Heat PUMP NOISE EXPLAINED
Many people are not (yet) aware of the noise a heat pump makes, and that there are now strict new regulations attached to heat pump noise. We tell you all about heat pump noise, which regulations we comply with, and give you tips on how to install for a better result.
Maximum Noise Conditions
First of all, it is good to know exactly where heat pump noise comes from. The main heat pump sits outside your house. Inside this outdoor unit is a fan that rotates and this fan creates noise. When a heat pump is running at full speed, this can result in audible noise.
This occurs when:
- It gets colder outside, such as in autumn and winter. Often, the most noise is produced when it is +/- 0°C outside. Once it is below +/- 0°C degrees, the immersion heater in your buffer tank takes on a proportion of your heating requirements, eliminating the high noise.
- You turn the thermostat up a few degrees because you want your home warmer. In this situation the heat pump will work harder to get you up to your desired temperature. Once it reaches this temperature it will return to Eco mode.
- Initial start-up. As above, when the heat pump is first turned on, it will work harder to get the water temperature up to the desired level.
HEAT PUMP Noise is now Regulated:
From 1 April 2021, heat pumps with an outdoor unit will be subject to a new requirement for maximum noise during night time hours. Heat pumps installed from that date onwards will be allowed to produce a maximum noise of 40 decibels in the evening and at night between 7pm and 7am. This is calculated at the property boundary with neighbours or at an open window on the same plot. During the day, the noise may be slightly higher. This may then be a maximum of 45 decibels.
For a comparison these Combi Boilers have the following rated noise (as they are situated inside your house the noise is much more significant than an outdoor unit:
- Viessmann Vitodens 200 – 36 dB
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar 200 – 43 dB
- Ideal Logic Max C35 – 44 dB
- Vaillant EcoTec Plus 838 or 938 – 45 dB
Quietest Combi Boilers – Which is the Quietest Boiler in the UK in 2023? (energyguide.org.uk)
AVERAGE NOISE:
Good to know is that, on average, a heat pump with an outdoor unit makes around 40 to 50 decibels of noise.
the sound of the Aurora II
The noise of the Aurora II is between 22 and 50 decibels. Of course, this does depend on various factors such as how loud it is running (see above for main factors affecting maximum noise), how far it is from the property boundary, living spaces, and how it is set. Our goal is to install a whisper-quiet heat pump in your home so that, using our patented technology, the decibel level is only 22 decibels at 5 metres away!
Any questions? Contact us via the free advice form!
COMPARING NOISE:
The best comparison for understanding the noise of our heat pump is to compare it’s operation to your current gas boiler, which is installed inside your house, and not outside it, separated from you by walls and windows.
These new combi boilers have the following rated noise*:
- Viessmann Vitodens 200 – 36 dB
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar 200 – 43 dB
- Ideal Logic Max C35 – 44 dB
- Vaillant EcoTec Plus 838 or 938 – 45 dB
*The rated noise is the average operating noise. Peak noise output can be more.
Quietest Combi Boilers – Which is the Quietest Boiler in the UK in 2023? (energyguide.org.uk)
Tips for meeting noise requirements
Are you planning to install a heat pump and want to avoid having to move it because of noise regulations? Here are some tips!
Choose the right heat pump
- First of all: get good advice from an installer when choosing a heat pump. This is because the perfect heat pump for you depends on several factors.
- Pay attention to the sound power rating on the energy label so you know what the power rating is.
- Choose a heat pump with that has a function for a night mode. That way, you can set it to automatically make less noise at night.
- Insulate your home as best you can so that the warm temperature stays indoors for as long as possible. Because (as described above) a heat pump is going to produce more noise if the temperature is turned up a few degrees.
Choose the right place
- Place the outdoor unit as far away from your house and your neighbours’ houses as possible to reduce noise pollution, without affecting the heat pump’s efficiency.
- Avoid sound reflection by not placing the outdoor unit in niches with walls on three sides.
- Do not place the outdoor unit too close to your home’s bedroom windows.
- Do you have a garden with lots of plants or forestation? Perfect! The more greenery, the less reflection of sound. The only thing to note is not to cover the fan entrance with plants that can influence air flow.
- Avoid, where possible, installing the heat pump’s outdoor unit against the walls of living areas you reside a lot.
- Would you prefer it on the roof? That’s also possible, just keep in mind good vibration damping and avoid blowing out to the façade.