Are Air Source Heat Pumps Noisy?

In Summary: Air Source Heat Pump Noise FAQ

This guide covering air source heat pump noise is detailed. Strapped for time? Bookmark this page for later, and read this rapid-fire summary instead…

Some of the most common questions we get asked related to heat pump noise include: 

• How noisy are air source heat pumps? 
• What are the quietest units?
• Will I hear a heat pump from inside?
• What does a pump sound like?
• Will neighbours hear an ASHP and how can I reduce the noise?

Typically, heat pumps operate in the range of 42dB-60dB; the popular Vaillant aroTHERM Plus operates 54dB. They make a “white-noise” or whirring sound, rather than noise that’s considered a nuisance.

This is similar to other household appliances such as a fridge and a gas combi boiler (44dB-48dB for the Ideal Logic Plus combi gas boiler). But remember, your pump will be installed outside, so it’s unlikely you’ll hear it, and your neighbours won’t either. 

Some of the quietest air source heat pumps are as follows:

• Samsung EHS
• Grant Aerona³
• Ideal Logic Air
• Vaillant aroTHERM Plus

You can get a fixed price on-screen for the most suitable low-noise heat pumps by using our quick and easy to use clickable tool here. We only fit quiet units (most being Quiet Mark accredited), avoiding noisy heat pumps from lesser known brands.

And finally, there are ways to reduce the noise your heat pump makes including: boxing it in, using soundproofing material and fitting it on a vibration absorbing base. 

For those looking to install a new heat pump, our experts can help choose the most suitable installation area and advise on any soundproofing to reduce your heat pump’s noise; you can speak to them here. 

How Noisy Are Air Source Heat Pumps?

One of the main disadvantages of heat pumps we’ve mentioned previously is noise. But, exactly how noisy are air source heat pumps?

Air source heat pumps do make noise, but they are not much noisier than any other typical household appliance. In general, heat pumps tend to generate between 42dB to 60dB. 

As an example for comparison’s sake, a typical Samsung fridge will produce somewhere between 37dB-42dB. 

The biggest thing to consider here is that household appliances are fitted inside, sometimes under or next to bedrooms. An air source heat pump on the other hand, is typically installed outside.

Noise Example: Vaillant aroTHERM Plus Air Source Heat Pump

One of the most popular air source heat pumps in the UK is the Vaillant aroTHERM Plus, available in 3.5kW, 5kW, 7kW and 12kW outputs; it’s suitable for small-medium sized properties. 

As you can see from the specification page on Vaillant’s website, the Vaillant aroTHERM Plus is noise tested at 54dB. You’ll also see on Vaillant’s page that this air source heat pump is “Quiet Mark” certified. 

If you’re wanting to install a quiet heat pump, always look for those from leading air source heat pump brands that have the Quiet Mark certification, these are heat pumps that produce the least noise. 

Brands that typically are Quiet Mark certified are listed on our air source heat pump reviews page here. 

Noise Comparison: Gas Boiler vs Air Source Heat Pump

Another common question we are asked by customers is how noisy an air source heat pump is compared to a gas boiler. 

For this example, we’ll take one of the most popular UK boilers, the Ideal Logic Plus (we wrote a review here). 

This combi boiler comes in 3 different power outputs: 24kW, 30kW and 35kW. So, similar to the Vaillant aroTHERM Plus ASHP, in that it will meet central heating and hot water demand for a small-medium 1-4 bedroomed property. 

The Ideal Logic Plus combi gas boiler sits at 48dB (24kW combi boiler), 46dB (30kW combi boiler) and 44dB (35kW combi boiler). 

So, whilst the Vaillant aroTHERM Plus air source heat pump is louder (54dB), the Ideal Logic Plus gas boiler would be fitted inside, and the ASHP would be fitted outside. 

The end result? You’ll actually hear more noise from the gas boiler than you would from the heat pump.

What Are The Quietest Air Source Heat Pumps?

There are dozens of things to consider before determining the right heat pump for your home, including: noise, warranty, brand reputation, after sales care and more. 

Some of the quietest heat pumps that tick all the boxes include: 

• Samsung EHS
• Grant Aerona³ R32
• Ideal Logic Air
• Vaillant aroTHERM Plus

You can read more detailed guides to high quality and quiet heat pumps over at our air source heat pump reviews page here. Put simply, we don’t fit noisy heat pumps!

Or if you’re stuck for time, go directly to our ASHP fixed price calculator here. This clickable form will give you a fixed price on-screen for the quietest heat pumps that come with a long warranty from a leading brand. 

Will I Hear An Air Source Heat Pump From Inside?

Air source heat pumps typically work in a range of 40dB-60dB as you can see from our Vaillant aroTHERM Plus example above (54dB). Units producing this level of noise are unlikely to be heard from outside. 

However, there are things to consider before having your heat pump fitted.

Installation Area

If you fit an air source heat pump below a window that you regularly have open in summer, you will hear the pump indoors. If possible, have your unit fitted on an external wall that has no windows next to, above or on it (where applicable). 

Essentially, the further away from a window, door or bedroom your heat pump is, the less likely you are to hear it. The closer it is, the louder it’s going to be!

Components Fitted Indoors

Whilst the heat pump itself will be fitted outside, you’ll likely need certain components fitted inside. These include the likes of: 

• Hot water storage cylinder
• Pump
• Control box

Whilst the control box and cylinder aren’t going to be an issue, central heating pumps of all kinds can be noisy. 

The noise they produce isn’t anything substantial. So, fitting a cylinder and pump in a loft space or even an airing cupboard isn’t going to be noticeable in the average property.

What Sound Does An ASHP Make?

Air source heat pumps typically make a low and consistent whirring sound. This is caused by the unit dragging air into the compressor. The noise heat pumps make is generally considered a white-noise, rather than a nuisance. 

The harder the heat pump needs the work, the louder it will be. So, if the pump is working at maximum capacity in winter, it will make more noise then compared to working low and slow during summer. 

Will Neighbours Hear Your Heat Pump?

Neighbours are unlikely to hear your air source heat pump, assuming you’ve used a leading brand that’s Quiet Mark approved. You can get prices on Quiet Mark approved heat pumps using our tool here. 

Current government and building regulations restrict heat pump installation. Noise measured at neighbouring properties should never exceed 42dB. But, our example above (Vaillant aroTHERM Plus at 54dB), wouldn’t pose an issue. 

Whilst the unit itself produces up to 54dB of noise, that’s at the location of the pump. Standing just a few metres away, the noise level measured would drop considerably. The noise measured at a neighbour’s property? Basically non-existent. 

Put simply, an air source heat pump installation carried out by a MSC certified installer would ensure that the heat pump meets the above building regulations, and that your neighbours can’t hear your pump when it's operating.

Can I Reduce The Noise My Heat Pump Makes?

If you already have a heat pump installed, you could take steps to help reduce the noise it makes by: 

• Installing vibration absorbing feet to the heat pump
• Fitting a vibration absorbing mat or platform for the unit to sit on
• Get your unit serviced; wear and tear on the fan will mean it’s louder now than it was when it left the factory
• Box in the pump and use soundproofing material around it (check with a qualified installer the boxing and sound proofing material is up to building standards and won’t restrict airflow)

If you’ve not had a heat pump installed and are worried about it being too noisy, speak to our heat pump experts here, they’ll be able to advise on: 

• Ways to soundproof your heat pump so you and your neighbours can’t hear it
• The best location to fit your heat pump so that you can’t hear the heat pump from inside your property

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