Air-to-water heat pump noise in residential settings: A comprehensive review

Assessing the acoustic impact of heat pumps is essential, particularly in residential settings, where noise emissions can significantly affect quality of life. Despite established energy labelling methods, standards for evaluating the acoustic signatures of heat pumps lack clarity. This deficiency has resulted in an increase in installations with poor acoustic design, leading to increased concerns and complaints. Existing evaluation metrics, such as the single-value metric A-weighted Total Sound Power Level, provide only a simplified overview, necessitating a more comprehensive spectral assessment of acoustic signatures. While initiatives by the European Heat Pump Association and ongoing research projects highlight a growing focus on heat pump noise, challenges persist in testing methodologies, labelling practices, and terminology standardisation. This review comprehensively assesses heat pump noise signatures and proposes strategies to improve heat pump noise evaluation, highlighting the urgent need for standardised testing methodologies and clearer dissemination of information to ensure improved acoustic comfort in residential settings. Addressing heat pump noise is critical to advancing sustainability objectives, as inadequately designed installations can obstruct efforts to transition to greener heating options, thus hindering progress toward environmental sustainability targets.