At Pure Renewables, we regularly get asked about the noise levels of heat pumps and we know that it’s a concern that spreads across the whole market.
The sound level produced by an air source heat pump is 40 – 60 decibels from 1m away, though 60 decibels would only happen if the pump is working really hard. 40 decibels is equal roughly to a refrigerator, and traffic will often be louder than a heat pump even if it’s working at 60 decibels.
Nesta, the UK’s Innovation Agency, commissioned Apex Acoustics Limited to investigate ‘the potential for adverse effects associated with the cumulative noise impact of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) in high-density residential areas.’
Katy King, the Deputy Director of Sustainably Future at Nesta stated that “Heat pumps are the most efficient way to reduce carbon emissions in people’s homes, so it’s reassuring that having one installed in every house in a neighbourhood makes almost no difference to noise levels.”
“Every year manufacturers are producing quieter heat pump models and a properly installed unit is already only as audible as the hum of a fridge or the sound of a gas boiler. It’s concerning that some planning applications have factored in unevidenced worry about noise when it comes to heat pump installations.
“This study shows that even with all the worst-case factors in place, there is little risk of people being able to notice the sounds of multiple heat pumps running alongside each other to heat people’s houses.”
Read the full report here https://www.nesta.org.uk/report/air-source-heat-pump-cumulative-noise-impact/
