Heat pump: Assess and effectively reduce noise levels
How loud is a Carrier heat pump? What noise levels are permitted and when is it a noise disturbance? These are all questions that many people ask themselves before installing an environmental heating system. We get to the bottom of this and provide information on the actual and permitted noise levels of a heat pump. We also provide tips on how to effectively reduce the noise of the system.
How loud is a Carrier heat pump?
When it comes to the volume of a heat pump, many people are particularly interested in the air-water heat pump. This often consists of two units, one of which is located outside the house and one inside. While the indoor unit is equipped with a heat exchanger, among other things, to transfer thermal energy to the heating water, the fan and compressor are located outside. The fan draws in air from the environment in order to transfer heat to a refrigerant. The compressor then brings this to a higher pressure and temperature level. It is precisely these components (the fan and the compressor) that cause the most noise in the technology.
The volume of the AquaSnap heat pumps from Carrier varies. The following factors, among others, are relevant:
- Model
- Output
- Distance to device
Detailed information on the volume of Carrier heat pumps can be found in the respective product brochures.
Heat pump noise decreases with distance
The sound pressure level is relevant for classifying whether the noise from a heat pump is noise. This decreases with the distance to the sound source and is around 39 dB(A) within a radius of one meter. If the distance to the outdoor unit is four meters, measuring devices still indicate 27 dB(A), at eight meters it is only 21 dB(A). The following overview shows whether the sound pressure levels are high or low in comparison to known sound sources.
During operation, the noise level of a Carrier heat pump can therefore be compared to that of a refrigerator. As the distance increases, however, the noise is barely audible.
How loud can a heat pump be?
The permissible noise level is defined in the Technical Instructions on Noise Abatement (TA-Lärm). This specifies the volume at which devices or systems may be heard outside buildings. The limit values depend on both the location and the time, as the following table shows:
The limit values are not rigid; short exceedances are also permitted. During the day, an increase of 30 dB(A) is permitted for short periods, while at night the limit value may be exceeded by a maximum of 20 dB(A).
Heat pump as a noise disturbance: These are common reasons
If the noise level is permanently above the TA-Lärm limit values, it is usually a disturbance. The reasons for this can usually be found in unfavorable planning and implementation. For example, the distance to the neighbor may be too small. It is possible that DIY enthusiasts or tradespeople forget to install sound-insulated machine feet or set up outdoor units too close to walls. If the latter is the case, the illuminated wall reflects the sound and the heating appears loud. In addition, it may also be due to outdated technology or a defect in the heat pump if the noise level is too high.
Tip: Read our guide to the installation location of the heat pump to find out about the most important points in advance.
5 tips for your heat pump: effectively reduce the noise level
To avoid problems with neighbors and prevent a loss of comfort, you should effectively reduce the volume of your heat pump. This is quite possible with the following tips:
- Choose the best location: When it comes to the noise level of the heat pump, it's all about the right location. Problems are inevitable directly under bedroom windows or close to a neighbor's house, even if your Carrier heat pump is actually whisper-quiet. The best location is on the street side, away from windows and at least three meters away from walls or fences.
- Use soundproofing measures: If your new heating system cannot (or can no longer) be set up ideally, you can take various soundproofing measures. For example, it is possible to use a sound insulation hood or plant an evergreen hedge in front of the outdoor unit. An enclosure with wooden slats can also help. However, make sure that you do not obstruct the air intake and exhaust.
- Install the outdoor unit correctly: To prevent the noise of the heat pump from spreading through the brickwork, you should ensure that the installation is soundproofed. This is possible with vibrating machine feet, anti-vibration mats or by installing it on solid concrete foundations. However, if you place the heater on hollow blocks, these can amplify the noise.
- Activate night mode or use storage: You can counteract problems at night with the so-called night mode. The system operates at a reduced output and the noise level is lower. If you use heat storages, the heating can often even be switched off completely at night and there is no noise nuisance.
- Regular maintenance of the technology: It is also important to have the system serviced regularly. This is because dirty fans, bearing damage or excessive ice formation can also cause excessive noise levels.
It is important to know that even a whisper-quiet heat pump from Carrier can be noisy if it is installed incorrectly. To prevent this, we recommend that you rely on the expertise and experience of our partners during the planning stage. They will take a close look at the local conditions and show you how to avoid noise.
