Heat pumps continue to emerge as popular heating/cooling solutions across Europe. That’s owing to varied benefits like their elevated efficiency and eco-friendly design.
Despite all their advantages, are heat pumps noisy enough to be a nuisance? That one inquiry has been a debate among household owners and potential purchasers.
Considering this, here we’ll probe into varied aspects of the noisiness of heat pumps. We’ll probe the noise levels of differing heat pumps and the noise level regulations in place. We’ll further discuss some factors responsible for the heat pump noise and answer your queries.
How loud is a heat pump?
You may know that decibels (dB) denote the logarithmic units employed to measure sound levels. That implies that for each 10 dB noise increase, there is a ten-time increase in sound.
For instance, a 50 dB appliance is ten times noisier than a 40 dB appliance. Now, let’s come to the noise levels of heat pumps. Typically, that ranges between 40-60 dB.
That implies the average heat pump sound is compared to household noises, namely a refrigerator’s hum. In other words, heat pumps generate a low hum that’s typically not louder than 40 dB. That can attain 60 dB when the heat pump unit functions over time, e.g., on colder days.
The general sounds such appliances make encompass soft humming from the compressor. Or it could be a mild whoosh from the fan.
Yet there’s a myth that heat pumps are noisy. It comes from earlier modern models of such devices that were noisy. A lot of technological advancements have occurred since the mid-20th century. Present-day heat pumps are now more compact, quieter, and more efficient.
Heat pump noise level regulations
Regulations are in place for properties with such devices. The aim is that neighbors aren’t disturbed. Let’s consider the United Kingdom (UK) to be a European country.
Here, the legal heat pump noise limit is 42 dB. It’s measured from the boundary of the nearest neighbouring property. That implies the noise limit shouldn’t be exceeded. Your neighbours shouldn’t experience them.
Furthermore, in the UK, the following legislations stipulate guidance on noise emissions:
- Noise Act 1996
- Environmental Protection Act 1990
They aid in the management of the noise impact of heat pump systems. A specific unit may be liable for investigation if it is exceedingly noisy.
Installing such systems at least 1 meter from the property boundaries is pivotal. This further helps lessen noise interference with nearby households.
Noise levels of differing types of heat pumps
Heat pump sound levels differ per the device type. Air-source and ground-source heat pump systems are among the two primary variants of such devices.
Being cognizant of the noise levels of each heat pump type is imperative. It further aids in opting for the right choice when purchasing one. Let’s explore that in more detail:
1. Air-source heat pumps
Air-source varieties of such devices encompass components like fans and compressors. Thus, they tend to generate more noise compared to ground-source variants.
For instance, the fan of such appliances can generate a noticeable hum. It’s particularly during the colder months. It’s mainly when the system functions harder. Yet the sound levels can vary between differing models. Some models possess quieter designs with sound-dampening technology.
Air-source variants typically generate 40-60 dB from a one-meter distance, but they seldom get close to 60 dB in actuality. NEWNTIDE provides the quietest option, featuring a noise level of just 31dB(A) when measured at 1 meter. Check the details.
The positioning of the air-source heat pump system further affects its noise. You may install such a unit away from windows or use barriers, which can help lessen sound inside your household.
That gives the importance of the unit’s correct installation. Accordingly, it will seldom result in the unit being a potential nuisance to you or others.
2. Ground-source heat pumps
Ground-source varieties of such appliances convey heat through underground pipes. They are quieter than their air-source counterparts because they don’t employ a fan.
You can see that such systems use a ground loop. It circulates a mixture of antifreeze and water. Here, the goal is heat exchange with the ground. The outcome is minimal noise; these systems don’t need to work as hard.
The primary noise source for such systems may typically come from the indoor unit. They are usually quieter and function like a refrigerator in noise generation.
A correctly installed ground-source heat pump should generate no more than 42 dB of noise. It’s at a one-metre distance. Yet the quietness and peace it brings make it worthy of investment for noise-sensitive surroundings.
What causes heat pumps to be noisy?
Different factors apart from system type can lead to heat pump noise. Some prominent are:
1. Installation and placement
Installation and placement are the pivotal aspects leading to heat pump noise.
A poor heat pump installation can result in manifold issues, namely inefficiency and excessive noise. In contrast, a correctly installed system will function more efficiently and generate minimal noise. That ascertains comfort for both household occupants and neighbouring persons.
Similarly, the correct placement can substantially lessen unwanted sounds. That implies heat pump installation away from bedrooms and living areas can lessen noise disruptions. The placement of the appliance’s outdoor unit can play a pivotal role here.
Thus, household owners should select reputable and professional installers to install such appliances. The installers should have a track record of successful and effective heat pump installations.
2. Operating conditions
Another factor that can make such devices noisy is their operating conditions.
You may know that their air-source varieties work harder, especially during winter. That can raise noise levels as the appliances put in extra effort. That’s to uphold the desirable indoor temperature. Here are some aspects affecting this:
- Compressor workings: The compressor may work overtime in frigid conditions, producing more noise.
- Fan speed: The outdoor unit’s fan may rotate faster to bring more air in cold conditions. That can lead to elevated noise.
- Defrost cycles: Your unit may be involved in defrost cycles to avert ice buildup. That can temporarily increase noise.
- Temperature variances: You may raise the appliance’s thermostat to a few degrees on a frigid day. In that case, your appliance may work harder, creating more noise.
It’s also possible that the appliance’s parts break down or wear down with time. That can lead to an increase in the heat pump noise. In that case, a professional must address it.
3. Manufacturers and build quality
Your heat pump’s noise also relies on the manufacturer and the specific model’s build quality.
Opting for a low-noise model is an effective way to diminish the device’s noise. Various manufacturers have introduced extra-quiet heat pump models in recent years.
Considering that, several manufacturers are further complying with Quiet Mark certification. It’s a stringent third-party testing process that aims to identify the quietest heat pumps.
Build quality and design variations vary from model to model. Such design differences may lead to differences in noise output.
Heat pump noise compared to other heating systems
Air-source heat pumps have a noise level similar to average gas boilers (around 40-60 dB).
Yet, you may notice less sound from a heat pump than a gas boiler. That’s owing to the placement of the respective heating systems.
Most boilers are fitted within the household in areas like the laundry room or kitchen. That’s where you usually spend decent time.
On the other hand, air-source units are installed outside the household. That makes it less likely that you’ll hear some noise they generate.
Yet, a ground-source variant is an even quieter system (ranges between 40-42 dB).
Oil boilers can be noisier than gas boilers and air-source heat pumps. Their noise levels can reach 60-65 dB.
Air-source heat pump noise FAQs
How do I know how noisy my heat pump model is?
Typically, your heat pump manufacturer will specify your model’s noise level. That’s on the webpage concerning your model.
You can search for and open the model’s online manual. It often provides information about the expected noise level of the model. You can always contact the brand or manufacturer directly to know more.
Does the noise of a heat pump increase with age?
The noise of an air-source heat pump can increase with age. You can see that an older or badly-maintained unit may generate more sound with time. In this regard, the following are some substantial considerations:
- With time, the appliance’s fans may become worn or dirty.
- The system’s compressor may become noisy with wear and tear due to mechanical vibrations.
- When the system overworks, that can lead to airflow restrictions.
- Low refrigerant levels or leaks may bring about unusual sounds
Have your air-source unit maintained and serviced routinely. It greatly aids in promptly addressing any prevailing issues and hence minimizing noise increase.
Can I make my existing heat pump quieter?
The following are some measures you can take to minimize your heat pump noise:
- Don’t overwork your unit: Ensure your unit doesn’t overwork. Otherwise, it will commence producing elevated noise. Ensure the right heat pump size matches your household’s heating/cooling requirements.
- Ascertain your household is well-insulated: Ascertaining your home is well-insulated diminishes the chances that the unit overworks. That can aid in minimizing noise disruptions coming from the appliance.
- Install the appliance at the right location: You can place the system, especially its external unit, at a strategic location. That aids in minimizing noise intensity within your household.
- Carry out routine checks and maintenance: Have a qualified professional check and maintain the air-source unit routinely. That aids in identifying and solving any problem in case your unit generates excessive noise.
- Install dampeners: Another way to lessen air-source unit noise is to install dampeners. That can be placed under the unit’s feet. Or it’s put onto the bolts that safeguard the compressor in place. These dampeners will aid in diminishing vibrations and lessen such a system’s volume.
NEWNTIDE brings the high-performing and quietest heat pump line
NEWNTIDE is a principal heating/cooling heat pump supplier, especially of air-source variants. Our varied devices are fabricated to function with exceptional quietness. Our differing models have noise levels as low as 31 dB (at one-metre distance). Thus, you’ll scarcely notice their functioning, and your neighbours won’t be disturbed. Contact us for a heat pump quote.