If you’re concerned about the noise of the air source or the ground source heat pump, then we have good news for you that you can hardly hear them when in operation.
The maximum noise from an air source heat pump when outside temperatures are very low, and the backup heater inside the heat pump starts running is 63 Dba, equivalent to the sound of waves at a distance (maybe this doesn’t best describe the noise level).
It’s hard to describe the noise level of a heat pump as 63 Dbs from a hair dryer is different from 63 Dbs when we’re talking. But, if you can imagine the sound of the wind produced by the fan in the outdoor air conditioning units, that is what it’s like with an Air source heat pump.
- The best way to describe the air source heat pump noise is to imagine a gentle fuzzy cold breeze of a fan being blown on your face.
- The best way to describe the noise from ground source heat pumps is a wee “hmmmm”.
The ground source heat pumps are so well sound insulated that sometimes it’s hard to tell that they are even running.
The level of sound insulation may vary between manufacturers.
All the ground source heat pumps that we install have been Siebel Eltron, a German manufacturer. All our installs near Cupar, Dalkeith, Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Edinburgh are very similar with noise levels, and customers are very pleased.
Air Source Heat Pump Noise Demonstration
Watch and listen to the YouTube video below, and see if you can hear the noise from the heat pump.
Heat Pump Noise Levels: Compared
The best way to find out the heat pump noise levels of both air and ground source heat pumps is to actually see one in operation if you know any friends or family members who have had them installed recently.
Alternatively, we can invite you to one of our air or ground source heat pump installations near you and the Scottish Islands.
Heat pumps are becoming a very popular choice of heating in the Scottish Islands.
But if you don’t have that luxury, then below, we’ve listed some comparable sound levels:
- 10dBA – Normal breathing
- 20dBA – Mosquito or rustling leaves
- 30dBA – A whisper
- 40dBA – A bubbling stream, or a refrigerator
- 50dBA – Normal conversation
- 60dBA – Laugher
- 63dBA – Heat Pump Sound Level
- Levels can be lower depending on the type of heat pump
- 70dBA – Vacuum cleaner or hair dryer
- 80dBA – City traffic or a garbage disposal
- 90dBA – Motorcycle or lawnmower
(Source)
It’s worth bearing in mind that these readings were taken from 1 meter away, so as you can imagine, the further you move away from the heat pump, the sound will dissipate.
Heat Pump Noise & Neighbours
Understandably, neighbors may be concerned about installing the heat pump near their property and the noise it could create.
However, we find our customers are pleased with our installations.
You should, however, communicate with your neighbor to lessen their concerns. The first thing to mention is that a heat pump’s noise is very low and is more of a slight “hmmming” sound.
Also, modern houses are generally well-installed from noise, and the likes of double glazing will further dampen the noise.
In fact, double-glazed windows are capable of reducing sound levels by as much as 31 decibels.
This should help to ease their concerns
Final Thoughts
Now you can rest assured that heat pumps will not cause significant noise pollution to you and your local community, but if you’re still concerned, the team at Heat Pumps Scotland will give the best possible service and advice.
We provide installation service for the whole of Scotland and the islands.
If heat pumps are not the right technology for you then we will let you know but to find this out you’ll need to give us a call or send us an email.