If you’ve been thinking of trying to cover your heat pump to hide it from view, you’re not alone. For many homeowners, the outdoor unit of an air source heat pump can be a bit of an eyesore and the temptation to disguise or protect it – whether with a decorative screen or a shed-like enclosure – is understandable. But before you start browsing the web for stylish covers, it’s worth understanding the dos and don’ts of covering your unit.
While it is possible to cover a heat pump, doing it the wrong way could prove to be an expensive mistake. The right approach can reduce its visual impact and shield your system from falling leaves or snow, but the wrong approach can seriously reduce your heat pump's efficiency, increase its running costs and even shorten its lifespan.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to cover a heat pump safely, as well as clever ways to help it blend into your driveway or garden design.
Can you cover a heat pump?
Yes, if you are installing an air source heat pump then you can cover it, but only if you do it correctly. For heat pumps to work properly they rely on a constant flow of air to work, so any covering must allow air to move freely around the unit.
Hamid Salimi, product manager at Daikin Residential, explains: “Heat pumps need clear space around the intake and exhaust to work at their best. If air can flow freely, the system will remain efficient and reliable. To shield the unit from leaves or weather, opt for purpose-built protective covers or shelters designed for HVAC equipment that allow full airflow.”
It is also worth knowing that most quality outdoor heat pumps are already built to withstand the weather. John Felgate, MD at STIEBEL ELTRON UK and Ireland, explains, “Air source heat pumps meant for outdoor installation should not require additional protection to ensure their longevity. For instance, all our heat pumps have top level corrosion protection as standard. These are the kind of differences you get with high-quality units that mean they do not corrode, even in coastal conditions.”
Hamid Salimi has a BSc and MSc in mechanical engineering and has worked with Daikin for over 13 years in various roles such as product applications, HVAC design and currently as a Product Manager leading a team of product specialists covering all aspects of residential renewable heating.
John Felgate is the Managing Director of STIEBEL ELTRON UK and Ireland, bringing over 25 years of experience in building services manufacturing. A recognised industry leader, John has played a key role in advancing the UK’s renewable heating sector and previously served as Head of Technical at STIEBEL ELTRON UK. He also chairs the Electric Space and Water Heating group at BEAMA and is a former Chairman of the Domestic Heat Pump Association
Mistakes to avoid when covering a heat pump
One of the biggest heat pump mistakes experts see time and again is homeowners fully enclosing their units.
“Air source heat pumps should not be enclosed because it will impact negatively on performance,” warns John Felgate. “If there is insufficient airflow, you can get what is called re-entrainment of the exhaust air, where it is drawn back into the pump. The cold air needs plenty of movement to dissipate and prevent the creation of a cold microclimate, which will reduce efficiency.”
And according to John, other heat pump cover mistakes are easier to make than you might think:
- Placing heavy items on top of the unit can dent the casing and make it harder to open for servicing.
- Kinking or bending the hoses at the back can restrict air flow.
- Using solid, airtight or heat-trapping materials can cause overheating in summer and ice build-up in winter.
- Ignoring the manufacturer’s clearance guidelines can void your unit's warranty.
The golden rules for airflow, clearance and siting
- Leave space for your heat pump to 'breathe'
Whether you are adding a cover, a screen or simply positioning the unit, you must maintain open space around it so air can move freely in and out. “A heat pump needs unrestricted airflow to work efficiently,” says Hamid Salimi at Daikin. “We typically recommend leaving at least 30–50 cm around the sides and one metre in front of the fan. Obstructions like fences, plants or walls too close to the unit can also restrict airflow, leading to higher energy use and faster wear on the components.” - Think about the placement of your unit
Keeping your unit clear of debris and sheltered from strong crosswinds will help it run more efficiently throughout the year and stop your heat pump from freezing during winter. Adding a simple overhang or canopy can give extra protection, as long as the sides remain open to allow airflow. “If you’re considering an enclosure, it should be open-sided or louvred, allowing free airflow while shielding the unit from debris or weather,” explains Hamid Salimi. “Avoid solid boxes or sheds, anything airtight, or materials that trap heat as these can impair performance. Also, keep in mind that any cover must allow for service access for heat pump maintenance – if the unit cannot be easily reached, it cannot be properly maintained.” - Plan for kerb appeal
Some brands now offer discreet, design-led models or even bespoke vinyl wraps that can be colour-matched to your home's brickwork or cladding. Spray-painting the casing is another possibility, although John Felgate cautions that this may affect the warranty on your casing. If you prefer a softer, natural approach, your garden design can also do some of the work for you. Trellis panels, climbing plants or tall ornamental grasses are all effective ways to screen the unit from view, providing you still allow for the required airflow.
Shop heat pump covers
This professional-grade aluminium heat pump cover features 0.8mm louvred panels with electrostatic coating, offering 30% better heat dissipation while protecting outdoor units from UK weather.
This 1.5 mm galvanised-steel heat pump cover is available in standard or bespoke sizes and patterns. They conceal units while allowing airflow and servicing.
Powder-coated for durability, these wall-mounted screens are available in a variety of patterns and size options to discreetly cover outdoor units.
While you can cover a heat pump, any solution must work with its design rather than against it. Purpose-built ventilated screens and discreet positioning can all help soften your unit's appearance, but they should always allow the free airflow and easy access your system needs to run efficiently.
It's also essential to avoid the worst places to install a heat pump if you want to ensure your heat pump runs as efficiently as possible.
