29 October 2024
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Considering a heat pump but worried about noise? This is one of the UK’s most common concerns when it comes to this low carbon heating solution. In the first of a series of ‘myth busting’ articles, Olivia Downing, Head of Marketing at NIBE UK, discusses whether noise is really something potential heat pump owners should be worrying about.
The reality is that modern heat pumps are quieter than you might expect and interestingly, the UK’s preoccupation with heat pump noise is largely unique. Our research shows that globally, the UK frontlines google searches with phrases such as, “Are heat pumps noisy?” Other EU countries such as Germany and France show less than half of the equivalent searches, or significantly fewer still - in Spain, there are zero searches for related terms.
Across Europe, around 20 million heat pumps are already installed with plans to install nearly 60 million more by 2030. These figures demonstrate a widespread acceptance of heat pumps as an effective, clean energy solution and highlight the UK’s negative perceptions regarding heat pump uptake.
Modern heat pumps are designed to work quietly and when installed correctly, should not cause any disturbance.
The noise myth:
Consider the sounds of any domestic appliance in your home. The low hum of a refrigerator or freezer, the gentle whooshing of the dishwasher. These are the commonly placed sounds of domestic life – a heat pump fits into this category. Concerns about heat pump noise have been investigated by Nesta, which found that a modern heat pump is no louder than a domestic fridge or freezer.
Looking to the future, heat pumps will feature in many more homes in the UK, including densely populated residential areas. Nesta’s research speaks to this concern as well, reporting that the cumulative sounds of multiple Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) would be equivalent to the typical noise of nighttime in an urban location. The report concludes that even in worst case scenarios, heat pumps are unlikely to stand out from the ambient sound of city life.
Heat pump location is also key - for both you and your neighbours. An MCS-certified installer will identify the right place to install your heat pump, which, for an ASHP, should usually be at least 1 metre away from the neighbouring property’s boundary. Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) and Exhaust Air Heat Pumps (EAHPs) are both located inside.
Heat pump noise levels: how do they compare?
Noise regulations state that an ASHP must not exceed 42 dB. Sounds at or below 70 A-Weight decibels (dB(A) are generally considered safe. To give that context, birdsong measures around 40 dB, comparatively, an electric toothbrush is 60 dB.
If you are accessing the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers £7,500 towards the cost of a heat pump installation, you will need to get your heat pump system certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) - an MCS accredited installer will do this for you. As part of this process, an important sound pressure check is carried out to ensure that the heat pump complies with noise standards.
Different types of heat pumps have varying noise ranges:
- Ground Source Heat Pumps: 40 - 42 dB (on par with the birdsong or a quiet office)
- Air source heat pumps: 40 - 60 dB (comparable to a domestic refrigerator)
- Exhaust Air Source Heat Pumps: 49 dB
A gas boiler operates at a similar 40 - 60 dB range as heat pumps, producing a noticeable sound when it turns on.
Understanding heat pump noise
Whilst there is some ‘typical use’ sound to be expected from your heat pump, the crucial distinction is between normal operational sounds and noises that might indicate a problem.
Like any mechanical system, heat pumps contain moving parts such as fans and compressors. When standing in close proximity to a heat pump, you can expect to hear a low humming noise. From any further distance, this sound should merge with background noise and not cause disruption.
When your heat pump switches to defrost mode, it is normal to hear a whooshing sound, especially in Winter. With some models, you may hear a faint clicking or tapping sound when turning on or off - again, these sounds are similar to everyday household appliances like a fridge or boiler.
When to call a professional
Heat pumps should not make unusual or excessively loud noises. Noises such as metal-on-metal, rattling or loud vibrations could indicate loose screws or worn-out components and should not be ignored. Rapid clicking noises alongside humming or escaping air could signal a serious problem like an electric fault or a refrigerant leak - call a professional.
Some common issues that may be causing noise are:
- Fans - over time, these can become worn out or dirty, leading to increased noise. Regular maintenance prevents this from becoming an issue.
- Compressor - mechanical vibrations may increase as this component begins to wear out, vibration noises indicate it’s time for a check-up.
- Airflow - if the heat pump becomes blocked, it may generate more noise as it has to work harder to move air. It’s important to inspect and clean vents regularly.
- Seasonal variation - during colder months, your heat pump will need to work harder, so a slight increase in noise is normal.
- Installation issues - if a heat pump unit is not securely fitted to a wall (or placed too close), or a freestanding unit is not to level, vibrations may be increased. A simple and effective solution to this is vibration absorbers or dampeners.
Conclusion
Modern heat pumps are designed to work quietly, and when installed correctly, should not cause any noise disturbance. Professional installation and regular maintenance are key to enjoying the benefits of a heat pump without noise becoming an issue. If you do encounter louder than normal sounds, it’s time to get your heat pump inspected by an expert.
Quiet by design: NIBE's heat pumps are some of the quietest on the market, designed to operate with as little noise as possible and featuring silent mode for nighttime or other noise-sensitive situations.
