Mitsubishi Electric has launched some of the quietest air source heat pumps ever available in the UK to offer complete flexibility on where units can be installed whilst meeting Permitted Development.
The Ultra Quiet Ecodan air source heat pumps are available in 8.5 and 11.2kW sizes with sound levels that are three times quieter than previous models, virtually eliminating planning restrictions.
Designed specifically for residential applications, these models offer superb energy efficiency and sound levels and enable almost any home to benefit from high performance, renewable heating.
Max Halliwell, Product Manager for the company’s renewable heating systems, said: “The government has already recognised how important air source heat pumps will be for the future of low carbon heating in the UK and is forecasting 1m sales a year by 2030.
“One of the key areas that will affect adoption of these energy-saving systems is noise which is why permitted development exists, and these new units are designed specifically to overcome any issues with noise.”
In the residential environment, sound is important because low sound increases the flexibility of where a heat pump can be positioned. To ensure neighbours aren’t disturbed, Permitted Development requires sound levels to meet certain limitations, with the sound pressure level not exceeding 42dB(A) when measured at a point 1m away from the neighbour’s nearest door or window.
Max Halliwell continued: “New Ultra Quiet Ecodan takes this to the next level with low sound and high performance which mean homeowners can now choose the most convenient location for their heat pump, giving complete flexibility on placement and still meeting Permitted Development requirements.”
The 8.5kW Ultra Quiet Ecodan has a sound power level of only 58dB(A) which is an 8dB(A) drop over the model it replaces. It also has a sound pressure level of just 45dB(A) at 1m.
Halliwell explained: “With a sound pressure level of just 45 dB(A), the new Ecodan is whisper-quiet, with levels just above that of a library, meaning it will pass the Permitted Development requirements easily and can be installed almost anywhere.
“This is a result of a decade of manufacturing Ecodan in Scotland and we have used this knowledge and experience to refine Ecodan and design it specifically for UK residential use.”
Innovations in fan and compressor design have enabled the units to achieve such low levels of sound whilst increasing performance and efficiency. Both models in the range (PUHZ-W85VAA and PUHZ-112VAA) are A++ ErP rated and also available with coastal protection for areas where they can be exposed to saline.
