This information applies to Hofors, Ockelbo and Sandvikens municipality.

Installation of a heat pump

There are several different types of heat pumps. Some heat pumps can pose a risk to the environment. For example, they can affect groundwater. Therefore, you must make a notification or apply for a permit to install certain types of heat pumps.

What types of heat pumps require notification or permit?

You must make a notification if you want to install a heat pump for geothermal heat, surface water heat or groundwater heat. If you want to install such a heat pump in a water protection area, you must apply for a permit.

You also need to submit a notification, or application, if you replace the heat pump unit, extend an existing borehole or drill a new hole in an existing installation.

You do not need to submit a notification if you are installing an air source heat pump. However, neighbors may be disturbed by the noise from the outdoor unit, especially in areas where houses are close together. It is advisable to inform your neighbours and think about where the outdoor unit is placed. If there are complaints, you may be required to show that the noise is below the applicable guide values.

How do I make a notification or apply for a permit?

You submit your notification or apply for a permit via our online service. You log in with your e-ID. Via the online service, you also submit the documents you need to attach. We start processing your notification when it is complete.

Make a notification of the installation of a heat pump (in Swedish) External link, opens in new window.

What documents do I need to attach?

When you make a notification of a heat pump, you need to attach these documents:

A scale plot map/situation plan(can be ordered via e-service, map extract, in Swedish External link, opens in new window.)
The plot map should show buildings, boreholes or collectors, the location of the heat pump, plot boundaries, roads and watercourses. You should also indicate all water sources within 50 meters of the drilling site.
Keep in mind that you are responsible for protecting your neighbors' water sources. You must also inform your neighbors about the planned drilling.
You need to attach a neighbor's statement if you are going to place part of the installation on someone else's land or if you are going to place the borehole or hose less than 10 meters from the neighbor's property line. Affected neighbors have the right to see your application documents and should understand that drilling on their property may affect their own plans. Neighbors who already have a heat pump should also be allowed to comment.

What does it cost to make a notification or application?

The cost of our processing is SEK 2400 outside the water protection area and SEK 3600 within the water protection area.

How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump works like a refrigerator, but in reverse. Energy is absorbed at a low temperature and released at a high temperature using electrical energy. You can use, for example, air, rock, soil, ground or sea water as a heat source.

Tips for installing a heat pump

There is always some risk of ground and surface water being contaminated by leaks when you install a heat pump or if it breaks down. When you drill an energy borehole, particles can also be pushed out from cracks in the bedrock that can cloud the water in a drinking water well.

According to the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU), you should have a protective distance of 20 meters between an energy borehole and a dug water well. In the case of a drilled water well, you should have a safety distance of 30 meters. However, this does not guarantee that impacts will not occur. Therefore, it is important to be aware of nearby drinking water sources, both yours and your neighbors'. Keep in mind that there may be properties with individual drinking water wells even in areas where most are connected to municipal water.

If two energy wells are placed too close to each other, there is a risk that they will negatively affect each other so that the effect of the heat pumps is impaired. According to SGU, there should be at least 20 meters between two energy boreholes. They therefore recommend drilling at least 10 meters from the property line. It is also a good idea to discuss your plans with your neighbors. You may then be able to draw up a plan for the area so that everyone has the opportunity to install a heat pump system if they so wish.

Remember that it is you as the client or operator who is responsible under the Environmental Code if environmental damage occurs as a result of the installation of a heat pump system. If the contractor has caused the damage through negligence, the responsibility may lie with him. Check beforehand that you have a valid home insurance policy and that the contractor has liability insurance.