Modern air source heat pumps are much quieter than most people expect. Noise is a common concern, but the technology has improved enormously.
Typical noise levels:
- 40–45 decibels at one metre — this is comparable to a quiet library, a modern refrigerator, or light rainfall
- At 3–5 metres (a typical distance from a neighbour’s window), the sound is barely noticeable
- Modern inverter-driven compressors ramp up and down smoothly rather than cycling on and off, which makes them quieter and less intrusive
How we minimise noise:
- Positioning — we carefully select the installation location to minimise impact on you and your neighbours, considering distance from windows and boundaries
- Anti-vibration mountings — rubber feet and isolation pads prevent vibration transfer to walls or floors
- Permitted development compliance — in Scotland, a heat pump must meet the MCS 020 planning standard for noise. We ensure every installation complies
If you have any concerns about noise, we are happy to discuss positioning options during the survey. In our experience, once installed, most customers barely notice the unit.
