One aspect of the technology that has been given far more column inches in mass media than it merits, is the issue of operational noise.
Despite the hard-to-dispel myths, heat pumps are typically quieter than fossil fuel boilers. While the noise level of a heat pump depends on the type, and how hard it’s working, air source heat pumps typically produce between 40 – 60 decibels of noise. Similar to that of a dishwasher or microwave, this can be considered a low to average level of noise.
It’s also worth noting that any fans present tend to be relatively quiet compared to traditional heating systems, such as boilers or furnaces. With appropriate installation and maintenance, there is no reason why systems should cause excessive disturbance.
Heat pump noise
While heat pumps are, generally, quiet, they don’t operate in complete silence. As with any mechanical system, heat pumps do produce some noise, but excessive operational noise is usually an indication of something amiss – either with the machine or its installation.
Modern heat pump systems are designed to operate quietly. You will usually only hear a low whirring noise coming from them which is caused by the fan pulling in warm air into the compressor.
A heat pump will naturally produce low level humming due to the fan, but any loud or unusual noises should be checked out as they may indicate a problem such as damaged piping, vibrations due to improper or unsuitable mounting or rattling sounds suggesting loose or dirty parts.
Picking up bad vibrations…
A more notable problem with these machines is related to any vibrations generated, which can, in addition to creating noise, reduce their life cycle.
Loud heat pump vibration is typically caused when the machine’s low-level vibrations transfer into the structure they are mounted on, creating an amplification effect.
The vibrations generated by machinery installed in residential buildings or workplaces can be a source of disturbance and significantly reduce people’s well-being. The UNI 9614 standard sets precise limits on the acceptable values of these vibrations depending on the types of rooms and buildings. In particular, the following uses are identified: critical areas, homes, offices and factories.
Delivering good vibrations
Soleco is an Italian manufacturer passionate about overcoming increasingly complex challenges. The company has a wide range of standard products that, thanks to the flexibility of their design and manufacturing processes, can be customised to any needs.
Soleco’s range of products is made for the renewable energy, construction industrial, nuclear, marine, healthcare, food and railway sectors. With a laboratory that performs static tests on their products, they are also supported by recognised laboratories to obtain seismic certifications such as UBC 1997 and IBC 2009-2012 (ASCE 7-10, AC156). Their anti-vibration mounts can be used to solve vibration problems in air handling units, chillers, generators, pumps, solar panels, etc.
Having been producing anti-vibration devices for vibration isolation for 50 years, Soleco has created anti-vibration feet kits for heat pumps that, in addition to isolating vibrations and reducing the noise generated by the machine, extend the unit life.
The types of products dedicated to this sector are divided into two categories: anti-vibration feet with internal spring – the MNa series – and anti-vibration feet in thermoplastic elastomer – the NOCE series.
The anti-vibration feet kits, sold through distributors, are divided by color depending on the load of the machine to be isolated. They are supplied in convenient blisters, complete with screws and assembly instructions, for practical ease during installation.
Unlike the rubber feet more commonly seen in the market, Soleco feet are made of thermoplastic elastomer, a material that resists extreme temperatures and external agents.
Image credit: Soleco
