How much noise do heat pumps create? Here we explain the average noise levels and what to expect.
- How Loud are Heat Pumps?
- Heat Pump Noise Level Regulations
- Heat Pump Noise by Type
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Noise Factors
- Design Variations
- Installation
- Air Source Heat Pumps Noise FAQs
- When can the heat pump sound be an issue?
- How can I tell how loud a heat pump model will be?
- Can a heat pump get louder with age?
Having a heat pump installed is something of a mammoth undertaking. It takes a team of hunter-gatherers, or one skilled engineer (who will prove useless when hunting a mammoth).
Not only are heat pumps expensive but their installation can be quite disruptive.
With all of the noise of a heat pump installation and its many important considerations, it’s easy to ignore the sound levels that heat pumps produce. Unless you’re trying to sleep next to one of the loudest models, that is.
If the question has crossed your mind “Are heat pumps noisy?”, you’ve come to the right place.
In the following guide, we’ll discuss the noise levels of heat pumps and factors that play a role in the loudness of any given model.
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Heat Pump Noise Key Takeaways:
Air source heat pumps (ASHP) create between 40 and 60 decibels on average - considered a low to the average level of noise.
That is a similar noise level to a dishwasher or microwave.
Current building standards mean that the ASHP must only generate 45dB if it is one metre from one of your neighbour’s windows.
Therefore, the ideal location for an ASHP is away from windows and at a reasonable distance from your neighbour's property.
All of these factors are considered during the installation process, get your quote here.
An ASHP is considerably less loud than a crying child at 110 decibels.
How Loud are Heat Pumps?
It’s important to remember that decibels are logarithmic measuring units.
This means that for every 10dB increase in noise, the level of noise is ten times greater.
For example, a 50dB appliance will be ten times louder than a 40dB appliance. That really puts that crying child at 110dB into perspective, doesn’t it?
The good news is that heat pumps are generally not that noisy unless they’re doubling as your drum kit.
In fact, on average, their sound levels are classed as ‘low moderate’, (40-60 decibels) landing somewhere between the noise of a dishwasher and a quiet library.
A ground source heat pump should generate no more than 42 decibels of noise at a distance of one metre.
As for Air source heat pumps, these appliances tend to produce somewhere between 40 and 60 decibels of sound at a distance of one metre.
As alluded to, distance is a key factor here. The above sound estimates assume that you are only a metre from the appliance.
However, as you move away from a heat pump, its noise levels would drop off significantly. Even a noisy air source heat pump is less noticeable 600 metres away.
Ultimately, if a heat pump is working well (and with the exception of when you are particularly close to them), you’ll probably hear nothing. Location is an important consideration too.
For example, you probably shouldn’t have the box positioned right below any windows, or in your children’s bedroom.
At the very least, you shouldn’t notice much noise at all.
Therefore, a well-functioning and decent-quality heat pump should not cause any fuss in terms of noise pollution.
Heat Pump Noise Level Regulations
There is a range of rules/regulations to take into consideration for heat pump sound generation. Which we all understand, after your neighbour organized that illegal rave during the pandemic.
Of course, by having a suitably qualified professional install your heat pump, it will almost certainly comply with all necessary regulations.
One such regulation is that your heat pump should not be louder than 45dB if it is one metre from one of your neighbour’s windows.
In this specific scenario, it’s possible that a ground source heat pump will be the easier option for limiting noise generation. However, you can always run this by your installer (quietly).
What’s more, when it comes to air source heat pumps, the Microgeneration Installer Standard requires that external fans have to be positioned in such a way as to minimise any noise disturbance to your neighbours - no matter how loud they are.
What’s more, suitable tools should be used to dampen the noise of an internal air source heat pump (if applicable).
Check out the video below to see our Alpha hybrid heat pump installation case study in the UK:
There are other regulations/rules that must be followed relating to vibrations and the use of suitable materials to limit any vibrations. No matter what the Beach Boys try to tell you, there are no good vibrations when it comes to heat pumps.
Again, for any relevant regulations and rules, you can always verify with your installer that they are being followed to a T.
Heat Pump Noise by Type
While we’ve touched on heat pump noise generation of air source and ground source heat pumps, it’s helpful to discuss these differences in more detail.
This is especially true if you’re seriously considering a heat pump installation in the near future.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Due to components including the compressors and fans used by air source heat pumps, they tend to produce more noise than ground source heat pumps.
Air source heat pumps generally produce anywhere from 40 to 60 decibels from a distance of one metre. With that said, they’ll rarely get anywhere close to 60 decibels in reality.
When it comes to the regulations or/and your ASHP being a potential nuisance to you or others, once it is installed correctly this will likely not be the case. If it’s a nuisance to you, it won’t be because of the noise.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground-source heat pumps tend not to be as noisy as their air-source counterparts. They’re the quiet, reserved teacher’s favourites of the air pump world.
One part of this is that with ground-source heat being more consistent, the compressor does not require as high a power capacity.
Therefore, ground source heat pumps do not need to work as hard, thus making less noise. That would mean ground source heat pumps are more like the show-off in the gym that doesn’t actually lift any weights.
As touched on, a properly installed ground source heat pump should produce at most 42dB at a one-metre distance. This makes it comparable (in noise generation) to your average household fridge.
With the average gas boiler producing somewhere between 40dB and 60dB, ground-source heat pumps tend to be significantly quieter.
More heat pump guides:
Noise Factors
Along with depending on what type of heat pump you opt for (i.e. ground source or air source), there is a range of factors that can shape how loud a specific model and installation will be.
Design Variations
Whether you choose an air-source heat pump or ground-source heat pump, variations in design from model to model will affect noise output.
In the case of air source heat pumps some of the design considerations are the type of fan used, the speed, airflow and pressure flow. Avoid experimental models with an alarm clock or bullhorn attached.
While the noise output can vary based on the specific fan model used and air velocity, the pressure flow is indirectly linked to noise levels.
Since ground source heat pumps do not need a fan, they are generally quiet.
Of course, technically design variations might make a difference in noise output but it’s unlikely that they would be in any way noticeable.
Installation
The correct installation is key to keeping the noise down. It’s true for the DIY projects on your car, and true for your heat pump, too.
Whether or not the regulations require the ideal setup, having your heat pump installed in the best way possible to limit noise (particularly if it’s an air-source heat pump) can pay dividends. If you want to minimise noise, the right design is key.
As touched on earlier, the use of suitable tools to dampen noise is one way to keep now levels down from an indoor air source heat pump.
Moreover, if there are concerns over the heat pump producing vibrations, suitable materials being fitted within the property can be used to limit these effects.
Indeed, it may even be necessary per the regulations.
Air Source Heat Pumps Noise FAQs
When can the heat pump sound be an issue?
As touched on, the noise output of a heat pump can be a problem if it bothers you or your neighbours. Unfortunately, you can’t turn up the volume on your heat pump to get back at your neighbours.
This is unlikely to happen in any circumstance with a ground source heat pump installation (although regulations and best practices should still be followed).
However, in the case of an air source heat pump, it’s particularly important that should it be set up a metre from a neighbour’s window, the noise output is no more than 45dB.
Moreover, any other relevant rules and regulations should be met regardless of what type of heat pump you have installed. A bad installation could get noisy quickly.
With a suitable professional performing the installation, this should be no problem.
How can I tell how loud a heat pump model will be?
In most cases, the manufacturer will state clearly on the web page associated with the heat pump model what its noise level outputs are.
However, if you have no success, you can always open up the online manual (if available) of the specific model or try contacting the brand directly.
Can a heat pump get louder with age?
As heat pump parts wear down or even break down, it’s possible that your heat pump could become noisier with time.
However, if this occurs, it’s important to consider that it may be a sign of an issue that needs addressing - much like that baby, we’ve mentioned before.
Of course, if your heat pump became louder quite suddenly you should definitely have it looked at by a professional.
Even still, if it happens more gradually, it is still worth having a professional take a look. If you want long enough, your neighbours might come to take a look and fix the problem themselves.
You are more likely to notice a heat pump issue due to an increase in noise levels if you have an air-source heat pump.
This is simply because their infrastructure is located entirely above the ground making it easier to detect any noise changes.
Either way, it’s important to be aware of all the signs (and key signs) to watch out for that a heat pump needs checking.
The potential for wear and tear is one of many reasons why it’s vital to have your heat pump serviced annually.
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