Are Air Source Heat Pumps Noisy?
Noise is a major concern for people looking to install an air source heat pump. However, the reality is, heat pump noise levels are only around 58db(A), which is no louder than the fridge in your kitchen.
To help clear a few things up, we’ve put together this complete guide, answering some key questions including ‘are air source heat pumps noisy?’, ‘what does a heat pump sound like in real life?’ and ‘what are the heat pump noise regulations?’.
How Noisy Are Air Source Heat Pumps? Typical Decibel Levels
Most air source heat pumps operate somewhere in the range of 40-60db(A). Intergas’ Xceed range of heat pumps emits just 58db(A) at a distance of 5m. This is around the same volume as some of your quietest home appliances.
| Noise Source | Decibels (db(A)) |
| Xceed air source heat pump | 58 |
| Fridge/freezer | 40 – 60 |
| Microwave | 55 – 59 |
| Gas boiler | 40 – 60 |
| Conversation | 60 – 70 |
| Vacuum cleaner | 60 – 80 |
| Traffic | 70 – 85 |
The reality is air source heat pump noise levels are around the same as many appliances you already have in your home, including your existing gas boiler. Installing a heat pump is unlikely to add any noticeable additional noise to your property, and if you’re trying to decide between a heat pump or gas boiler, the noise difference is negligible.
What Does a Heat Pump Sound Like in Real Life?
So, we’ve looked at on-paper figures, but how noisy are heat pumps in real life? The reality is, air source heat pump noise levels will vary depending on conditions and usage at any given point. There are a few factors that will cause noise levels to go up and down:
- Ambient temperature – if the temperature outside your home is especially low, your heat pump will have to work harder to draw in heat, and will get noisier, in the same way your boiler makes more noise in the winter
- Internal temperature – the temperature inside your property will also have an affect, and when the target temperature is reached, your heat pump will get quieter
- Installation location – where you install your heat pump will impact how loud it sounds, for example, if it’s installed in front of a fence or below a window, the noise will be amplified
- Model type – different models of heat pump emit varying levels of noise, but also having a pump that is too small for your home will cause it work to harder than necessary, emitting more noise than normal
It’s also worth remembering that you’re unlikely to ever be sat next to your heat pump. They’re typically installed in out-of-the-way locations, limiting noise transmission. You won’t usually be able to hear your heat pump from inside your home, and chances are you won’t hear it outside very often either, except on especially quiet days.
Air Source vs Other Heat Pumps Comparison
There are two main types of heat pumps: air source and ground source. Air source heat pumps extract heat from the air, whereas ground source heat pumps draw warmth from below the ground.
Ground source heat pumps are usually quieter than air source heat pumps, because much of the system is situated below ground level. However, they require a far more complex and costly installation process. Ground source heat pumps are also only suitable for properties with enough space for the whole system, which is much larger than the 1mᒾ or so required for air source heat pumps.
UK Noise Regulations
Air Source Heat Pump Noise Limits
In the UK, air source heat pump regulations stipulate that a heat pump must not exceed a noise level of 42db(A) when measured 1 meter away from a neighbour’s window.
This is not a difficult limit to achieve, given our range of heat pumps, for example, emits just 58db(A) at 5m. Sound levels can be further controlled with the use of fencing, plants and heat pump covers.
How To Ensure Your Air Source Heat Pump Meets UK Noise Regulations
Ensuring your heat pump noise level doesn’t exceed the maximum 42db(A) limit is easy:
- Choose a quality heat pump
- Select a trusted installer
Good quality heat pumps, such as an Intergas Xceed model, will be designed to operate as quietly as possible, even when under load. A trusted, experienced installer will understand the noise regulations surrounding heat pumps, and will ensure yours is installed in the best position possible.
How To Reduce Heat Pump Noise Levels
There are a few strategies you can use to reduce air source heat pump noise, including:
- Vibration control – anti-vibration pads or mounts can stop vibrations from your heat pump travelling through the structure of your home
- Positioning – install your heat pump away from windows and doors and in a location where the sound can dissipate without affecting anyone
- Sound barriers – fences, walls or specially designed acoustic enclosures can prevent noise from travelling to neighbouring properties
- Acoustic wraps – fitting an acoustic blanket or wrap around the compressor on your heat pump will dampen the worst of the noise
- Maintenance – routine maintenance such as cleaning fan blades and tightening loose screws and fastenings can keep noise levels to a minimum
Given that UK homeowners can currently get heat pump grants of up to £7,500, it may be worth investing some of the money you save into noise limiting features. Although, sound insulation is likely to be just a small portion of the overall air source heat pump cost, and many properties may not need any at all.
Choose the Right Air Source Heat Pump
A large part of reducing heat pump noise levels is simply selecting the right system in the first place. Choosing a heat pump that is high quality and an appropriate size for your property will keep noise levels to a minimum without the need for any additional upgrades.
At Intergas, we have been at the forefront of home heating innovations since 1939. Our Xceed range of air source heat pumps distills more than 80 years of expertise into a quiet, efficient way to warm your home year round. Our friendly team can help you select the best model for your property and recommend a trusted installer. For more information or support, just call us on 01527 888000, email us at sales@intergas-heating.co.uk or fill out our contact form.
FAQs: Heat Pump Noise
Where to put an air source heat pump to reduce noise?
Heat pump noise can be reduced by installing them away from windows and doors, seating them on anti-vibration feet and surrounding them with acoustic barriers such as a fence, wall or specially made enclosure. Also, avoid installing them in narrow passageways, as the noise can be reflected and amplified.
Are air source heat pumps noisy for neighbours?
Provided they are installed correctly, heat pump noise is unlikely to be an issue for your neighbours, or you for that matter. Our Xceed heat pumps emit just 58db(A) of noise at 5m, which is around the same sound volume as your freezer.
Is it normal for air source heat pumps to make some noise?
Yes. Air source heat pumps make a nominal amount of noise during normal operation. This will fluctuate based on how hard the heat pump is working at any given point. You may notice more noise in the winter, for example, when your heat pump is working harder to draw in warmth.
Do heat pumps make less noise than boilers?
Heat pump noise levels are around the same as modern combi boilers, at about 40 – 60db(A). You’re unlikely to notice a significant difference in noise between air source heat pumps, hybrid systems and combi boilers. Although, if you’re choosing between hybrid or heat pumps, you may experience more indoor noise with a hybrid system.
How loud is an air source heat pump in decibels?
Air source heat pump noise levels are typically between 40 and 60db(A), which is about the same as a fridge or freezer. Our Xceed range of heat pumps emits just 58db(A) at 5m.
Do heat pumps need planning permission because of noise?
In most cases, no. You are unlikely to need planning permission for an air source heat pump as they are usually classed as a permitted development. The only reason you would need planning permission is if your heat pump was louder than 42db(A) when measured at 1m from your neighbour’s windows.
Are air source heat pumps louder in winter?
You can usually expect a little more noise from air source heat pumps in winter. This is because they work by extracting heat from the air, so when the air is colder, they have to work harder to draw in warmth. The extra noise is perfectly normal, and shouldn’t ever be enough to become disruptive.
