Compare heat pump noise, side by side

See how loud the top 3 brands actually get, and how that compares to everyday sounds you already know.

Compare heat pump noise, side by side

See how loud the top 3 brands actually get, and how that compares to everyday sounds you already know.

Comparing the top 3 heat pump brands

This page compares the top 3 heat pump brands: Octopus Energy, Vaillant, and Aira. It looks at their size, noise, and footprint side by side, so you can see how they stack up before speaking to an installer.

Octopus Energy

Vaillant

Aira

How loud are heat pumps, really?

Short answer: about as loud as a normal conversation, and only when it’s working hardest. Here’s what that actually looks like across the top 3 brands.

All figures are the manufacturer's published sound pressure level at 1 metre, on the lowest realistic real-world setting for that model. Grouped by roughly the size heat pump your home might actually need, same tiers as the Size Comparison tool.

~6kW tier
smaller or well-insulated homes
Octopus Cosy
58 dB(A)
normal conversation
Vaillant aroTHERM
54 dB(A)
quiet conversation
Aira
57 dB(A)
normal conversation
~8-9kW tier
medium-sized family homes
Octopus Cosy
56 dB(A)
normal conversation
Vaillant aroTHERM
54 dB(A)
quiet conversation
Aira
56 dB(A)
normal conversation
~11-12kW tier
larger or older, less-insulated homes
Octopus Cosy
61 dB(A)
normal conversation
Vaillant aroTHERM
60 dB(A)
normal conversation
Aira
57 dB(A)
normal conversation
Octopus Cosy
Vaillant aroTHERM
Aira
All 9 models measured sit between 54 and 61 dB(A) — clustered in the everyday "conversation" band, nowhere near a vacuum cleaner or traffic.

Figures are taken from each manufacturer's published specifications and may vary by exact model, revision, or operating condition. They typically run louder on the coldest days, when the unit works hardest. Real-world in-situ noise can differ from lab-tested figures. The everyday comparisons on the scale (traffic, conversation, a fridge) are approximate, illustrative reference points, not acoustic measurements. Always confirm the real number with your installer, and see our FAQ on choosing a quieter model.

Frequently asked questions

Can I pick the quietest heat pump?

Just Ask: Heatpump

Just Ask: Heatpump is an independent companion to Visit a Heat Pump and Get a Heat Pump. Built from real installation experience to give honest, practical guidance before you commit.