UK heat pump sales are rising, boosted by regulatory changes. Rebecca Hogg, technical manager – acoustics, at BSRIA, says that with this growth, focus is turning to noise, installation quality and user guidance to ensure efficient, quiet, low-carbon heating.
In 2024, the UK heat pump sector reached a new milestone with nearly 110,000 units sold, a remarkable 48% increase over the previous year and the highest figure on record, with retrofit applications continuing to grow steadily. This growth has continued into 2025 and there were changes to heat pump regulations in England earlier this year, which marked a further step forward on the low-carbon heating journey.
Under Permitted Development Rights, installers can now position units adjacent to property boundaries and install physically larger units up to 1.5m³ without planning permission. These freedoms unlock significant opportunities, but they also place greater responsibility squarely on the shoulders of installers to deliver installations that work quietly and efficiently.
This regulatory evolution is far more than a technical footnote; it represents a crucial step in mainstreaming heat pumps. However, with greater freedom comes new challenges, and acoustic concerns have quickly moved to the forefront of public and professional discourse.
Designing for quiet operation
Concerns around heat pump noise are wrapped in myth, fear and possibly legitimate issues. While modern heat pumps technology is quiet, it is still possible for noise issues to occur, often stemming from avoidable errors in system design, installation or poor maintenance. National media coverage and social media scrutiny have put this issue in the spotlight, meaning we risk losing consumer confidence in the technology if we fail to address the issue head-on.
The UK’s diverse housing stock means that every project requires a bespoke solution. To ensure a heat pump will work effectively and quietly, installers and designers should request full test reports from accredited testing laboratories. These reports confirm compliance with standards such as EN 14511 and EN 14825 for thermal performance and, critically, EN 12102 for acoustic testing.
However, acoustic performance data alone isn’t enough. It must be part of a holistic approach that considers the entire system, including building fabric, unit location and airflow. Properly sizing and selecting heat emitters, such as underfloor heating or panel radiators, is essential. While they don’t produce noise themselves, poorly matched emitters can cause the heat pump to work harder, potentially increasing noise from the outdoor unit. Correct placement is another key factor in mitigating potential noise nuisance.
The importance of quality installation
Rigorous competency standards for installers are vital in managing noise. With rapid market expansion, it’s non-negotiable that all installers are qualified, competent and receive ongoing training in best practices for noise mitigation. A heat pump system is only as quiet as the quality of its installation.
Beyond standards and installation, the installer’s role in educating residents is critical. Research has shown that occupant behaviour alone can impact energy efficiency outcomes by as much as 300%. Heat pumps operate differently from the gas boilers they typically replace. Their longer run cycles and variable output mean occupants must adapt their heating behaviours, warming their homes more gradually and allowing systems time to run efficiently.
Comprehensive user education at handover is fundamental to managing noise expectations and sustaining system performance. Explaining normal operational sounds and emphasising periodic maintenance can ease concerns and reduce complaints. Equipping end-users with the information they need creates a virtuous cycle: properly operated heat pumps remain quieter, more efficient and deliver greater comfort with a lower carbon footprint.
The broader context
Retrofitting up to 29 million dwellings across the UK presents both a challenge and a huge opportunity. With one in five homes lacking proper insulation [3], we must be honest about the fabric improvements needed for optimal heat pump performance. Every heat pump system design should follow a whole-building assessment that considers the balance of thermal comfort, air quality, ventilation and acoustics.
A well-designed system in a properly assessed building improves both efficiency and occupant wellbeing. Done correctly, retrofitting with heat pumps enhances indoor comfort while cutting emissions. Additionally, regular servicing is essential for quiet, efficient operation, and customer education is vital. Homeowners need to understand how their system differs from a traditional boiler, what to expect from running costs and what constitutes normal operational sounds versus a potential fault.
Meeting the moment
The heat pump industry stands at a pivotal moment. We can either rise to the challenge through holistic assessment, bespoke system design, and occupant engagement, or risk undermining trust through poor-quality delivery.
Every installation builds or erodes confidence in the technology. Every client interaction either clarifies or confuses. Every commissioning process maximises performance or leaves efficiencies on the table. The task ahead is to provide high quality heat pump installations.
After all, our industry’s credibility – and the future of low-carbon heating in the UK – depends on it.
About the author
As BSRIA’s Technical Manager – Acoustics, Rebecca Hogg brings over 14 years of specialised experience in testing a wide range of building services products and systems. An expert in acoustics, she is responsible for managing BSRIA’s UKAS accredited heat pump and thermal acoustic testing facilities. Rebecca’s role extends to leading on-site testing and research projects where her acoustic specialism is critical. A Member of the Institute of Acoustics, she has authored influential BSRIA guides including Noise in the Built Environment (TG 20/2021), helping to shape industry best practice.
