Introduction
Moving a heat pump often raises technical and practical questions. Whether it is for an addition, exterior work, or an interior reconfiguration, it is essential to clearly understand what this type of project involves. Contrary to what you might think, moving a heat pump is not simply a matter of taking it down and mounting it somewhere else. It is a precision operation that requires a qualified technician and strict compliance with applicable standards.
This complete guide explains the conditions that must be met before undertaking a relocation, the steps to follow, the risks to anticipate, and best practices for preserving your unit’s performance and warranty.
Key points summary
- Relocating a heat pump is possible, but it must be done by a certified professional.
- A technical assessment beforehand is essential to confirm the project’s feasibility.
- Compliance with electrical standards, the CSA B52 code, and minimum clearances is mandatory.
- Improper disassembly can cause refrigerant leaks or reduced efficiency.
- Manufacturers may void the warranty if the relocation is not authorized.
- The process includes refrigerant recovery, reinstallation, and pressure testing.
- A full diagnostic before and after the move helps ensure safety and performance.
1. Assessing the feasibility of relocation
Before any disassembly begins, you need to determine whether the relocation is technically feasible and economically worthwhile. Several factors influence the decision: the type of unit (wall-mounted or central), the distance between components, electrical constraints, and the building’s layout.
A refrigeration technician will assess the compressor’s condition, existing line-set lengths, breaker capacity, and fitting compatibility. This preliminary analysis helps prevent costly long-term issues such as reduced performance or refrigerant leaks.
Preliminary inspection and diagnostic
The initial inspection includes verifying:
- the refrigerant charge level;
- the condition of copper lines and electrical cables;
- the maximum allowable distance between the indoor and outdoor units;
- the drainage capacity of the new installation.
If the unit is older or shows signs of wear (corrosion, reduced efficiency, unusual noise), a full replacement may be more advantageous than relocating it. The technician can recommend the best option based on your situation.
2. Common scenarios and feasibility
| Scenario | Relocation feasibility | Key precautions |
| Moving it from the living room to another room | Possible, with an extension of the refrigerant lines | Check line length and slope, recalculate airflow |
| Changing the exterior façade | Yes, if the lines meet maximum distance limits | Plan a route under the floor or a sealed chase |
| Building a deck or balcony | Possible if there is sufficient clearance around the unit | Avoid areas prone to snow accumulation |
| Landscaping work | Yes, with repositioning of the base | Ensure a stable support and proper ground drainage |
Technical limits
Manufacturers often impose maximum lengths and elevation changes for the lines connecting the two units. If these limits are exceeded, energy performance decreases and refrigerant pressure becomes unstable. In addition, any unauthorized extension can void the manufacturer’s warranty.
So even if the relocation seems physically simple, it must always be validated by a professional.
3. The heat pump relocation process
Once feasibility has been confirmed, the technician follows a precise protocol to ensure safety and environmental compliance.
Main steps
- Planning and site preparation: Detailed inspection, estimate of required materials, and verification of clearance distances.
- Refrigerant recovery: The refrigerant is removed from the circuit and stored using approved equipment, in accordance with environmental requirements.
- Controlled disassembly: Disconnecting the refrigerant lines, electrical wiring, and wall brackets.
- Relocation: Transporting the unit to the chosen location and installing it on a stable base or a compliant wall mount.
- Reinstallation and levelling: Reconnecting the lines, adjusting lengths, resealing, and checking for leaks.
- Recharging and pressure testing: Reintroducing refrigerant according to the manufacturer’s specifications, then testing the system to confirm there are no leaks.
- Final commissioning: Thermostat calibration, performance testing, and verification of the defrost cycle.
Each step must be carried out by a refrigeration technician with a recognized certification (CMMTQ or equivalent). This helps ensure system compliance and occupant safety.
4. Risks of an improperly done relocation
A relocation that is poorly planned or carried out without specialized skills can have several consequences:
- Refrigerant leaks: improper connections compromise internal pressure and reduce performance.
- Compressor overheating: if line lengths exceed standards, the workload increases.
- Electrical damage: a poorly sized cable extension can cause voltage drop.
- Loss of warranty: most manufacturers require work by an authorized professional.
- Regulatory non-compliance: Environment and Climate Change Canada requires refrigerant recovery before any relocation.
A homeowner should therefore never try to relocate a heat pump themselves. Beyond the risk of damage, the unit could become non-compliant with current safety and environmental standards.
5. Environmental and regulatory considerations
Heat pumps use refrigerant that must be handled with care. Transfer, recovery, and recharging are governed by federal halocarbon regulations. Only certified technicians have the equipment required to carry out these operations without releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere.
In addition, the CSA B52 code sets requirements for refrigeration system installations in Canada. Following these standards protects not only the environment, but also the unit’s durability.
Good to know
- The relocation should always be documented: maintenance record, measured pressures, amount of refrigerant recovered, and recharge completed.
- A relocation performed properly maintains the warranty and original performance.
- Outdoor units must sit on a stable base, clear of any water or snow accumulation.
6. Tips for planning a relocation
Before starting the project, a few simple precautions can save time and help ensure the work goes smoothly:
- Choose the right location: ideally sheltered from prevailing winds and away from eavestroughs to prevent ice buildup.
- Plan the line routing: limit elbows and avoid overly long runs to preserve performance.
- Check the wall or ground structure: the support must be solid, level, and capable of carrying the unit’s weight.
- Anticipate finishing work: drilling, sealing, and insulating around the lines.
- Schedule commissioning with the technician: final calibration is essential for performance.
These checks help ensure the system performs as expected, without capacity loss or increased consumption.
Summary table: relocation best practices
| Step | Objective | Mistakes to avoid |
| Preliminary inspection | Assess feasibility and compliance | Ignoring the maximum distance between units |
| Refrigerant recovery | Protect the environment and the compressor | Purging the system without approved equipment |
| Disassembly and transport | Preserve component integrity | Bending copper lines or pulling on cables |
| Reinstallation | Maintain energy performance | Installing the unit too close to a wall or obstacle |
| Commissioning | Verify tightness and calibration | Neglecting pressure tests or calibration |
7. Why hire a certified professional
Relocating a heat pump requires skills in electricity, refrigeration, and ventilation. Licensed technicians have the equipment needed to handle refrigerants, recalculate charge requirements, and adjust line sets without compromising performance.
They also ensure the relocation follows the manufacturer’s recommendations and local standards. In addition, professional service is the only way to preserve the warranty and ensure system compliance.
Conclusion
Yes, it is absolutely possible to relocate an existing heat pump, as long as it is done properly. A preliminary assessment, professional handling of refrigerant, and an installation that meets applicable standards are essential to avoid any loss of performance.
To ensure optimal and safe operation, it is strongly recommended to entrust the project to a qualified technician who will make sure electrical and environmental requirements are met.
Frequently Asked Questions About Relocating a Heat Pump
Can you move a heat pump yourself?
No. This operation requires refrigerant recovery and recharging, electrical work, and precise calibration. It must be performed by a certified technician.
Is the warranty void after a relocation?
Only if the work is not carried out by an authorized professional. A compliant, documented relocation maintains the manufacturer’s warranty.
How long does a relocation take?
In general, between one and three days, depending on the site configuration and installation complexity. The exact time depends on line lengths and finishing work.
Do you need to replace the refrigerant after a relocation?
No, not necessarily. The technician recovers it, stores it temporarily, then reinjects it into the system after verifying purity and pressure.
Can relocation reduce heat pump performance?
Not if distances, elevation changes, and charge levels meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Poor calculations or a non-compliant installation, however, can reduce efficiency.
When is it better to replace rather than relocate?
If the heat pump is more than ten years old or if signs of wear are visible, replacement is often more cost-effective. An expert can guide you based on the unit’s condition.
