Which Heat Pump Is the Quietest?

In the market for a heat pump but want to make sure your new unit isn’t obnoxiously loud?

Well here’s how you do so: start by comparing the decibel (dB) sound ratings on different heat pumps. The lower the decibel sound rating, the quieter the unit. That being said, the quietest heat pumps today have decibel ratings in the 50s.

But exactly how “quiet” is 50 decibels?

Don’t worry. We’ll explain how decibels work and provide some frame of reference regarding heat pump noise. Then we’ll point you in the direction of some super quiet heat pumps.

Heat pump decibel ratings can range anywhere from the low 50s to 90s. And while that may not seem like a huge variance, it is.

You see, the difference between 50 decibels and 75 decibels is actually comparable to the noise level difference between a refrigerator’s soft humming (50 decibels) and a vacuum cleaner (75 decibels).

Here’s an infographic that compares different decibel levels to the noise made by household appliances and other everyday sounds.

Better yet, here are 2 videos that showcase the difference in heat pump decibel ratings:

• Noise level of a 50 dB heat pump
• Noise level of a 57/58 dB heat pump

Even though the decibel ratings seem similar there’s a pretty noticeable difference, right? Now let’s look at some of the quietest heat pumps that are in the 50-58 dB range…

• Carrier Infinity Heat Pump: 55 decibels
• Lennox XP25 Heat Pump: 58 decibels
• Bryant Evolution Heat Pump: 55 decibels

Having trouble finding a quiet heat pump or don’t see the decibel rating listed on a manufacturer’s site?

Just look for these heat pump features that allow for quieter operation:

• Insulated compressor compartments
• Variable speed compressors
• Forward-swept fan blades
• Quiet mount split post compressor grommets
• Discharge or “external silencer” muffler