A common myth about heat pumps is that they are noisy.

Of course, like all heating products, they make some noise.

But exactly how much noise do they make?

And what is this in relative to other heat sources (such as oil boilers)?

Read on to find out.

Just how noisy are heat pumps?

Whilst it’s fair to say that modern heat pumps are generally not noise, their precise noise output depends on:

Reports of nuisance systems can often be traced back to old heat pump models or substandard installations.

The basic principles of how heat pumps work are the same for main types of heat pump.

However, the variations between them can have an impact on their exact noise levels. Let’s take a closer look.

“… all heating products are noisy, and I think those of us who’ve lived with oil and gas boilers are familiar with the kind of intermittent roar that you get on the flue.
By contrast, with with a heat pump you don’t get that kind of thing. There’ll be some noise associated with it, but it isn’t that intermittent roaring. And the intermittent noise is a much bigger pain for customers and for all of us then actually a constant small amount of noise.”

– Luke Begley, Installation Manager, IMS Heat Pumps

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs): Up to 42 decibels

Volume isn’t much associated with GSHPs, because of the lack of fan unit.

There are components that make some noise. But this is always less than the noise of an air source heat pump.

Heat from the ground is more consistent, and therefore the power capacity of the compressor isn’t as high. So, the heat pump doesn’t need to operate at full throttle, and this keeps it quieter.

If you stand one metre away in the plant room, a ground source heat pump has a maximum decibel level of 42 decibels.

This is similar to a typical domestic refrigerator, which is much quieter than any fossil fuel boiler.

Besides, the ‘noisiest’ parts of a heat pumps are inside your home. So, the neighbours will not experience any change in outdoor environment.

In short, the system is installed correctly by a qualified contractor, noise will not be a problem.

Also read: How much space do I need for a ground source heat pump?

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs): 40 to 60 decibels

Typically, ASHPs will be noisier than GSHPs. However, this is in no way prohibitive and will not be a problem if planned carefully.

You often you get what you pay for. Depending on the system, quality of installation, and quality of maintenance, an air source heat pump will have between 40 to 60 decibels of noise.

Again, this is assuming you are one metre away from the unit. The upper noise limit is not a common.

“With air source heat pumps, it’s all down to location. Where you’re positioning it in the building or around the property, ideally away from sleeping quarters – where you’re sleeping or where you want to rest.
Some people don’t want them put on decking. I always say that when you’re enjoying the decking, you’re there in the summertime, so it’s not producing heat during the summertime, it’s only producing hot water for maybe an hour a day. Then it’s stopped, and it’s just literally an idle box outside. So, I don’t believe them to be noisy at all.”

– Emma Bohan, Managing Director at IMS Heat Pumps

There are official planning requirements with regards to air source heat pump noise.

ASHPs must be below 42 decibels, measured from a distance equal to that separating the unit and the next door property.

The noise might be between 40 to 60 decibels from just a metre distance (probably much quieter in reality), and the levels drop significantly as you move away.

In practice, an ASHP would only be a problem for neighbours is if the installation planning isn’t rigorous and the heat pump is located incorrectly.

Our friends at Vaillant have created an excellent simulator for you to gauge the level of air source heat pump noise (the site is German so you may need to translate!)

Also read: What are the costs of installing a heat pump?

“As with any solution, you kind of get what you pay for. So, if noise is a real issue for clients, there is a range of products and sound-proofing.
If it’s air source, fans and the performance outside might be an issue for a few customers.
And with all the internal heat pump products, the quality of sound-proofing and wrapping round of the internal components is important.
It’s something that you’re going to invest and live with this thing for the next 10 or 15 years in your house. It’s the bits you don’t see that you need to pay attention to.”

– Arran Donald, Installation Manager, IMS Heat Pumps

IMS Heat Pumps

At IMS Heat Pumps, we are experienced experts in both ground source heat pump installations and air source heat pump installations.

We ensure that all of our customers’ heat pumps are quiet, efficient, and effective for heating properties and hot water.

Each project is unique, so get in touch with us today for information on how you can benefit from a heat pump.