Are Heat Pumps Noisy When Installed With Underfloor Heating?

If you’re considering a heat pump installation, you’re joining countless others who have done so to complement their underfloor heating, as well as those upgrading from inefficient boilers.

You may have heard the claim that heat pumps are noisy and that you have to place them carefully to avoid neighbour noise complaints. In this article, EasyFlow will explore this claim and the noise levels you should expect from a pump when your underfloor heating is on.

Are Heat Pumps Noisy?

Depending on the level of demand placed on the heat pump and its age, its operational noise will range from 40-60 decibels. This is an equivalent noise range to a combi boiler or a fridge in operation. This is how loud it will sound when standing directly in front of it; the sound will appear quieter when standing indoors with the window closed.

This noise is caused by the exterior unit’s fan and condenser, which work similarly to an air conditioning unit to produce heating or cooling. If the heat pump is considerably loud during times of low demand or makes unexpected sounds, this could be an indication of an issue with the pump. This should be investigated by the engineer who carried out your heat pump installation.

How Loud is it With Underfloor Heating?

Underfloor heating operates using flow temperatures around 40-50°C, whereas radiator-based heating has flow temperatures around 50-70°C. In other words, a heat pump connected to underfloor heating is more likely to run quietly than one connected to radiators.

It largely depends on your installation and the unique properties of your home, but the unit is likely to operate quietly. It can be unnoticeable compared to background noises like conversations or the TV.

Nighttime is when you would most likely hear a heat pump in operation. We recommend having your exterior heat pump installation away from a bedroom window if you are a restless sleeper or have sensitive hearing. Alternatively, you can program your underfloor heating zone thermostats to a lower temperature at set times, so your heating will be minimal at night.

Is There a Noise Difference Between Ground Source and Air Source Heat Pumps?

Yes, ground source heat pumps do not have a fan, but still have a condenser that can produce around 40 decibels of sound. They are generally quieter than air source heat pumps during times of high demand.

What is the Boundary Rule for Air Source Heat Pumps?

When heat pump installations were first introduced, the rule was that a ground or air source heat pump could not be installed within 1m of the property boundary. This limit has since been removed, but noise limitations are still in place.

The noise limit for an air source heat pump in operation is 42 decibels when measured from the closest neighbouring property. Your heat pump installation expert should know the best pump and location to stay compliant with this regulation.

Will Heat Pumps Get Better?

Yes. The latest heat pumps are quieter and more efficient than the first generation. Modern heat pumps are designed to be as quiet as possible to ensure compliance with noise regulations.

At EasyFlow, we install air source heat pumps, as these supplement our underfloor heating solution with energy-efficient heating. To find out more about heat pump installations and if it is right for you, contact us online.