My Heat Pump Is Too Loud — Solutions for Vancouver Neighbour Complaints
Published: July 23, 2026 — CANRO Heating & Cooling — Greater Vancouver, BC
Sound Blankets
A sound blanket wraps around the compressor section of the outdoor unit. It absorbs mechanical noise from the compressor. Cost: $200-500 installed. Reduces sound by 5-10 dB. Compatible with most heat pump brands. Must be installed correctly — it should not restrict airflow or block the coil. A cost-effective first step.
Sound Barriers
A sound barrier (fence, wall, or vegetation) between your unit and the neighbour property. Requirements: must be at least as high as the unit, must not restrict airflow to the unit (maintain 5+ feet clearance on all sides), made of absorptive material (not reflective — a solid wall can reflect noise). Barrier height: 6-8 feet typically needed for significant reduction.
Replacement with Quiet Unit
If other solutions do not resolve the complaint, replacing with a quieter model may be the only option. Quietest heat pumps: Mitsubishi Zuba (as low as 45 dB), Fujitsu Halcyon (48 dB), Daikin Aurora (50 dB). Cost to replace: $8,000-14,000. Check your strata bylaws — some require specific noise levels for replacement units.