Heat pumps might be the most noisy heating systems in the UK, which might go against the UK’s noise regulations. However, it doesn’t always exceed the regulation noise limit, but it might sometimes.
So, it’s important to understand the noise regulations for heat pumps in the UK to better understand if you should get one or not. So, let’s begin the guide without further ado.
What Are the UK Noise Laws for Heat Pumps?
First things first – yes, there ARE noise laws in the UK for heat pumps. The council can actually do something about noisy neighbours.
Here’s what the noise regulations say:
Maximum noise at your fence line: 42 decibels
But wait, there’s more:
- Night time (7 pm to 7 am): 40 decibels max
- Daytime (7 am to 7 pm): 45 decibels max
What does 42 decibels sound like? Think of a quiet library. Or your fridge is humming. That’s the level of noise your neighbour’s heat pump should make at YOUR property line.
These noise regulations came into force to stop noise nuisance before it starts. They’re part of statutory rules that every installer must follow.
New Rules for 2025 - What's Changed?
The government just changed the rules. Want to know what’s different? Here are the big changes to legislation that came into force:
- Distance Rules Are Gone: Remember the old rule about staying 1 metre from your fence? Gone. You can now install right up to your boundary. This makes things easier for small gardens.
- Bigger Units Allowed: Heat pumps can now be 1.5m³ instead of 0.6m³. That’s much bigger. More power for your home.
- Two Units Per House: Detached homes can have two heat pumps under permitted development. Perfect for bigger properties.
But here’s the catch – the noise level rules got stricter. Your local council will be watching these noise regulations more closely.
Your Rights as a Neighbour
So your neighbour got a heat pump. Now what? Do you have any rights? Yes, you absolutely do.
You Can Complain About Noise Nuisance
If that heat pump is too loud, you don’t have to put up with it. The statutory nuisance laws protect you. Here’s how to deal with noise problems:
Step 1: Talk to Your Neighbour First
Important to try talking first. They might not know there’s a problem. Most people want to be good neighbours.
Step 2: Contact Your Local Council
Still noisy? Your council can investigate complaints. They’ll measure the actual noise level. If it exceeds the permitted level, they can serve an abatement notice.
Step 3: Escalate if Needed
The council has real power here. They can make your neighbour reduce the noise. Or even remove the heat pump if it’s causing a statutory nuisance.
What Makes Heat Pumps Noisy?
Ever wonder why some heat pumps make noise and others don’t? It usually comes down to three things:
- Poor Installation: Bad installers cause most noise problems. Wrong placement. No anti-vibration mounts. Shoddy work leads to excessive noise.
- Lack of Maintenance: Heat pumps need regular care. Dirty filters make them work harder. Loose parts rattle. Blocked fans create a loud noise.
- Wrong Size or Type: Too small for the house? It runs constantly. Too big? It cycles on and off, making more noise. Getting the size right matters.
Understanding these causes helps you deal with noise issues before they start.
How to Reduce Heat Pump Noise?
Whether you’re installing or dealing with a noisy neighbour, here are proven ways to reduce noise:
- Smart Placement: Don’t put heat pumps near bedrooms. Keep them away from windows. Distance reduces the amount of noise that reaches you.
- Use Barriers: Fences help. Hedges work too. Even a simple screen can reduce the noise significantly. Natural barriers look better than artificial ones.
- Anti-Vibration Mounts: These little devices stop vibrations traveling through walls. They’re cheap but very effective. Every wall-mounted unit should have them.
- Acoustic Enclosure: Special boxes that go around the heat pump. They can reduce noise by up to 32 decibels. That’s a huge difference.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep it clean. Check for loose parts. Service it annually. A well-maintained heat pump is a quiet heat pump.
Noise at Night - Special Rules
Noise at night is treated differently. The exposure limit drops to 40 decibels after 7pm. Why? Because we all need sleep.
If your neighbour’s heat pump is causing noise pollution at night, you have stronger rights. The local authority takes nighttime complaints more seriously.
Many modern heat pumps have a “quiet mode” for night operation. They run at lower power but make less noise. It’s a good compromise.
Scotland and Different Rules
Scotland sometimes has different rules. The basic noise regulations are similar. But local councils might have extra requirements.
Always check with your local authority in Scotland. Especially in conservation areas. Listed buildings often have special rules too.
The key principles stay the same – respect your neighbours and follow the statutory requirements.
What to Do Before Installing
Planning to install a heat pump? Smart move for the planet. But think about your neighbours too.
- Talk to Them First. Let them know what’s happening. Explain the noise levels. Show them where it’s going. Most neighbour disputes start with poor communication.
- Choose Your Installer Carefully. Use MCS-certified installers. They know the noise regulations. They’ll do proper noise assessments. Good installers prevent problems.
- Plan the Location. Think about noise. Consider your neighbours. A few extra metres can make a huge difference to relationships.
Dealing with Ongoing Problems
Got an ongoing noise issue? Here’s how to handle it:
- Document Everything: Keep a noise diary. Note times and noise levels. Take photos and videos. Evidence helps your case with the council.
- Try Mediation: Many councils offer mediation services. A neutral person helps you and your neighbour find solutions. It’s often faster than formal complaints.
- Know Your Limits: The statutory nuisance laws are there for a reason. Don’t suffer in silence if the noise exceeds legal limits.
FAQs
Yes! If the noise level exceeds 42 decibels at your property boundary, you can complain to your local council. They’ll investigate and can require your neighbour to reduce the noise or install sound barriers.
They shouldn’t be. Night-time limits are stricter – just 40 decibels maximum. That’s quieter than most fridges. If it’s louder, there might be a problem with installation or maintenance.
A gentle hum is normal. But excessive noise, rattling, or loud whooshing sounds usually mean there’s a problem. Poor installation or lack of maintenance often causes loud noise.
Talk to your neighbour first. Suggest acoustic barriers, better placement, or maintenance. If that doesn’t work, contact your council – they can enforce the noise regulations and require action.
Similar to England, but check with your local authority. Some Scottish councils have additional requirements, especially for conservation areas and listed buildings. The basic 42-decibel limit still applies.
