Are heat pumps noisy?

Key takeaways:

• Heat pumps are very quiet and non-disruptive
• Concerns about their noise levels are often overstated
• Heat pumps offer a quieter upgrade to an old boiler

The short answer is no, they are quiet machines. Heat pumps work differently from traditional heating systems like gas boilers, often raising questions about their sound levels. But fear not, we’re here to guide you through the types of noises air source heat pumps produce, how they compare to older systems, and clear up some common myths.

What kind of noise do heat pumps make?

Heat pumps usually produce a steady, low-level humming sound of about 40 to 60 decibels, similar to the soft purr of a refrigerator or dishwasher. This noise often blends into the background, becoming part of the everyday sounds in your home.

This noise comes from the internal components of the heat pump: the compressor hums, the fan whirs, and the refrigerant gently whooshes through the system. During colder months, your heat pump might purr a bit more. As the temperature drops, the pump has to work harder to extract heat from the air, which can lead to a slight increase in noise.

Fortunately, modern, well-designed models like the Aira Heat Pump are made to keep these sounds to a minimum. Most of this noise comes from the outdoor unit, where the bulk of the heat pump's work happens.

Proper installation is key to a quieter heat pump

Aira Technicians are experts at installing and positioning the heat pump to reduce noise pollution as much as possible. They’ll work with you to ensure your heat pump keeps you cosy while running whisper-quiet all year round.

Debunking myths about heat pump noise

One of the most common myths about heat pumps is that they're noisy. In reality, modern heat pumps are designed with advanced technology that makes them much quieter than older models. Concerns about noise are often overstated, and today, many homes, including those in densely populated areas, operate well within legal noise limits.

The sound levels of air source heat pumps have improved so much that noise is hardly a concern anymore. Data from Apex Acoustics, who provide sound pollution data to UK governments, supports this: out of approximately 300,000 heat pump installations in the UK, there have been only about 100 noise complaints.

How do heat pumps compare to traditional systems?

Whereas the decibel levels of heat pumps and new gas boilers is comparable — both peaking at about 60 bB — heat pumps swiftly pull ahead when comparing to older models. You might not think much about the rumbling background noise of an old gas boiler, but that rumble can come in at a whopping 70 decibels. Ten decibels higher may not seem like much, but it actually represents a ten-fold increase in sonic energy that is perceived by our ears as being twice as loud as the serene hum of a heat pump. An air source heat pump generally operates with a whisper instead of a shout, keeping you warm and cosy without disturbing your peace or your neighbours’.