Are air source heat pumps noisy?

Air source heat pumps are rocketing in popularity. They’re an important part of net-zero goals and provide energy-efficient, sustainable heating. But are they too noisy for domestic homes?

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The Daily Mail reports that noise experts have advised the government that heat pumps could cause a noise nuisance. So how loud are they?

Is a heat pump a noisy nuisance?

Imagine the low hum that your fridge produces. It’s a sound that you hardly register, although you hear it daily. That’s how loud air source heat pumps Cheltenham are in operation – between 40 and 60 decibels, or in the low-moderate noise range. For comparison, a crying baby can hit 110 decibels.

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So, where does the myth of noisy air source heat pumps come from? It’s true that the first heat pumps were much noisier. However, technological advancements mean that modern heat pumps are efficient, compact, and no noisier than a fridge, offering a promising future for sustainable heating solutions.

Is a heat pump louder than a boiler?

The average boiler’s noise range is also between 40 and 60 decibels. In other words, air source pumps, such as those installed by https://gsmlimited.com/services/air-source-heat-pumps/cheltenham, won’t increase the existing noise level in your home.

In fact, an air source heat pump is likely to seem much quieter than a conventional boiler because it’s installed outside. You’re far more likely to notice the noise from the gas boiler inside your home.

What are the loudest heat pumps?

Air-to-air and air source heat pumps are noisier than other heat pumps, but even then, you’re unlikely to notice the noise levels unless your windows are poorly insulated. It’s true that noise levels increase when your pump is working hard in a cold snap, hitting 60 decibels in freezing conditions.

Noisy Neighbours?

Regulations state that an air source heat pump shouldn’t exceed 45 decibels one metre from your neighbour’s property. However, a professionally installed, efficient air source heat pump usually doesn’t cause noise pollution. To avoid any issues, situate your air pump as far from the neighbours as possible and not underneath a window.