bigger to lower their decibel level.

Have you heard of split heat pumps? These have smaller outside units but you need more space inside for the refrigerant element of the heat pump. They also cost more to install and you need to be f -gas qualified, so certainly in the UK we tend to install monoblock heat pumps.

2. Modular and Customisable Designs:

Manufacturers may also start offering modular designs or customisable components that allow homeowners to choose colours, finishes, or patterns that complement their homes. This customisation could provide a unique way for heat pumps to enhance a home’s design, rather than detract from it. The idea of different shaped grills for the fan units to alter aesthetics, maybe a petal or teardrop shape instead of square or round.

3. Sustainable Materials and Eco-Friendly Enclosures:

Sustainability is likely to play a more significant role in both the materials and the visual design of heat pumps. Expect to see enclosures and unit casings made from recycled or renewable materials and finished with low-impact dyes or paints. These sustainable options would not only appeal to environmentally-conscious homeowners but also enhance the eco-friendly mission that heat pumps represent.

In conclusion, as heat pumps become a fixture in more homes, the demand for units that are as visually appealing as they are efficient will only grow. The future looks promising, with both new designs and creative options available to homeowners who want to enhance the aesthetics of their property while enjoying the energy savings of a heat pump. Whether through innovative design changes or creative concealment solutions, there are now plenty of ways to make a heat pump an attractive part of your home’s exterior. 

If you are thinking of having a heat pump and are worried about the aesthetics of an installation, give us a call to discuss your options.