HOMEOWNER RESOURCES
Heat Pump Noise Considerations
Just like any piece of mechanical equipment, heat pumps produce noise. In urban areas, this can impact where you can place the outdoor unit, as well as the type of heat pump that you can install. The good news is that while previous generations of heat pumps have gotten a bad reputation for being noisy, with advances in heat pump technology, with newer systems this is no longer the case.
How loud is a heat pump?
To begin, let’s briefly talk about how we measure sound. A decibel (dB) measures the level of sound. To provide a few examples, a gas-powered lawnmower is between 80-85 dB, a washing machine or dishwasher is around 70 dB, the hum of a refrigerator is around 40 dB, and a soft whisper is 30 dB.
Decibels are arranged in a logarithmic scale. For example, if a sound that is 70 decibels increases to 80 decibels, it means that it’s intensity is 10 time stronger. Going up one decibel in sound is not just slightly louder, it’s a lot louder.
In general, many basic models that run in single or two stages have rated sound levels of approximately 70-75dB. More advanced inverter-driven models will have sound levels of approximately 55-60dB. The exact level will vary depending on the equipment, and each manufacturer will have sound ratings for a given unit.
Noise ordinances and unit siting
Many cities enforce noise ordinances in residential areas. If you live in an area with strict noise ordinances, the potential locations that you can place your heat pump’s outdoor unit will be constrained by the rated noise level of the unit and the size of your property.
For example, Seattle has imposed a limit of 45 dB at the property line, which many conventional heat pumps are not able to meet. For a 70dB unit to meet Seattle’s noise ordinance (45dB at the property line), it would need be placed approximately 25 feet away from the property line. On the other hand, a unit rated at 60dB could be placed within 10 feet, and a unit rated at 55dB at 6 feet. As seen from this example, for cities with strict noise ordinances, the choice in equipment can have a huge impact on where you can place a heat pump’s outdoor unit (if at all)! By choosing the right equipment however, you can confidently install a heat pump, even on a small lot that is subject to strict noise ordinances.
HOMEOWNER RESOURCES
EDEN Home Basics
Heat pumps vs. ACs: What's the difference?
If you are considering a system to cool your home, both heat pumps and air conditioners will do the job. However, a heat pump will also provide highly efficient heating during the winter as well.
What is a heat pump and why should I upgrade?
A heat pump provides all-in-one heating and cooling for perfect year-round comfort. Not only that, it operates more than 3x efficiently compared with a standard furnace.
Heat pumps vs. furnaces: What’s the difference?
Heat pumps and furnaces heat your home – but in different ways. The most significant difference between furnaces and heat pumps is that furnaces create their own heat.