If you’ve ever stood next to a pool pump at full speed, you’ve already got a mental picture of “too loud”. The heat pumps we install are nothing like that.
We get asked about noise a lot, and it’s a fair question. Nobody wants a unit humming outside their bedroom window at 6 am. So in this guide, we’ll walk you through the actual dB ratings of the two systems we specialise in, what those numbers feel like in real life, and where to position your unit for the quietest possible result.
Key Takeaways
- Heat pump hot water systems use up to 70% less energy than traditional electric storage (Australian Government Energy Rating).
- The Reclaim Energy system we install runs at just 37dB – quieter than a standard refrigerator hum.
- Perth’s mild winters (average minimum 7.9 degrees) mean both our systems run at full efficiency year-round.
- Split system configurations keep the compressor outside, giving you the quietest possible result indoors.
- Correct placement with at least 1 cubic metre of airflow space keeps your system running quietly and efficiently.
How Loud Is Too Loud? Understanding dB Ratings
Decibels aren’t linear, that’s the part most people don’t realise. A sound at 40dB isn’t simply twice as loud as 20dB. It’s roughly four times the acoustic pressure. So a 6dB difference between two systems feels more noticeable than the numbers suggest.
Here’s a quick reference to put our units in context:
dB Level | Everyday Equivalent |
30dB | Quiet countryside at night |
37dB | Refrigerator hum |
43dB | Quiet library |
50dB | Moderate rainfall |
60dB | Normal conversation (1m away) |
70dB | Pool pump |
Both systems we install sit well below a pool pump or a conventional electric element heater. In most Perth homes with standard brick construction, you won’t hear either unit from inside the house, even with windows open.
A heat pump running at 37dB is quieter than your fridge. Positioned in a garage or on the side of the house, most of our customers tell us they forget it’s even running – which is exactly how a hot water system should work.
Our Perth Models Compared: Reclaim vs Apricus
We specialise in two residential heat pump hot water systems: the Reclaim Energy and the Apricus. Both are strong performers, but they differ on noise output, tank options, and warranty. Here’s how they sit side by side:
Feature | Reclaim Energy | Apricus |
Noise Level | 37dB | 43dB |
Tank Sizes | 160L, 250L, 315L, 400L | 260L |
Refrigerant | CO2 | R290 |
Warranty | 10 years (tank and compressor) | 6 years (tank, parts, labour) |
WiFi Control | Yes | Yes |
Unit Type | Integrated | Integrated |
STC Rebate Eligible | Yes | Yes |
For noise-sensitive homes, bedrooms close to the utility area, or a neighbour’s fence within a couple of metres, we’d generally recommend the Reclaim. At 37dB, it’s running at refrigerator volume. You’d hear your coffee machine louder.
The Apricus at 43dB is still very quiet. It’s a library-level hum, and for units placed in a garage or on the side of the house, it won’t register as an issue. Both systems use next-generation refrigerants, CO2 in the Reclaim, R290 in the Apricus, with low global warming potential and reliable year-round efficiency.
We’ve seen it all in WA homes, and the Reclaim consistently gets the best feedback on noise. At 37dB, rated one of the quietest units in Australia, it’s the go-to for clients who are particularly noise-conscious or have bedrooms close to the install location.
Where We Recommend Placing Your Heat Pump
Placement is where most noise problems either get prevented or created. Get it right and the unit disappears into the background. Get it wrong and you might find it running harder, louder, or both.
Locations that work well
Garage:
Our top pick. Masonry walls buffer the sound from living areas, and the door opening gives natural airflow without extra ventilation work.
Laundry (with ventilation):
Fine if there’s an external vent or louvred window. A fully sealed laundry restricts airflow, which forces the unit to work harder and run louder.
Side of house (outdoors):
The most common setup we do across Perth. Pick a spot with some shade in summer, a clear space around the unit, and a reasonable distance from bedroom windows. A metre of clear space on all sides is the practical minimum.
Outdoor enclosure:
Works if ventilation is adequate. An enclosed box with no air movement reduces efficiency by around 15-20%, increasing both running time and noise output.
Locations to avoid
Directly under bedroom windows:
Even at 37dB, low-frequency vibration can travel through cavity walls and disturb light sleepers.
Fully enclosed spaces with no ventilation:
Restricted airflow makes the compressor work harder – and louder.
Areas prone to water pooling:
Moisture accelerates wear on electrical components and increases call-out frequency.
If you want the absolute quietest result indoors, talk to us about split system options. With a split configuration, the compressor lives entirely outside and connects to an indoor tank via refrigerant lines. The mechanical noise stays outdoors, inside, the tank just holds temperature quietly.
Our integrated heat pump units need roughly 1 cubic metre of surrounding air space to draw in ambient air efficiently. Restricting that airflow doesn’t just hurt efficiency – it forces the compressor to run longer and harder, which is the fastest way to make a quiet system noisy. We’ll always talk you through the best placement before we book the install.
Frequently Asked Questions
How noisy is a heat pump compared to a ducted air conditioner?
Most ducted AC outdoor units run at around 50-55dB. At 37dB, the Reclaim we install is significantly quieter – roughly half the perceived loudness. Even the Apricus at 43dB sits below typical ducted system noise. We’re happy to talk you through the comparison for your specific setup.
Can a heat pump be installed in an apartment or small unit?
It depends on your space and any strata or body corporate rules. Integrated units need outdoor or well-ventilated indoor placement. Split systems offer more flexibility because the compressor can be mounted like a reverse-cycle AC unit. Give us a call, and we’ll work out what’s possible for your property, no pressure.
Will our heat pump disturb the neighbours?
At 37-43dB, both systems sit well below the limits under WA Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 for residential areas. Positioned sensibly – away from boundary fences and set back from windows – they’re very unlikely to register from a neighbouring property.
Does Perth's climate affect how the system performs or how loud it runs?
Heat pumps run more efficiently in warmer conditions, which covers most of the Perth year. Even in winter, with an average minimum of 7.9 degrees, both the Reclaim and Apricus operate within full design parameters. Warmer conditions mean shorter running cycles, which actually reduces total noise exposure over the day.
What keeps a heat pump running quietly over time?
Annual servicing is the main thing. Clean filters, clear fan blades, and a well-maintained compressor all contribute to quiet, efficient operation. A neglected unit can drift several dB louder as components wear and collect dust. We offer ongoing servicing across the Perth metro – just get in touch when it’s due.
