How to soundproof a ground source heat pump – Effective methods and products

Soundproofing and sound dampening a geothermal heat pump is an important measure for improving the acoustic environment in your home and reducing unwanted noise. Geothermal heat pumps are energy efficient and sustainable, but they can generate noise that can be perceived as disturbing, especially if they are located close to living areas or bedrooms. By using the right soundproofing materials and techniques, you can effectively reduce the noise level and create a more pleasant indoor and outdoor environment.

Noise from a geothermal heat pump comes mainly from two sources: airborne noise and structure-borne noise. Airborne noise is spread through the air and can be reduced by installing sound-absorbing materials around the pump. Structure-borne noise, which is generated by vibrations from the compressor and other moving parts, can travel through walls, floors, and pipes and requires special measures to be effectively dampened.

To reduce airborne noise, a sound-absorbing enclosure or sound-insulating screen can be placed around the ground source heat pump. Materials with high density and sound-absorbing properties, such as acoustic boards or sound-absorbing panels, can help reduce noise propagation. However, it is important to ensure that ventilation is not restricted, as the heat pump needs sufficient airflow to function optimally.

To manage structure-borne noise, it is crucial to dampen the vibrations from the pump. This can be done by mounting the heat pump on vibration-damping brackets or rubber pads, which reduce sound transmission to the building structure. In addition, sound-insulating pipe insulation can be used to prevent vibrations from propagating through pipes and walls.

The location of the ground source heat pump also plays a major role in how the sound is perceived. If possible, the pump should be installed at a distance from sensitive areas in the home, such as bedrooms and living rooms. Building a sound-insulating wall between the pump and the living areas can further improve sound comfort.

By combining sound-absorbing materials, vibration-damping measures, and thoughtful placement, you can effectively soundproof your ground source heat pump and create a more comfortable living environment. A quieter heat pump not only contributes to a better quality of life but can also reduce the risk of disturbing noise levels for neighbors, especially in densely populated areas.

The benefits of soundproofing and sound dampening a geothermal heat pump

A ground source heat pump is an efficient and sustainable solution for heating, but it can also generate noise that affects both the living environment and the surrounding area. Noise from the compressor and circulation pumps can be disruptive, especially if the pump is located close to living areas or in densely populated areas. By soundproofing and sound-absorbing a ground source heat pump, you can reduce these disturbances and create a more comfortable indoor and outdoor environment without affecting the performance of the heat pump.

Reduced noise level for a quieter living environment
Ground source heat pumps work continuously to maintain a stable indoor temperature, which means that noise from the compressor and fan can be heard around the clock. Especially during the cold winter months when the heat pump is working at full capacity, the noise level can be significant. By installing sound-absorbing material around the pump, the noise level can be significantly reduced, creating a quieter and more harmonious living environment both indoors and outdoors.

Protection against disturbing noise for neighbors and the surrounding area
If the geothermal heat pump is located close to a neighbor's property or home, the noise level can be a nuisance. In some cases, noisy heat pumps can even lead to complaints or demands for sound-absorbing measures. By soundproofing the pump, you can proactively reduce the risk of noise propagation and ensure a good relationship with your neighbors, while complying with any local noise regulations and guidelines.

A more comfortable indoor environment without disturbing noise
In homes where the geothermal heat pump is located indoors, for example in a utility room, the sound can easily travel through walls and floors. This can be disruptive in nearby rooms, especially at night or when working at home. Soundproofing the utility room or the pump's mounting surface can effectively dampen the noise and create a more relaxed and comfortable living environment.

Improved acoustics and reduced resonance
Many heat pumps not only generate noise but also vibrations that can be amplified if they are transmitted to floors, walls, or other surfaces. This can lead to a constant low-frequency hum that is difficult to ignore. By using vibration-damping materials and sound-absorbing panels, you can reduce resonance and improve the acoustics in the room where the pump is located.

Increased energy efficiency and sustainable operation
Effective sound insulation can also have positive effects on the performance of the heat pump. When sound-absorbing materials are used to reduce noise, they can also help to stabilize the pump's operating temperature and reduce heat loss. This leads to increased energy efficiency and more sustainable operation, which in the long run can reduce energy consumption and lower heating costs.

Longer service life and less mechanical wear
Soundproofing measures can also help reduce wear and tear on the components of the ground source heat pump. By dampening vibrations and minimizing noise caused by mechanical movement, the load on the compressor and circulation pumps can be reduced. This, in turn, can extend the life of the pump and reduce the risk of future repairs or expensive servicing.

Step by step: How to effectively soundproof a geothermal heat pump

A geothermal heat pump can generate both structure-borne and airborne noise, which can be disruptive in the home. To create a quieter and more comfortable indoor environment, it is important to combine sound-insulating and sound-absorbing materials.

By using SilentDirect's high-performance sound insulation products, you can reduce vibrations and noise from the ground source heat pump and improve comfort in your home.

Step 1: Prepare the geothermal heat pump for sound insulation

Before you begin soundproofing, you need to check and clean the surfaces of the geothermal heat pump.

Step
Turn off the ground source heat pump and make sure it is cool before you start working.

Step
Open the service hatches and identify the surfaces where the sound insulation is to be applied.

Step
Clean the inside of the hatches and other surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.

Step
Measure the surfaces carefully so that you can cut the sound insulation material to the right size.

Result
A clean and prepared geothermal heat pump ready for soundproofing.

Step 2: Soundproof the inside of the service hatches

Step 2.1: Cut the SilentDirect Polaric damping mat into pieces that fit the inside of the hatches.

Step 2.2: Remove the protective film and apply SilentDirect Polaric directly to the metal.

Step 2.3: Cut SilentDirect Egg to the same size and attach it on top of SilentDirect Polaric.

Step 2.4: Ensure that SilentDirect Egg is securely attached by pressing it against the surface.

What the different products/materials do well:

Properties and advantages of the products:

SilentDirect Polaric
SilentDirect Polaric damping mat reduces structure-borne noise and vibrations from the hatches, which reduces sound leakage.

SilentDirect Egg
SilentDirect Egg is an extremely effective sound absorber that reduces echo and dampens sound from inside the doors.

Results
The service hatches absorb and block sound much more effectively, reducing noise from the geothermal heat pump and creating a more pleasant indoor environment.

Step 3: Build a sound-absorbing enclosure (if additional damping is needed)

Step 3.1: Build a U-shaped frame out of wood or MDF boards that covers the sides and top of the ground source heat pump.

Step 3.2: On the inside of the frame, attach SilentDirect MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl) with staples or glue.

Step 3.3: Alternatively, you can use SilentDirect Polaric damping mat on the inside instead of MLV.

Step 3.4: On top of SilentDirect MLV or Polaric, apply SilentDirect Egg.

Product features and benefits:

SilentDirect MLV
SilentDirect MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl) blocks airborne sound and acts as a barrier to reduce sound leakage.

SilentDirect Polaric
SilentDirect Polaric damping mat reduces structure-borne noise and vibrations from the enclosure.

SilentDirect Egg
SilentDirect Egg absorbs sound inside the enclosure and prevents sound from being reflected back out.

Result
An enclosure that further reduces the noise level and blocks sound leakage, making the ground source heat pump significantly quieter.

Step 4: Dampen vibrations and structure-borne noise from the ground source heat pump

Step
Place SilentDirect Dampio vibration dampers under the pump's feet.

Step
If the pump is mounted on a platform, cover the surface of the platform with SilentDirect MLV or SilentDirect Polaric.

Product features and benefits:

SilentDirect Dampio
SilentDirect Dampio absorbs high-frequency vibrations that would otherwise spread through the floor.

SilentDirect MLV
SilentDirect MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl) prevents airborne sound from propagating through the platform.

SilentDirect Polaric
SilentDirect Polaric damping mat reduces structure-borne noise from the installation of the ground source heat pump itself.

Results
Significantly reduced vibrations and noise propagation through the building structure, contributing to a more stable and quieter installation.

Step 5: Seal any sound leaks

Step
Apply SilentDirect Seal around service hatches and other openings.

Product features and benefits:

SilentDirect Seal
SilentDirect Seal sealing strips block sound leakage from small gaps and leaks, preventing airborne sound from escaping from the pump.

Result
A completely sealed geothermal heat pump with minimal sound leakage, further improving sound insulation

Step 6: Improve room acoustics with SilentDirect PES

Step 6.1
For ceilings: Install SilentDirect PES Ceiling or PES Ceiling Fabric.

Step
For walls: Use SilentDirect PES Wall or PES Wall Fabric.

Product features and benefits:

SilentDirect PES Ceiling and PES Wall.

- Absorbs sound reflections in the room, creating a quieter environment.

- Free from adhesives and binders, making it safe to use in residential areas.

- 50 mm thickness ensures optimal sound absorption in the room.

Result
A significantly more pleasant sound environment in the room, where sound reflections and noise are minimized.

Did you know that..

A geothermal heat pump can be significantly noisier in rooms other than where it is located. Many people believe that sound is mainly transmitted through the air, but the real problem is often structure-borne noise, where vibrations from the compressor and pipes are transmitted through walls and floors. This means that you can have an almost silent technical room – but still hear the hum of the heat pump in the bedroom on the other side of the house!

Simply installing sound insulation on the walls around the heat pump rarely helps. Since the noise often travels through the building's structure itself, the most effective solution is to break the sound's path at the source. By installing vibration-damping feet made of nitrile rubber (NBR) and using flexible pipe couplings, you can significantly reduce the spread of structure-borne noise.

The sound of the geothermal heat pump can be amplified by the resonance of the pipes! If the pipes are mounted too tightly against the wall or ceiling, they can act as sound amplifiers rather than dampers. By using sound-insulating pipe clamps and encasing the pipes in sound-absorbing material, you can break the spread of sound before it has time to travel further into the house.

So if your ground source heat pump is louder than you expected, remember that the problem is rarely the noise level itself, but how the sound travels through the building. And the right measures can make all the difference!

Products that are good for soundproofing and sound insulation of geothermal heat pumps

A ground source heat pump is a powerful and energy-efficient solution for heating homes and buildings. Despite its advantages, it can generate both airborne noise and vibrations that can spread through floors, walls, and ceilings. This can create disturbing noise levels in the home or surrounding areas. With the right sound insulation and vibration damping, you can effectively reduce noise and create a quieter indoor environment.

SilentDirect Polaric damping mat
SilentDirect Polaric is a heavy damping mat made of butyl mix with a durable aluminum surface. It is designed to effectively absorb vibrations and reduce sound transmission from technical installations such as geothermal heat pumps. By installing SilentDirect Polaric on surfaces where the heat pump is located or where vibrations are transmitted, you can create a powerful sound barrier that reduces resonance and structure-borne noise. The denser a material is, the better the sound insulation, making this damping mat one of the most effective solutions for reducing noise from heat pump installations.

SilentDirect MLV
SilentDirect MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl) is a flexible and heavy sound-insulating mat that effectively blocks sound transmission and reduces vibrations. It is ideal for soundproofing walls, floors, and ceilings in spaces where the geothermal heat pump is installed. By applying SilentDirect MLV around the heat pump or on nearby walls, you can significantly reduce sound propagation and create a more comfortable indoor environment. The flexibility of the material makes it easy to install even on uneven surfaces and in confined spaces.

SilentDirect Dampio
SilentDirect Dampio are vibration-damping plates designed to minimize high-frequency vibrations from technical installations such as ground source heat pumps. These vibration dampers effectively reduce structure-borne noise that can otherwise spread through the building's structure. By placing Dampio plates under the heat pump's feet or on other surfaces where vibrations are transmitted, you can reduce both noise and material fatigue in the structure. This results in more stable and quieter operation of the heat pump.

SilentDirect Egg
SilentDirect Egg is a high-performance sound absorber made of NBR rubber (nitrile rubber), which provides excellent sound-absorbing properties. The unique egg-shaped design breaks up sound waves and reduces sound reflections, making it ideal for use in technical rooms where heat pumps are installed. By installing SilentDirect Egg on walls and ceilings around the heat pump, you can reduce reverberation and noise, creating a more pleasant sound environment. For best sound absorption, a thickness of at least 35 mm is recommended, but 50 mm provides even better sound level attenuation.

SilentDirect Seal
SilentDirect Seal is a flexible sealing strip made of nitrile rubber (NBR) that effectively prevents sound leakage from technical rooms where the geothermal heat pump is installed. Sound can escape through gaps around doors, ventilation openings, and pipe penetrations, but with the right seal, you can significantly reduce noise. By applying SilentDirect Seal around heat pump cabinets, pipe penetrations, and joints in the technical room, you can eliminate sound propagation and create an effective sound barrier. The product is available in several thicknesses and widths to suit different installation needs.

SilentDirect Neo
SilentDirect Neo is a flat sound absorber made from the same highly absorbent NBR rubber as SilentDirect Egg, but with a smooth surface. It is ideal for installations where low-profile sound insulation is required, such as on machine enclosures and walls near the heat pump. By using SilentDirect Neo, you can effectively reduce sound reflections and create a quieter environment around the geothermal heat pump. This makes it particularly useful for installations where both sound insulation and an aesthetically pleasing solution are required.