Essential ASHP Noise Assessment for Air Source Heat Pumps: Ensure Compliance and Quiet Operation
Why Do You Need an ASHP Noise Assessment for Your Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)?
When installing an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP), one of the key factors to consider is noise. ASHPs are efficient and eco-friendly, but the outdoor units can generate sound that may impact your neighbours and the surrounding environment. Understanding how to manage this noise and ensure your installation complies with local regulations is crucial. Here’s why an ASHP noise assessment is important.
There are two primary components in an ASHP that produce noise:
The Fan – This drives air over the evaporator coil
The Compressor – This compresses the refrigerant gas (often R12 or R410A)
Both of these components are housed in the outdoor unit, and the noise produced is a combination of two distinct sounds:
Both of these sources radiate noise into the environment, and it’s essential to ensure that the combined noise level does not exceed the acceptable limits defined by local authorities.
How Is Noise Measured for ASHPs?
To determine the impact of noise from an ASHP installation, two primary methods are used in the UK: MSC20 and BS4142.
MSC20 (Micro-Site Compliance)
The MSC20 method is a relatively straightforward approach that assumes a background noise level of 40dBA. However, this method is currently under review, and the process may soon become simpler. For some installations, the MSC20 can provide a quick way to assess compliance with noise regulations. Read more here.
BS4142:2014+A1:2019 (The Standard for Industrial Noise)
The BS4142 standard is a more comprehensive and commonly used assessment method. It is specifically designed for noise impact assessments of industrial machinery, plant operations, and devices like air conditioners and heat pumps. The standard considers:
The specific noise level produced by the heat pump.
The background noise level at the nearest sensitive receptor (typically a bedroom or resting room in a neighbouring property).
How the noise from the ASHP compares to the background noise.
Most local planning authorities (LPAs) in the UK rely on BS4142 to determine whether the noise from your ASHP will be permissible. They will often require that the ASHP noise level remains lower than the LA90 (the background noise level) by a specified margin, which can vary by location.
Why Should You Consider Noise Impact Assessment Before Installation?
Before purchasing an ASHP or an air conditioning unit, it is important to verify whether noise assessments are required by your LPA. The noise emissions of different units vary significantly, so it’s best to obtain a BS4142 noise assessment report before making a purchase decision. This way, you can ensure that the unit you choose will comply with local regulations and avoid unnecessary complications later.
What Happens if Your ASHP Is Installed Without a Noise Assessment?
Sometimes, local authorities will retrospectively request a noise assessment after installation, especially if complaints arise or if the system’s noise is detected to exceed the permitted levels. In these cases, you might be asked to take remedial actions. Common issues might include:
It’s essential to address these issues promptly. Avoid purchasing an acoustic cover or housing as a first solution. These can be costly (often over £1,500) and may not effectively resolve the noise problem. Instead, consider other, more cost-effective approaches to reduce the noise impact, such as repositioning the unit or installing noise-dampening materials.
What to Do Next?
If you are planning to install an ASHP, here are the key next steps:
Check Your Local Authority’s Website – Review the planning guidelines provided by your Local Planning Authority (LPA) to determine if a noise assessment is required.
Obtain a BS4142 Noise Assessment – If required, ensure that the assessment is carried out before purchasing the unit. This will help avoid purchasing a unit that doesn’t meet noise compliance.
Retrospective Noise Assessment – If the unit is already installed, but you’ve been asked for a noise assessment, do not panic. There are often solutions available to reduce noise levels or mitigate complaints, without the need for expensive acoustic covers.
Contact Us for Support – If you're unsure about the process, or if you need a noise assessment, get in touch. We can guide you through the process and help ensure that your installation is compliant with local regulations.
What We Have Learnt Thus Far
Through our experience working with ASHP installations and noise assessments, we’ve gained valuable insights into the complexities and nuances of this process. Here’s what we’ve learnt:
Retrospective Noise Assessments are Common
Many Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) will request a noise assessment after installation, especially if complaints are made by neighbours or if the noise level exceeds permitted limits. While this can be a stressful situation, it’s important to note that there are often effective mitigation strategies available that can resolve issues without major disruption or the need for costly acoustic covers.
Local Authorities Have Varied Noise Policies
It’s crucial to understand that noise regulations can differ significantly from one council to another. Some LPAs have strict noise policies, while others may have none in place. This means that the noise impact from your ASHP could be evaluated very differently depending on where your property is located. That’s why we recommend carrying out a noise assessment early in the process to avoid surprises.
Mechanical Noise and Vibration Mitigation
As mechanical engineering consultants, we understand the importance of addressing both noise and vibration in ASHP systems. While the fan and compressor are the main sources of noise, mechanical vibrations can also contribute to disturbances. We offer solutions not only for acoustic noise but also for vibration reduction, ensuring that your ASHP operates quietly and without causing disruption to you or your neighbours.
The Importance of Proactive Planning
We’ve found that the most successful installations are those where a proactive approach is taken. Planning for noise impact at the outset, obtaining the necessary noise assessments, and selecting the appropriate ASHP based on your specific location and needs can save time, money, and stress in the long run. We strongly recommend that noise assessments are conducted before installation, rather than dealing with potential issues after the system is in place.
What to Do Next?
If you are planning to install an ASHP, here are the key next steps:
Check Your Local Authority’s Website
Review the planning guidelines provided by your Local Planning Authority (LPA) to determine if a noise assessment is required.
Obtain a BS4142 Noise Assessment
If required, ensure that the assessment is carried out before purchasing the unit. This will help avoid purchasing a unit that doesn’t meet noise compliance.
Retrospective Noise Assessment
If the unit is already installed, but you’ve been asked for a noise assessment, do not panic. There are often solutions available to reduce noise levels or mitigate complaints, without the need for expensive acoustic covers.
Contact Us for Support
If you're unsure about the process, or if you need a noise assessment, get in touch. We can guide you through the process and help ensure that your installation is compliant with local regulations.
Why Choose Us for Your ASHP Noise Assessment?
Expertise: We specialise in noise assessments for ASHPs and other residential and industrial systems.
Efficiency: We ensure fast and accurate assessments to prevent delays in your project.
Cost-effective Solutions: We help you identify the best, most affordable options for noise mitigation.
Compliant Reports: Our assessments meet all regulatory standards to ensure you can proceed with your installation with peace of mind.
Get in touch with us today at 01908 643 433, email or fill in the form to discuss your ASHP Noise Assessment.
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