How much noise does a heat pump make?
Introduction
You want to make your house more sustainable and you're considering a heat pump. Most heat pumps have a 55dB noise level when they're running at full capacity. But how much noise is that? We'll explain it and give you some tips to prevent noise.
Where does the noise come from?
Heat pumps that take heat from the outdoor air have an outdoor unit. This unit has a rotating fan that makes a buzzing sound. You mainly hear this when the heat pump is running at full capacity, for example when the outdoor temperature is very low or if you turn up the thermostat a lot.
How loud is the noise a heat pump makes?
Most new heat pumps have a 55dB noise level when they run at full capacity. That's comparable to a fridge that's on. According to European regulations, heat pumps are allowed to make a bit more noise, but the latest models are often more silent thanks to the new developments. The heat pumps from Coolblue Energy are the most silent models currently available.
Noise regulations and your neighbors
Since 1 April 2021, there are noise regulations for heat pumps:
- Between 19:00 and 07:00, the heat pump is allowed to make up to 40dB of noise at the neighbor's property line.
- Between 07:00 and 19:00, this is a maximum of 45dB.
Do you live in an apartment? They measure the sounds from the open windows of your neighbors. Some heat pumps have a special night mode, so they make less noise at night.
Tips to reduce the noise
A heat pump makes noise, but you can reduce it with the following tips:
Placement of the outdoor unit
- Don't place the outdoor unit against walls of rooms where you spend a lot of time, such as the bedroom or living room.
- Don't place the unit in a small space with walls on 3 sides. This reflects the sound.
- Don't place the unit too close to neighbors or open windows.
- Don't face the unit towards patios or balconies.
- If possible, place the unit facing a public road or walls without windows and doors.
Installation of the outdoor unit
- Use flexible pipes and rubber vibration dampers.
- Make sure you have a stable surface if you place the unit on the ground.
- Consider a noise reducing cover if your heat pump makes a lot of noise.
Which heat pump suits you?
At Coolblue Energy, we offer 3 versions of Weheat: the Flint, Sparrow, and Blackbird. The Weheat Flint has a 37dB noise level, the Sparrow 44dB, and the Blackbird 49dB. These heat pumps suit various types of houses and gas consumption. We place the Flint or Sparrow on the facade, while the Blackbird is ideal for a flat roof.
We're happy to take a look at your situation during a free advice appointment. That way, you can be sure you choose a heat pump that suits you.
