How much noise does a heat pump make?
Introduction
A heat pump makes noise, just like a fridge or fan. In this article, you can read where it comes from, how loud it is, and how you make sure that it's less annoying.
What do you hear of a heat pump?
Heat pumps that take heat from the outdoor air have an outdoor unit. This unit has a fan that rotates and makes a buzzing sound. You mainly hear this when the heat pump is working hard.
How do we measure the noise of a heat pump?
You're never directly next to a heat pump. That's why manufacturers measure the noise level at a distance, for example at 1, 2, or 3m from the outdoor unit. We call this sound pressure.
To compare heat pumps fairly, manufacturers use a fixed method: the EN12102 standard. With this method, the measurement happens in an open field, with 7°C outdoor air and 35°C water temperature. The water temperature means the water temperature of the water that the heat pump uses to heat your house. We call this central heating boiler water. The temperature of that is important, because the heat pump might make more noise when the water heats.
When you compare heat pumps, check if manufacturers use the EN12102 standard to measure the noise level. Do you see a noise value without explanation? You can't be sure if the measurement is done fairly.
The noise levels listed
Flint: very silent comfort
With just 38dB, the Weheat Flint is barely audible. That's perfect if calmness in your house is important. Silent, efficient, and always ready to heat without being bothered by it.
Sparrow: powerful and surprisingly silent
Ideal if you want to live warm without hearing the appliance. Perfect for houses where noise standards are more strict, or if you like peace in your house.
Blackbird: very silent on your roof, powerful up close
You can barely hear it on your roof: just 38dB, comparable to soft rustling. Are you right next to it? You hear maximum 46.5dB, which is still comparable to a calm fridge.
This is how you can keep your heat pump even more silent
Heat pumps make noise, but there are ways to reduce that.
- Place the outdoor unit at a sturdy surface.
- Use rubber vibration reducers and flexible tubes.
- Don't place the unit against bedrooms or in small, closed corners.
- Don't aim it toward a patio or window, but toward a wall without windows.