Heat pump - is a permit required?

Is a permit always required for a heat pump?

Heat pumps use free energy from the environment and, using electricity, convert it into thermal energy to heat rooms and provide hot water. Depending on the type, energy is drawn from either the outside air or groundwater or soil. Specific requirements must be met for each heat pump. Special well drilling may be required. A permit is mandatory for these types of heat pumps. In the following guide, you’ll learn what a permit is and where to apply for one. We’ll also show you which heat pumps can be installed and assembled without a permit.

Which heat pumps do not require a permit?

All types of air-source heat pumps can be installed without a permit. This also applies to brine/water heat pumps , which use trench collectors, flat-plate collectors, or thermal baskets to harness the geothermal energy. These systems require drilling and excavation. However, they do not require a permit, partly because the drilling is done at a shallow depth and partly because groundwater remains undisturbed. This factor is particularly important when determining whether a permit is required for heat pump installation.

Features of brine/water heat pumps

Although permits are not particularly important for heat pumps with flat-plate, ring trench, and surface collectors, several restrictions exist. In principle, there should be no contact with groundwater, and, ideally, the heat pump should not be located in a water protection zone. In drinking water protection zones, mineral spa protection zones, and drinking water extraction zones, it should be noted that collectors are only permitted at depths of up to five meters. In some regions, collectors are prohibited entirely in these zones. You can find out the regulations in your region from the bylaws or from your local building department or water supply office. A specialist on-site will always carefully review these features and the conditions of your site and provide appropriate recommendations.

Features of air source heat pumps

Although permits are not required for installing air source heat pumps, choosing a suitable installation location is still important for outdoor installations. For example, you should ensure that you maintain a minimum distance from neighboring houses. When drawing in outside air, the pump will produce some noise. Viessmann heat pumps are typically very quiet. However, choosing the ideal installation location is crucial. Our local partners will help you find the perfect installation location, taking various factors into account. For more information, see our heat pump noise guide .

Which heat pumps require a permit?

The advantage of using groundwater and deeper layers of the earth as a heat source for a heat pump is a consistently high temperature. This not only helps improve the efficiency of ground and geothermal heat pumps but also saves on heating costs, as less electricity is required to achieve the desired room temperature. However, drilling a deep well and tapping into groundwater requires obtaining a permit before installing the heat pump. However, there is no uniform regulation applicable nationwide. This means you should contact your local water authority in advance. It’s best to contact your installer for assistance. Your application can be prepared by a heating contractor you’ve hired after your consultation.

Notification of geological authorities

You should also notify your local geological authority about projects such as wells or deep boreholes. They can provide you with maps in advance that show the soil potential and composition, as well as the permissible drilling depth.

Incidentally, according to mining regulations, deep wells of 100 meters or more always require a permit. Heat pump projects typically don’t require one, as drilling that deep isn’t necessary to ensure efficient operation. However, some state laws require permits for shallower wells. Find out in advance what regulations apply in your region.

Additional expert opinion on the use of groundwater as a heat source

In addition to the aforementioned permit from the water utility, projects using a water-to-water heat pump also require an independent expert opinion. This is because groundwater has a particularly high protection priority, as a food product.