When people consider switching to air source heat pumps or ground source heat pumps, a common concern we hear is: “Are heat pumps noisy?” In this article, we’ll cut through the confusion and share what homeowners and businesses in the UK really need to know. Wright Renewables Installs Air Source Heat Pumps in Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas.
The short answer is: modern heat pumps are designed to be very quiet. While no heating system is completely silent, the best heat pump installers use high-quality equipment and expert techniques to minimise noise significantly.
Most air source heat pumps emit a gentle hum—similar to a modern fridge—while in operation. Depending on the model and settings, outdoor units typically run at between 40 and 60 decibels, which is about the same as a quiet conversation.
“If you stand a metre or two away from one of our latest installations, you'd struggle to hear it over the birdsong,” says Lee Rolfe, Director of Wright Renewable Heating.
Heat pump noise generally originates from two main components:
However, most reputable local heat pump installers (like Wright Renewables) carry out careful on-site assessments to ensure the system is positioned optimally—keeping disruption to an absolute minimum.
Most air source heat pumps operate between 40 and 60 decibels—about the same as a combi boiler or a quiet living room. Here's how that compares to common sounds:
Sound SourceNoise Level (dB)Whispering in a library30 dBModern air source heat pump40–60 dBCombi boiler50–60 dBBusy office or casual conversation60–70 dBVacuum cleaner70–80 dB
The noise can become slightly louder:
“Like any system, performance depends on upkeep. A poorly maintained heat pump will make more noise—and use more energy,” notes Lee Rolfe.
It’s also worth mentioning that if the heat pump is located close to a bedroom window or in an enclosed area, the sound can feel more noticeable. That’s why our survey includes acoustic considerations as standard.
“We consider every angle—literally. We look at where sound may bounce or echo and make sure it won’t disrupt your daily life,” says Adam Roberts.
Yes—generally speaking, ground source heat pumps are even quieter as they do not include an outdoor fan. Most of the operational components are either buried underground or housed inside the property.
Find out more about ground source heat pumps here.
According to Jack Harvie-Clark, Director at Apex Acoustics:
“The key to managing heat pump noise is really in the planning. Positioning, environment, and unit choice all matter greatly.”
Source: The Guardian
A UK Government study conducted by the Building Performance Centre at Edinburgh Napier University concluded that properly installed air source heat pumps stay well within regulated noise thresholds.
Read the full study
Looking to the future, Dr. Yun Li, a researcher at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), is developing intelligent control systems that adjust heat pump settings dynamically to reduce noise even further.
“We see a future where heat pumps self-adjust to ambient conditions to optimise noise levels in real time.”
At Wright Renewables, our engineers follow proven methods to ensure your system is as quiet and efficient as possible:
“We don’t just install systems—we install peace of mind,” says Chris Boden-Hook, Managing Director at Wrights Group. “Every site is different, and we design our systems to be heard as little as possible.”
📞 Call us on 01909 813456 or email sales@wrightrenewables.co.uk
📍 Local installers in Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby, Doncaster, Rotherham, Chesterfield, Mansfield, Barnsley, Lincoln, Newark-on-Trent, Retford, Dronfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Alfreton, Gainsborough, Bentley, Chapeltown, Wath upon Dearne, Shirebrook, Arnold, Clowne, Creswell, Dinnington, Langold, Harworth & Bircotes, Tickhill, Bolsover, Edwinstowe, Warsop
📅 Book your free assessment Contact Us
