What’s stopping you from upgrading to a heat pump? Maybe you’ve heard they’re noisy? “They’re as loud as a motorway during rush hour”.
However, that’s not actually the case.
It’s a common misconception that heat pumps are noisy appliances to have in your home. In truth, modern heat pumps such as the Alpha E-Tec Hybrid are designed to be quiet.
So, how loud is a heat pump?
On average, combi boilers and heat pumps typically make between 40-60 decibels (dB) of noise (at a distance of 1m) when they’re running, which is a similar volume as a fan oven when it’s in use.
The reason you hear a noise from a heat pump is because the internal components are hard at work. A fan draws in air, while the compressor increases the refrigerant’s pressure, which in turn raises its temperature and enables it to transfer heat to the required location. The noise, however, is minimal.
The sound it makes isn’t a roar, or buzz-like noise—more like humming sound in the background that’s easy to tune out of. In fact, if you’re in the garden and you’re chatting with your neighbours or tending to your plants a few metres away from the outdoor unit, you’re unlikely to notice.
Additionally, the indoor component is practically silent when it’s not running. You’re more likely to notice the sound of your fridge opening and closing rather than the sound of the internal component.
The Alpha E-Tec Hybrid Heat Pump is designed to be quiet, running at around 57 dB and that’s during normal operation when it’s heating your home. But what does 57 dB sound like? The sound is comparable to a quiet conversation or a quiet library. You can also compare it to the humming noise of a fridge or the sound of a moderate rain shower. So, not loud at all.
Reasons behind the myth
Where did the rumour of noisy heat pumps come from? Firstly, older heat pumps (especially earlier models) were often louder. In some cases, an older outdoor unit can exceed 70 dB, which is similar to the whirring sounds of a vacuum cleaner.
Poor installation can also influence noise levels. For example, if a heat pump is installed directly outside a bedroom window or mounted on a thin wall, this can make even the quietest machine sound noisy.
Perception also makes a difference. When some people think of heat pumps, they often picture large commercial units rather than small, domestic ones. The bigger the unit – the louder it is.
Whatever the reasons, the myth persists – but that’s what it is. A myth.
It’s worth noting, however, that if you’re indoors and you can hear your heat pump making loud noises, then there may be an issue with the unit. It’s advisable that you contact your installer to see if it needs any maintenance work.
A quieter way of heating
So, if noise has been the only reason holding you back from getting a heat pump, then we’re here to reassure you. You won’t be arguing with your neighbours over the noise, you’ll be on the road to quieter, cleaner and more efficient heating.
At 57 dB, the Alpha Hybrid is quieter than most household appliances you use every day, when actively heating your home.
Ready to talk heat pumps? Why not contact us today to find out more?