Are ASHPs noisy?

Let’s talk about heat pump noise—because we know that’s a common concern!

Manufacturers list decibel (dB) ratings for their heat pumps, typically ranging from 54 to 66 dB. But here’s something to keep in mind—decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, which means a 10 dB increase is actually twice as loud!

So, what does that mean for installation? Well, the size of the heat pump you need can have a big impact on where it can go.

This is where MCS020 comes in—a sound assessment that installers follow after calculating your heat loss and selecting the right unit. The goal? Making sure that, at the nearest neighboring window to a habitable room, the heat pump isn’t louder than the background noise—which usually means a neighbor’s living room or bedroom.

To meet these guidelines, sometimes acoustic barriers are needed, like a solid fence. You could even get creative with a decorative trellis, as long as the heat pump isn’t visible through it. And let’s be honest—you might want screening for aesthetic reasons too!

Now, what about noise in your own home? A few smart choices can help:

• Install the unit away from bedrooms or other sensitive areas
• Use “quiet hours” settings to lower output overnight
• Consider carefully when mounting directly on walls, as this can cause vibrations

But here’s the reality—in most cases, heat pumps are pretty quiet. In fact, many customers tell us that when compared to a gas boiler flue, the heat pump is often quieter.

So, while noise is something to consider, it’s already built into the design process—and for most homes, it’s not an issue at all.