Hello,
I have a NIBE AMS10-12 air-source heat pump with an external unit installed on a 5x3m terrace that is fully exposed to the sun in the afternoon. Until last summer’s firmware update, cooling functionality was unreliable during hot days—likely due to the terrace air temperature exceeding 43°C. Fortunately, the update resolved this issue, and cooling has worked flawlessly since.
Now, when the fan activates when and EB101-BT28 sensor was ≥43°C, the temperature gradually decreases, confirming that the trapped heat on the terrace was the root cause. So the problem was effectively solved in software.
However, the extreme heat on the terrace still makes it unusable after noon, so I’m considering installing a bioclimatic pergola with two side curtains/covers. I’ve asked my installer whether this would interfere with the heat pump’s performance and whether the unit should be shaded under the pergola or left outside. Their response was vague, so I’d appreciate your expert opinion.
**Proposed Pergola Design:**
- **Structure:** The pergola will have two side covers and will be flush against the two adjacent walls, but it won’t be airtight.
- **Ventilation:** Even if both side covers and the top are closed by mistake, there will still be:
- A **0.3m x 2m gap** behind the external unit.
- A **2m x 2m opening** at the front of the terrace (though not directly in front of the unit).
- **Automation:** Controlled via Home Assistant, with logic to prevent full enclosure (e.g., side curtains will only close if the top and front are open).
- **Seasonal Adjustments:**
- **Winter:** All sides remain open to allow sunlight (beneficial for heating).
- **Summer:** The top will adjust dynamically based on the time of day to balance shade and airflow.
**Expected Benefits:**
- The shaded wall behind the unit should reduce its surface temperature, potentially improving cooling efficiency in the summer.
- The terrace would become usable year-round, even during peak heat.
**Key Questions:**
- **Is installing a bioclimatic pergola a good, bad, or neutral idea for heat pump performance?**
- **Should I shade the entire terrace (enclosing the unit) or only cover 2/3 of it, leaving the unit exposed to the sun?**
The installer’s response was non-committal, so I’d value a second opinion—preferably one backed by technical insights.
Thank you for your time and expertise!
Best regards.