Review recommends improving Air Source Heat Pump noise assessments

A review of air source heat pump (ASHP) noise emissions and current permitted development regulations (PDR) and guidance has been published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DENSZ). The review was commisioned to assess whether current guidance to prevent noise issues with ASHP is fit for purpose in supporting the installation of more ASHP in England, as we work to transition to cleaner energy. The review found few reports of noise complaints, and where noise issues arose, they were a result of poor quality installation.  Potential updates to PDR guidance and regulations to resolve currnet issues identified include: providing clear guidance on best practice installation, including specific location and minimising reflecting surfaces rather than relying on a specific distance from the boundary (currently one metre); providing clear guidance on environmental test conditions to be used in the assessment and including an assessment methodology that takes account of noise from ASHPs installed at multiple properties in a neighbourhood.  The research carries the caveat that it is based on householder survey respondents mostly in detached and semi detached housing, and interviews with installers willing to participate in the review. The review was undertaken by noise specialists which include IOA members. Involved in the work were engineering consultancy  WSP, construction engineering company BSRIA, University of Salford Acoustics Research Centre University of Salford Acoustics Research Centre and Stephen Turner Acoustics.