Let’s take a look at the facts around heat pump noise…
If you’re curious to learn how a heat pump produces noise and how much noise it produces, read on.
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How loud is an air source heat pump?
Most people are genuinely surprised by how quiet an air source heat pump is.
Like any machine in operation, and air source heat pump does produce noise – but how much noise it produces is remarkably low, especially as newer models are being designed with a focus on low-noise operation.
The noise is so low, in fact, that it’s about the same as a whisper, the gentle hush of a library, or the sound of a breeze through leaves.
Why do heat pumps produce noise?
The heat pumps we install here at CB Heating (EDF Heat Pumps), make amazing replacements for gas boilers in domestic homes. You won’t have to replumb your whole house and you can, in most cases, connect your existing heating pipes and radiators.
Heat pumps extract heat from the air outside your home to warm up water and radiators – so you can stay snug all year round. The element that produces noise in an ASHP is the fan that’s used to draw air over a refrigerant element. This fan runs at varying speeds depending on your home’s heating needs, but it’s also worth remembering that it doesn’t run all the time.
Your gas boiler only runs when you use it, and thousands of homes up and down the country live with boiler noise without complaint. An air source heat pump is just as quiet,m if not quieter than your gas boiler when it is working!
How noisy are air source heat pumps?
Watch the video below where Jamie Ansell, our head of training shows you just how quiet an air source heat pump is.
As part of our bespoke system design service, we always opt for the model that we’ve learned will give you the best result, but noise is always factored in – so that you can stay warm peacefully.
The models we work with roughly have a low sound pressure level when operating in Standard Sound Mode which sounds something like birds chirping at a distance or the quiet hush of a library. This is significantly quieter, for example than a cooker extraction hood on a low setting.
One of our trusted manufacturers, Ideal, has had their Logic Air models officially rated among the quietest in the UK by industry-standard certification company Quiet Mark.
So, the only noise that you’ll get inside your home is, usually, the noise of radiators heating up – which is no different from what you’ve likely become used to with a gas boiler.
This is likely to be much less frequent (or non-existent) because your radiators will stay at a constant temperature rather than the constant cycling you tend to get with gas boilers.
Will a heat pump disturb my neighbours?
When your air source heat pump is installed, the following needs to be considered to comply with noise legislation and noise levels must not exceed 42dB when measured from your nearest neighbour’s property.
For context, the volume of a gas boiler ranges between 30-60dB. So, if you’re content with the volume of your gas boiler, you won’t even notice the volume of your new air source heat pump and neither will your neighbours which is good news all round.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that the times your heat pump runs at the highest volume is when it needs to work harder to extract heat from the outside air. This is almost always in the depths of winter when you and your neighbours aren’t often outside anyway!
Are heat pumps too loud for MCS accreditation?
Not at all, every one of our installations is MCS registered and we go to great lengths to make sure they’re all accredited. Before the installation, we carry out an in-depth noise assessment for the unit itself in order to meet permitted development requirements.
Do I need a noise assessment?
No one wants to disturb their neighbours so it’s important to consider how your new air source heat pump may affect those living around you.
Before your installation has taken place, a noise assessment is carried out. This measures the noise level of the heat pump from your neighbour’s property to ensure that it is no louder than the UK legal limit of 42dB. This isn’t loud at all. For example, the refrigerator in your kitchen usually produces the same level of sound.
How to minimise heat pump noise
The main way to mitigate heat pump noise, in much the same way as a gas boiler, is to run it efficiently once the heat pump has been installed. Most people find that it operates so quietly that they generally forget the heat pump is even there.
We’ll advise you (as part of the system design) on a good installation location to minimise noise from the outdoor unit. Our installers will also leave you with the best set up system with efficient settings that stop frequent heat pump cycling. An efficient, consistent system design helps the heat pump unit not work as hard when heating your home.
Are there any noise regulations during a heat pump installation?
Usually, no heavy machinery needs to be used for a heat pump installation other than, occasionally, a powered masonry drill to run the pipework into your home. The outdoor unit is usually installed within a day or two with the rest of the project taking place inside your home.
However, there certainly are regulations for how loud a heat pump can be after it’s been installed. So, every one of our installations has a detailed noise assessment carried out and certified with MCS.
Our bespoke system report explains everything
Before any installations even begin, you’ll have had plenty of detailed conversations with our team and will have seen all the plans. Our system designers provide clear and detailed guidance on every aspect of the installation. As part of the report, you will also receive a copy of the noise level assessment approved by MCS.