How Noisy Is a Heat Pump?

Noise is a common concern, especially for homeowners with close neighbours. The good news is that modern heat pumps are remarkably quiet, and significantly quieter than older models.

A typical modern air source heat pump operates at around 40-45 decibels at one metre distance. To put that in context, a normal conversation is about 60 dB, a fridge hums at about 40 dB, and a quiet library is around 30 dB. From your neighbour's garden, the noise is typically inaudible or barely noticeable.

The premium units we install from Daikin and Stiebel Eltron are specifically engineered for low noise operation. The Daikin Altherma, for example, operates at just 38 dB in quiet mode, practically silent.

Planning regulations require that the noise from a heat pump must not exceed 42 dB at the nearest neighbour's window. All MCS-certified installations include a noise assessment to ensure compliance.

The outdoor unit should be positioned away from bedroom windows (yours and your neighbours') where possible. We also install anti-vibration mounts and acoustic matting to further reduce any noise transmission.

Inside your home, the system is virtually silent. The indoor components, the cylinder and controls, produce no noticeable noise at all.