Air source heat pump noise emissions, planning guidance and regulations
Independent review of air source heat pump noise emissions, permitted development guidance and regulations.
Documents
Details
Update: 8 January 2023
We republished the main report to correct an error in the original version. The final figure in the first paragraph on p.15 covering PDR requirement and sound power levels has been corrected.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero commissioned an independent review in 2023 of the current evidence on noise emissions from air source heat pumps (ASHPs).
This study assesses whether, and in what ways, current guidance and planning regulations are fit for purpose for the larger-scale deployment of ASHPs.
The research project used a mixed methodology, including a literature review, household research, and qualitative research with key stakeholders, including local planning authorities, ASHP manufacturers, ASHP installers, and industry bodies.
The research found that:
- ASHP noise emissions were a concern for a minority of consumers in the study
- the research found low incidence of ASHP noise complaints. These arose due to poor quality installations, including location and proximity factors
- possible revisions to permitted development guidance and regulations
This information will help inform future government policy on heat pump planning guidance and heat pump standards.
Updates to this page
Last updated 8 January 2024 + show all updates
-
Main report updated to correct an error: the final figure in the first paragraph on p.15 covering PDR requirement and sound power levels has been corrected.
-
First published.