News Report: How Noisy Are Air Source Heat Pumps in Daily Use? UK Homeowners Raise Questions as Installations Increase

[logansmith]

As the UK continues shifting toward low-carbon heating, one question is increasingly appearing among homeowners considering government-backed installations: “How loud are air source heat pumps in everyday use?” Many people first learn about these systems while exploring air source heat pump grants, which help reduce the cost of switching to cleaner heating.


With thousands of units being fitted under national clean-energy incentives, noise has become a talking point in local communities, planning discussions, and policy debates. So, how loud are these systems really?

Heat Pumps Are Quieter Than Most People Expect​

Modern air source heat pumps typically operate between 40–60 decibels, placing them in the same range as:

• a quiet indoor conversation
• a refrigerator humming
• light rainfall

Manufacturers have significantly reduced noise levels in recent models, and many units now operate quietly enough to go unnoticed during normal daily use.

Ground source heat pumps are even quieter, averaging 35–42 decibels, but air source units remain the most common choice for homeowners.

Where the Noise Comes From​

According to engineers, two components create most of the sound:

• the fan, which draws in outdoor air
• the compressor, which extracts heat

Both need movement to function, which naturally produces a low-level hum.

Strict Noise Rules Are Already in Place​

To address growing public concern, UK regulations now require that heat pumps:

• do not exceed 42 decibels one metre from a neighbour’s window or door
• meet new MCS standards that lower the limit even further to 37 decibels for many installations

Units that meet these limits typically qualify for permitted development, meaning no planning permission is required.

What Makes Some Units Louder?​

Noise levels can change depending on temperature, placement, and sizing:

• Cold weather: Heat pumps work harder in winter, making them temporarily louder.
• Location: Installing the unit near reflective surfaces (walls, fences) can amplify sound.
• System size: Larger units may hum louder at full output, but properly sized systems usually run more quietly.

Experts note that winter noise is rarely an indoor issue because homes keep windows closed during cold weather.

How Noise Can Be Reduced Further​

MCS-certified installers already perform on-site noise assessments, but additional measures can help when necessary:

• anti-vibration mounts
• acoustic barriers
• sound-dampening enclosures
• routine cleaning and maintenance

Many households never need these extras.

Are Neighbours Complaining? Not Really.​

Local authorities report that noise complaints are uncommon. When they do occur, they are usually linked to:

• poor placement
• incorrect installation
• units installed too close to property boundaries

Most neighbours describe the sound as a faint background hum—similar to a fridge or a small fan.

How They Compare to Gas Boilers​

Noise levels are similar to traditional boilers, often quieter. The main difference is consistency:

• Boilers create sudden, sharp noises during ignition.
• Heat pumps maintain a steady, predictable sound level.

Several modern models even carry Quiet Mark certification, indicating exceptional acoustic performance.

The Takeaway​

As the UK pushes toward cleaner heating alternatives, noise continues to be a topic of public interest. However, modern air source heat pumps are far quieter than many assume. With proper installation and adherence to regulations, noise is unlikely to become a problem for households or neighbours.

For most people, the sound of a heat pump is no more disruptive than everyday appliances—making it a small trade-off for lower bills, improved efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions.

 

[cROYdonrogers]

And by chance do you know anyone who could help with a quote😂

 

[ASCPFC]

The main thing I hear is that they're not that effective. I hear people are cold with them on and you have to leave it running 24 hours a day.

 

[Common Sense Club]

As the UK continues shifting toward low-carbon heating, one question is increasingly appearing among homeowners considering government-backed installations: “How loud are air source heat pumps in everyday use?” Many people first learn about these systems while exploring air source heat pump grants, which help reduce the cost of switching to cleaner heating.


With thousands of units being fitted under national clean-energy incentives, noise has become a talking point in local communities, planning discussions, and policy debates. So, how loud are these systems really?

Heat Pumps Are Quieter Than Most People Expect​

Modern air source heat pumps typically operate between 40–60 decibels, placing them in the same range as:

• a quiet indoor conversation
• a refrigerator humming
• light rainfall

Manufacturers have significantly reduced noise levels in recent models, and many units now operate quietly enough to go unnoticed during normal daily use.

Ground source heat pumps are even quieter, averaging 35–42 decibels, but air source units remain the most common choice for homeowners.

Where the Noise Comes From​

According to engineers, two components create most of the sound:

• the fan, which draws in outdoor air
• the compressor, which extracts heat

Both need movement to function, which naturally produces a low-level hum.

Strict Noise Rules Are Already in Place​

To address growing public concern, UK regulations now require that heat pumps:

• do not exceed 42 decibels one metre from a neighbour’s window or door
• meet new MCS standards that lower the limit even further to 37 decibels for many installations

Units that meet these limits typically qualify for permitted development, meaning no planning permission is required.

What Makes Some Units Louder?​

Noise levels can change depending on temperature, placement, and sizing:

• Cold weather: Heat pumps work harder in winter, making them temporarily louder.
• Location: Installing the unit near reflective surfaces (walls, fences) can amplify sound.
• System size: Larger units may hum louder at full output, but properly sized systems usually run more quietly.

Experts note that winter noise is rarely an indoor issue because homes keep windows closed during cold weather.

How Noise Can Be Reduced Further​

MCS-certified installers already perform on-site noise assessments, but additional measures can help when necessary:

• anti-vibration mounts
• acoustic barriers
• sound-dampening enclosures
• routine cleaning and maintenance

Many households never need these extras.

Are Neighbours Complaining? Not Really.​

Local authorities report that noise complaints are uncommon. When they do occur, they are usually linked to:

• poor placement
• incorrect installation
• units installed too close to property boundaries

Most neighbours describe the sound as a faint background hum—similar to a fridge or a small fan.

How They Compare to Gas Boilers​

Noise levels are similar to traditional boilers, often quieter. The main difference is consistency:

• Boilers create sudden, sharp noises during ignition.
• Heat pumps maintain a steady, predictable sound level.

Several modern models even carry Quiet Mark certification, indicating exceptional acoustic performance.

The Takeaway​

As the UK pushes toward cleaner heating alternatives, noise continues to be a topic of public interest. However, modern air source heat pumps are far quieter than many assume. With proper installation and adherence to regulations, noise is unlikely to become a problem for households or neighbours.

For most people, the sound of a heat pump is no more disruptive than everyday appliances—making it a small trade-off for lower bills, improved efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions.

I am sure that I read somewhere that the previous, distance from your neighbour criteria, has been removed thereby allowing installation closer. The noise complaints may increase then.

 

[logansmith]

The main thing I hear is that they're not that effective. I hear people are cold with them on and you have to leave it running 24 hours a day.

Thanks for raising this — it’s a really common concern, and most of it comes from older installations or systems that weren’t set up correctly.

When an air source heat pump is properly designed, correctly sized, and installed by an MCS-certified engineer, it can heat a home very effectively without leaving you cold. The issue usually isn’t the technology; it’s poor installation, wrong system sizing, or incorrect flow temperatures.

A few key points:

✔ You don’t need to run it at full power 24/7.
Heat pumps work best by maintaining a steady, comfortable temperature. That doesn’t mean they’re “on full blast” all day; they simply modulate up and down automatically, which is far more efficient than a boiler constantly firing on/off.

✔ Modern heat pumps reach 20–23°C easily.
If someone’s house isn’t warming properly, it’s almost always because of incorrect setup, not the pump itself.

✔ Most users report better comfort than with a gas boiler.
The heat is more consistent, without the temperature spikes.

✔ Running costs only stay low when the system is designed properly.
This includes correct radiators, flow temperature settings, and insulation checks.

We provide full assessments, system design, and installation, so everything is matched to your home’s needs. If you'd like, I can take a look at your property details and advise whether a heat pump is the right fit and what performance you can expect.


Happy to help anytime!

 

[ASCPFC]

Thanks for raising this — it’s a really common concern, and most of it comes from older installations or systems that weren’t set up correctly.

When an air source heat pump is properly designed, correctly sized, and installed by an MCS-certified engineer, it can heat a home very effectively without leaving you cold. The issue usually isn’t the technology; it’s poor installation, wrong system sizing, or incorrect flow temperatures.

A few key points:

✔ You don’t need to run it at full power 24/7.
Heat pumps work best by maintaining a steady, comfortable temperature. That doesn’t mean they’re “on full blast” all day; they simply modulate up and down automatically, which is far more efficient than a boiler constantly firing on/off.

✔ Modern heat pumps reach 20–23°C easily.
If someone’s house isn’t warming properly, it’s almost always because of incorrect setup, not the pump itself.

✔ Most users report better comfort than with a gas boiler.
The heat is more consistent, without the temperature spikes.

✔ Running costs only stay low when the system is designed properly.
This includes correct radiators, flow temperature settings, and insulation checks.

We provide full assessments, system design, and installation, so everything is matched to your home’s needs. If you'd like, I can take a look at your property details and advise whether a heat pump is the right fit and what performance you can expect.


Happy to help anytime!

Fair enough, thanks. Sounds like someone above is interested. Ever since they made me get rid of my diesel car, I've been slow to take things up. Luckily I bought a diesel again, recently.

 

[doi209]

This topic is nothing but advertising for a company. Original poster only joined today. Lots of positive data provided and then the clincher....."we provide....".

Bin the topic and the poster.

 

[cryrst]

Thanks for raising this — it’s a really common concern, and most of it comes from older installations or systems that weren’t set up correctly.

When an air source heat pump is properly designed, correctly sized, and installed by an MCS-certified engineer, it can heat a home very effectively without leaving you cold. The issue usually isn’t the technology; it’s poor installation, wrong system sizing, or incorrect flow temperatures.

A few key points:

✔ You don’t need to run it at full power 24/7.
Heat pumps work best by maintaining a steady, comfortable temperature. That doesn’t mean they’re “on full blast” all day; they simply modulate up and down automatically, which is far more efficient than a boiler constantly firing on/off.

✔ Modern heat pumps reach 20–23°C easily.
If someone’s house isn’t warming properly, it’s almost always because of incorrect setup, not the pump itself.

✔ Most users report better comfort than with a gas boiler.
The heat is more consistent, without the temperature spikes.

✔ Running costs only stay low when the system is designed properly.
This includes correct radiators, flow temperature settings, and insulation checks.

We provide full assessments, system design, and installation, so everything is matched to your home’s needs. If you'd like, I can take a look at your property details and advise whether a heat pump is the right fit and what performance you can expect.


Happy to help anytime!

So as a boiler guy myself I know that the radiators I fit are sized to emit heat to a space. This calculation is based on many factors including space volume, solar and structural loss, occupancy times, heat up time and room use. Alongside the heated water temperature calculated optimum 82*c flow with approx an 11*c differential on the return. This is what boilers will deliver ordinarily. That being the case what temperature does a heat pump generate to the water. I’ve read around 50 ish *c.
My parents had a heat pump fitted years ago and their two 1200 x600 Double/ convector panel rads needed replacing with 2 x treble panel convector at 1800 long. This was due to the age and house construction (natural air leaks, walls and windows etc) and water temperature being a lot lower from the HP so a lot more surface area was required at a lower temperature to heat the space. Also if you have an indirect cylinder it may be unlikely that you would achieve 60*c with a heat pump alone and require an electric element to trim the water temp up to
60”c. A system at 80*c wouldn’t require this element.
Now obviously heat pumps have come on a long way and the above may be correct or not. Just being inquisitive really.
Albeit many homes are not suitable with the construction method and adventitious ventilation as normal.