Are Air Heat Source Pumps Noisy
Is the heat pump in your home noisy?
When you invest in a heat pump for your home, you want to know exactly what you're getting and understand how noisy the heat pump is.
Some online videos show heat pump boilers making loud, annoying noises, however, don't worry, heat pump noise in your house is usually not a problem if your heat pump is working properly.
If you can hear loud noises coming from your heat pump in your house, it could be a sign that your heat pump is malfunctioning.
Heat pumps generally produce less noise than other types of heating systems, however, the noise level of a heat pump system will depend on the type of heat pump you install.
The amount of noise a heat pump produces depends on whether you have an air source heat pump or a ground source heat pump. Due to their design, air source heat pumps produce more noise than ground source heat pumps.
Here's an overview of the expected noise levels from your heat pump, as well as common heat pump noises, so you won't be surprised when your heat pump system is working.
How noisy is an air source heat pump?
Air source heat pumps are usually fairly quiet and produce a low level of noise, little more than a slight buzzing or whirring sound. The noise is generated by the fan inside the device. You will often find that if an air source heat pump is working hard to produce heat, it will make more noise. But it also means that when it's not as hard at work at night (if the heating and hot water are turned off), you can look forward to peace and quiet.
The noise generated by an air source heat pump is generally 40-60 decibels 1 meter away. This is considered low to medium noise, compared to a library and quieter than a dishwasher or moderate rainfall.
Air source heat pumps have an outdoor unit that uses warm air to generate heat, so the fan blades will produce some noise. This is why choosing the right location for your heat pump is crucial. If you install the pump in the correct location, you should hear very little noise. It is recommended to install the heat pump away from any open doors or windows, and if you are likely to leave the heating on all night, try to place it as far away from the bedroom as possible to avoid interruptions.
Older models make more noise as they generate heat, so if you want a less noisy heat pump, a newer model that's installed correctly may be much quieter.
This is how much space an air source heat pump requires.
Heat pump noise regulations
Although air source heat pumps are relatively quiet, they are not silent. When purchasing a heat pump unit, you need to consider noise pollution during the installation phase and check how much noise the outdoor unit will produce.
To ensure that you do not disturb your neighbours, you will need to install a heat pump whose large fan should be as far away from neighboring properties as possible. You may even want to go talk to your neighbors before installing the heat pump so they can prepare for the new addition.
Air source heat pumps also need to be installed more than 1 meter from your boundary, which should help reduce noise from your neighbours.
Installing your heat pump away from any open windows - especially bedroom windows, will help you get as much sound insulation as possible.
Check with your installer that the noise pollution is below 45 decibels, if it is louder you may need to obtain planning permission.
How noisy are geothermal heat pumps?
Geothermal heat pumps are generally quieter than air-source heat pumps because they don't have large fans, and they generally work easier than air-source heat pumps because the ground where they absorb heat is usually warmer than the air.
Geothermal heat pumps are usually located within a property. Since there is no fan unit, a geothermal heat pump sounds more like a regular dishwasher and requires little to no soundproofing.
However, geothermal heat pumps may cause some minor vibrations, which is something you need to be aware of before installation begins. If you plan on heating or hot water overnight you will need to consider the location of the heat pump unit, if it is placed near a bedroom you may experience some vibrations.
If this might bother you, there are some anti-vibration measures you can take to help soundproof the area around your heat pump.
Are heat pumps quieter than boilers?
Generally speaking, heat pumps are quieter than traditional fossil foil boilers and produce less noise when heating. The noise may differ from a conventional boiler due to the fan and other components, however, the noise level is still generally considered lower.
What to do if your heat pump is noisy
Heat pumps make some noise, which may be louder if the system is starting up, working hard to heat your home, or is in defrost mode. However, if your heat pump starts to ding or you notice an increasing amount of gurgling or hissing, contact the pump's installer or other registered engineer and check to see if you have a maintenance plan. Regular heat pump servicing is recommended, as a dirty motor can produce more noise, or the noise may be indicative of a more serious problem.
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