A heat pump is a heating device that uses energy collected from nature to heat buildings or water by harnessing the heat energy stored in the environment, making it one of the more environmentally friendly heating devices. Although it is a heating device, people often believe that it does not need to be registered with the building registry but is rather considered home appliances that are simply connected to the power grid.
The installation of a heat pump (whether air-to-air, air-to-water, or ground-source) involves altering the external appearance and technical systems of a building. According to both the previous Building Act and the current Building Code, modifying the technical systems of a building qualifies as renovation, for which a construction notice must be submitted to the local government through the National Building Register (EHR) along with a construction project. The owner of the building is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits for construction and use, as well as for submitting the required notifications and notices.
Construction Project and Required Actions
The project can be ordered as an additional service from City Climate or compiled independently, considering the conditions stipulated in the legislation.
The construction project consists of a cover page, table of contents (including a list of drawings), an explanatory memorandum, a site plan, and drawings. The format of the project must comply with the requirements of the regulation "Requirements for a Construction Project."
- Cover Page – contains the address of the object, the desired activity, the names of the author and the applicant with signatures, and the date of project completion.
- Explanatory Memorandum – should describe the location of the building and where the heat pump will be installed. At the end of the memorandum, the name of the author, signature, and date should be added.
- Site Plan (scale 1:500 or 1:1000) – must indicate the location of the building and mark the location where the external unit of the device will be installed.
- Drawings – the drawings section must include the floor plan of the floor where the device/devices are installed and the elevations of the building. The necessary dimensions must be added. The name of the drafter, signature, date, drawing title, and object address must be marked in the corner of the drawings.
Once the project has been submitted and approved, the installer of the heat pump can begin installing the device according to the project. After the construction notice has been approved in the EHR and the device has been installed, a usage notice must also be submitted in the EHR with a handover and acceptance certificate, installation manual, maintenance manual, and certificates of cables and pipes, proving their fire resistance. The usage notice must always include the construction project coordinated with the construction notice. Additionally, the local government may also require a noise level measurement certificate.
Remember!
- Before installing an air-source heat pump, submit a construction notice with a project to the local government.
- If the building is located in a heritage conservation area, permission from the Heritage Board is required for installing the pump.
- Avoid installing the outdoor unit of the heat pump near bedrooms, as noise may disturb the owner or neighbors at night.
- Keep the user manuals and adhere to maintenance instructions. When installing, consider how the heat pump can be conveniently maintained in the future.
- In a condominium, the installation of an air-source heat pump requires the consent of all co-owners! Installing a heat pump changes the external appearance of the building, affecting the common property of all apartment owners.
What if the air-source heat pump remains unauthorized?
Unfortunately, there are still many heat pumps installed in Estonia that are not legalized. The problem arises from people's lack of awareness - a heat pump is a heating device, not a household appliance, and many companies selling and installing heat pumps do not inform buyers that a construction notice must be applied for from the local government before installing the device. An unauthorized heat pump can bring unpleasant consequences to the owner with the local government, insurance, or real estate purchase/sale.
An arbitrarily installed pump can cause complications if the existing property is intended to be sold. A potential home buyer cannot obtain a loan from the bank if the actual data of the building/unit (including the heating system) differs from the data in the construction registry. During inspection, the local government has the right to issue an injunction or a fine to the owner.
Therefore, City Climate recommends always using expert assistance when installing pumps and immediately legalizing the heat pump in compliance with the law.