Acoustics

Future Homes CIBSE DBSP Air Source Heat Pump engineer survey

The University of Salford and the CIBSE Domestic Building Services Panel (DBSP) would like to hear from UK-based air source (air-to-water) heat pump engineers in a 15-to-30-minute online survey. The aim is to learn from engineers’ experience in installing, commissioning, servicing, maintaining or repairing heat pumps, particularly concerning any sound and vibration issues. The survey will close on the 31st January 2026.

The primary researcher, Dr Simone Graetzer, said: “The survey responses will be used to guide our research to where it is needed. It will help us to understand what the real-world noise issues are, where they occur and what the causes might be, help us to work with others to improve guidance for designers and installers, and help us to make recommendations to policy makers.”

Professor Antonio Torija Martinez said: “Heat pumps are central to decarbonising home heating and cooling, but noise pollution remains a barrier to widespread adoption. By gathering insight from this survey, we can pinpoint the main noise issues during commissioning and installation and work towards quieter solutions.” 

Engineers should complete the survey by the 31st January 2026 for the chance to win one of two £240 prizes. 

The survey can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/fhpumpsurvey 

Image advertising a survey for heat pump engineers developed by the University of Salford. It shows a female engineer working on a pump.

Many thanks to Innovate UK, the project partners, CIBSE DBSP and everyone who assisted with survey design and testing.