Does the outdoor unit of an air-source heat pump produce noise pollution in apartment buildings?
The noise of the outdoor unit in an apartment building often raises questions. The noise level depends on the device, its location and the measurement point. Modern air source heat pumps are designed to operate quietly and meet the regulatory requirements for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Limit values have been set for the noise caused by the air source heat pump both inside and outside the building: indoors, the night-time noise level must not exceed 33 dB and occasional noise 45 dB, while outdoors, the average sound level must not exceed 45 dB and the maximum sound level 50 dB.
In the latest models, the noise level of the outdoor unit is usually 45 dB measured at a distance of about a meter from the outdoor unit. In addition, many models have a night function, which significantly reduces the sound pressure. So a properly installed device is unlikely to exceed these limits in practical situations.
Noise level to the neighbor's apartment
The indoor areas of the building are subject to Valvira's Residential Health Regulation, which states that the night-time noise level of technical equipment may not exceed 33 decibels (dB) in living areas between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Occasional noise may be higher, but it may not exceed the 45 dB limit under any circumstances. (Valvira, 8/2016)
According to Valvira's guidelines, indoor noise measurements should be performed in the occupied zone, typically at head height or in the area of the head of a person in bed. Measurements should not be taken closer than 0.5 meters to room surfaces without a specific reason, and windows, exterior doors and ventilation hatches should be closed during the measurement.
It should be noted that the noise levels reported by manufacturers are typically measured at a distance of approximately one meter from the outdoor unit. When considering the attenuation of sound with increasing distance and the sound insulation of structures, it is in practice very unlikely that indoor noise limits would be exceeded in neighboring apartments.
The impact of the outdoor unit on the neighbor's balcony
The situation where the outdoor unit of an air-source heat pump is located near a neighbor's balcony requires special attention. The Ministry of the Environment's decree (796/2017) According to the regulations, the noise level must not exceed 45 dB average sound level or 50 dB maximum sound level on the balcony. For example, if the declared sound pressure of the outdoor unit is 45 dB measured at a distance of one meter, the sound will be attenuated by approximately 6 dB when the distance doubles. This means that at a distance of two meters the noise level has already dropped to approximately 39 decibels. In addition, any obstacles, such as balcony glazing or partitions, will further attenuate the sound.
Therefore, a properly positioned and installed outdoor unit will likely meet noise requirements even on a neighbor's balcony. Nevertheless, when planning the installation location, it is important to take into account the location of the neighbor's balcony and, if possible, try to install the outdoor unit sufficiently far away.
The importance of installation in preventing noise pollution
The correct placement of the outdoor unit plays a key role in minimizing noise pollution. The device is never installed directly on the wall structure due to vibration and resonance, but is installed, for example, on the balcony floor on vibration-damping rubber pads. This installation method, combined with the quiet operation of modern devices, ensures that noise levels remain within permissible limits both indoors and outdoors.
If it can be shown that the air-source heat pump meets the authorities' instructions and that the installation is carried out correctly in terms of construction, the housing company often grants permission for the installation. Read more on the topic from this article.
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