These guidelines have been developed in association with the following:
Heat pumps are designed and built to Australian Standards in order to minimize inherently noisy designs entering the market. The sound output of each unit will usually be indicated on a descriptive plate as a Sound Power Level, for example 60 dB(A).
Before installing a heat pump consider the effects noise from the unit may have on the client as well as their neighbours. Noise nuisance problems usually occur when the installer has failed to properly consider the effects of noise emission from the outdoor unit when selecting a site for the heat pump, such as facing the unit directly at a neighbours window.
Consider the following when selecting a location for the outdoor unit:
Empathise
Treat the installation as carefully as if it were you own home, as if you are and your neighbours would be exposed to the noise.
Make a relative judgement
Consider the surrounding environment background noise levels and choose a unit to suit. For example, the same unit installed in a residential area may not be suitable in a bush setting.
Consider the need for sleep
Locate the unit as far away from the clients' and neighbours' bedrooms as possible.
The units orientation
Never face the condenser fan discharge directly towards the window of a neighbours' residence particularly those of habitable rooms or outdoor living areas. The unit should face the boundary of the property furthest away from the adjoining residences.
Mounting
Try to avoid mounting the condenser on the house wall and in particular at high level, as this can result in unimpeded transmission of noise to neighbouring properties. Mount at ground level if at all possible. Mount the unit on a solid base, preferably a concrete pad or blocks. Use rubber pads or other appropriate measures to eliminate vibration.
Installing refrigeration lines in walls
Ensure that where refrigeration lines pass through walls that they have adequate clearance and insulation. Vibration from within walls can magnify noise levels beyond acceptable levels.
Make use of fences and walls
Fences or walls between the client and the neighbours home can help to reduce noise transmission. This can be used to advantage when locating the heat pump. If a nuisance eventuates, other options such as acoustic barriers or acoustic treatment of the outdoor unit may be pursued.
If despite you best efforts you can still see the potential for noise nuisance problems, advise the client of the trouble. You can always contact the Heat Pump Association (6272 0066) and/or your Council’s Environmental Health Officer’s for further information. Do not install a unit when it is evident a potential noise nuisance exists to impact on the surrounding neighbourhood and when no other solution can be found.
Those installing heat pumps are in a position to eliminate problems at their root. Nothing you do should impinge on your clients' or their neighbours' right to enjoy their environment.
The Environmental Protections (Noise) Regulations 1977 specify the following:
Council Environmental Health Officers are able to issue an Environmental Protection Notice to require rectification of an environmental nuisance. The penalty of up to 1,000 penalty units for contravening a requirements of a Notice (1 penalty unit - $100.00).
Disclaimer: These guidelines are intended as suggestions to help minimise noise nuisance from the installation of heat pumps. Adherence to these suggestions should not be interpreted as discharging any party from its responsibilities in relation to the creation of a noise nuisance nor as a method by which responsibility can be transferred to a Council or the Heap Pump Association. Adherence to the guidelines will not guarantee compliance with the Act or Regulations.
To assist installers to select suitable locations and reduce the possibility of a noise nuisance, the attached selection procedure should be used. The relevant noise level from the table below should be used in Appendix A of the procedure.
| Time average A-weighted sound pressure level (dB(A)) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating times | Sleeping areas | Recreation & study areas | Working areas |
| 7am until 10pm | 45 | 50 | 52 |
| 10pm until 7am | 40 | 45 | 47 |
The above limits must be adjusted as follows, in accordance with the regulations:
