56 HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES Not so noisy neighbours
Rick Clarke, product manager from NIBE Energy Systems Ltd
H
eat pumps are the heating system of choice for new builds, with a clear preference for this technology outlined in the Future
Homes Standards. When building multiple properties, or upgrading densely packed housing stock, noise is often mentioned, particularly by heat pump detractors. Despite the fact that heat pumps are fairly quiet, housebuilders must consider resident concerns. Rick Clarke, product manager from NIBE Energy Systems Ltd, looks at the facts around heat pump noise and the options to quieten the hum.
Heat pump noise seems to be a particular concern of UK residents; people in the UK search for information about ‘noisy heat pumps’ on Google more than any other country in the world - over four times as much as the second location on this list (which is incidentally the US). The rest of Europe looks so infrequently for heat pump noise related issues that it barely registers in Google’s global search traffi c data. It seems that the odd heat pump end user (or neighbour of a heat pump owner) that has an issue with noise makes the headlines, used as a tool by the heat pump naysayers to discredit the widescale viability of this technology. There are actually only around 100 noise complaints for every 300,000 installations – a rate of 0.03% – according to a survey by
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK HBD04_Nibe_DPSAdv.indd 2
noise experts cited in a research paper by Apex Acoustics. But, with heat pumps being deployed on a
grand scale in new housing stock in particular, and changes to permitted development in the pipeline, including scrapping the rule that an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) unit must be one metre from a neighbour’s boundary, the potential for dissatisfaction could rise, making noise reducing products and correct installation all the more important.
QUIET BY-DESIGN A modern heat pump, installed properly, shouldn’t make any more noise than a refrigerator – or a boiler! NIBE S2125 is one of the quietest heat pumps on the market and also boasts a fl ow temperature of up to 75°C, ideal for high-end developments. It’s not just our premium range that benefi ts
from low noise – all NIBE Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are equipped with a Silent Mode, allowing the system to operate more quietly at night, for example. NIBE’s ranges feature ASHPs and Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP), with options for all types of properties.
QUIET INSTALLATION Under MCS rules, the sound pressure level of a
heat pump at normal operating speeds should be equal to or lower than 42 dB. If a sound assessment shows noise is likely to be higher than this, then planning permission is needed. Apart from choosing the quietest heat
pump, installation best-practice is crucial. Avoiding barriers near the heat pump, such as brick walls or fences, can reduce the sound pressure levels that reach neighbouring properties. Minimising the number of refl ective surfaces that surround the heat pump will also reduce the sound pressure. When installed, the heat pump unit must
be sited on a secure base. NIBE provides ASHPs with adjustable feet as standard, as well as additional antivibration mounts for fl oor standing units to reduce noise levels.
EVOLVED TO MEET THE UK MARKET There’s sometimes a view in the UK that heat pumps are ‘new’; they’re not, they’re well-established and highly evolved with the versatility to meet the needs of all manner of housing and customers. Heat pump noise is a manageable challenge that nine times out of ten becomes a non-issue with the right product, system design and installation.
0330 311 2201
www.nibe.co.uk
17/04/2024 14:15
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