Air Source Heat Pump noise levels
For anyone involved in or considering installing a heat pump, it’s important to understand sound assessments before proceeding. This article will discuss the significance of sound assessments and the best ways to ensure compliance with noise level regulations.
Why Sound Assessments are Important
It’s crucial to conduct sound assessments to effectively regulate and minimise the noise generated by heat pumps, ensuring that neighbouring properties are not disturbed. In the UK, the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) plays a key role in establishing standards for renewable energy technologies, including heat pumps. These standards are designed to include noise level limits and prioritise achieving specific noise emission levels at prescribed distances during operation.
Presently, the sound pressure level of a heat pump at normal operating speeds should not exceed 42 dB (A).
Important Acoustic Factors to Consider When Installing a Heat Pump
– Position the heat pump at least 1 metre away from your property boundary to minimise noise and avoid disturbance to neighbours. The further away, the better.
– Barriers such as brick walls or fences between your heat pump location and neighbouring properties can be important in reducing sound levels for neighbouring properties.
– Be mindful of the number of reflective surfaces surrounding the heat pump, as more reflective surfaces can lead to higher sound levels. An air source heat pump with more than three reflective surfaces will not meet MCS planning standards and fail a sound assessment.
Sound Pressure and Reflective Surfaces
The sound pressure increases with the number of reflective surfaces around the heat pump. A reflective surface is any surface within 1m of the heat pump, including the ground.
Installation Process with Source Energy Heat Pumps Scotland
When installing a heat pump with Source Energy Heat Pumps Scotland, a thorough sound assessment is conducted as part of the system design process to ensure compliance with MCS criteria. If the heat pump is not adequately shielded from neighbouring properties, the installation team may suggest installing an enclosure to reduce the noise. In rare cases where the heat pump
doesn’t pass the 42dB (A) sound assessment, the property owner must apply for planning permission to address the issue.
Importance of Quiet Heat Pumps
Reducing disruptive noise levels for surrounding properties fulfills an important role in decarbonisation. Manufacturers are keen to make heat pumps as quiet as possible so they can be installed in most situations without the need to consult planning.
Conclusion
With careful design and consideration, heat pumps can be installed in the majority of properties without troubling neighbours, thanks to the focus on quiet running, efficiency, and reliability.
