Homeowners considering installing a heat pump often ask, “are heat pumps noisy?”, particularly in relation to other household heating systems.

It’s a good question and an important one in the decision-making process.

How loud is a heat pump in decibels?

Heat pumps come in many shapes and sizes and the noise they emit will change based on the quality of the unit and the efforts made by the manufacturer to minimise noise impact.

The good news though is that most air source heat pumps are quiet, and getting quieter as new models are brought to market.

Let’s take a look at the different heat pumps you can get in the UK and the associated noise levels. In general terms:

• A ground source heat pump shouldn’t generate more than 42 decibels of noise at a distance of one metre
• Air source heat pumps usually produce between 40 and 60 decibels of sound at a distance of one metre

In terms of what they sound like, when working properly, a heat pump will make a low whirring noise. This is classed as white or background noise.

The legal noise limit for a heat pump measured from your neighbour’s property is 42 decibels. 20 decibels is the equivalent of leaves rustling, 25-30 decibels is a whisper and 40 decibels is the typical noise made by a refrigerator. Many of the latest heat pumps can operate as low as 40dB, but depending on how hard they are working, this may increase to 60dB, which is the same volume as human conversation.

Note the distance - this is the level when you are just 1 metre away. Further than that and the noise levels reduce. So, this brings us to an important part of the installation process - where to install it. It cannot be within 1m of the boundary of your property. Your certified installer will recommend the best place, having undertaken a review of the property. But you can also think of the best place outside - try to steer clear of places near to or under your windows, for example!

Conclusion

Like all devices of a similar nature, low levels of noise will be emitted. However, as long as you have carefully considered the type of heat pump you are going to install, and can site it appropriately, noise issues really shouldn’t be a concern.

To find out more about how Thermly can help you become heat pump ready, head to: https://thermly.co.uk/heat-pumps

For more about who we are, visit: https://thermly.co.uk/about-us

‍