How loud is too loud for a baby?
In choosing a quietly operating heat pump, we need to know one key thing, the Decibel Level. With that, we explore how to choose a heat pump design that will help keep baby (and you!) sleeping soundly.
What is a Decibel (dB)?
In choosing a quietly operating heat pump, we need to know one key thing, the Decibel Level. With that, we explore how to choose a heat pump design that will help keep baby sleeping soundly.
A decibel is a unit used to measure the intensity of sound. The decibel scale is logarithmic, which means that every 10 dB increase represents a tenfold increase in intensity. For example, a whisper is around 30 dB, normal conversation is about 60 dB, and the noise of heavy traffic might register at 70-85 dB. This didn’t register for me until I bought a super quiet 36 dB dishwasher (Bosch) which we need to see the display to check that it’s running or not!
Ideal Decibel Levels for Sleeping Babies:
Babies, particularly newborns and infants, are more sensitive to noise. While the exact “safe” decibel level can vary, it’s generally recommended to keep ambient noise in the baby’s sleeping environment below 50 dB for sustained periods. White noise machines or ambient sound tracks, often used to soothe babies, typically operate around 50 dB. When selecting a heat pump or any appliance, checking its operational decibel level can give an idea of how loud it will be.
Noise Quality – Heat Pumps vs. Gas Furnaces:
Heat Pump Operation: Heat pumps use a different mechanism than traditional gas furnaces. They move heat rather than generating it from a fuel source. The primary sources of noise in heat pumps are the fans and, to a lesser extent, the compressors and valves. Modern heat pumps are designed with noise reduction in mind, utilizing technologies such as variable speed fans and advanced compressor insulation and may include a “quiet mode” While heat pumps are generally quieter than many other heating or cooling systems, they still produce some noise. Activating quiet mode ensures the pump operates at its quietest, preventing disturbances, especially during the baby’s sleep times.
Gas Furnace Operation: Gas furnaces generate heat by burning fuel, usually natural gas or propane. This burning process, along with the associated fans and blowers, can produce more noise than a heat pump’s operation. Components like the burner assembly, the blower motor, and the ignition system can create distinct noises, especially if they start to malfunction or wear out. When a gas furnace ignites, we might say the heat “kicks on” because of the loud audible bangs and whooshes during heat cycle startup.
Sound and Sleep Disruption for Babies:
Sleep Cycles: Babies, especially newborns, have shorter sleep cycles than adults. They transition more frequently between light and deep sleep. As a result, sudden or loud noises can easily jolt them awake during these light sleep phases.
Developmental Importance of Sleep: Sleep is essential for a baby’s growth, brain development, and overall well-being. Disrupted sleep can impact their mood (and parents moods!), cognitive development, and even physical growth.
Sound Sensitivity: Babies are still developing their auditory system. They can be more sensitive to sounds, making them more prone to waking or being startled by noises that adults might find negligible.
Positive vs. Negative Noise: While certain sounds can disrupt a baby’s sleep, consistent, ambient noise (like white noise or soft lullabies) can be soothing. It’s the abrupt change in noise level, more than the noise itself, that tends to wake babies up.
If you’re considering a heating solution for homes with babies, it’s crucial to understand the importance of quiet operation. Heat pumps, with their quieter operation, often offer an advantage in this aspect over traditional gas furnaces. However, always check the specific decibel levels and features of any model to ensure it fits the needs of your home.
Here’s the key questions you can ask your heating contractor when selecting a heat pump design that is least likely to disrupt baby’s sleep:
- What is the indoor Decibel rating on it’s quietest setting?
- Does it have a quiet mode of operation?
- How loud is it in defrost mode?
- Have you installed a heat pump in a nursery before?
Good luck and contact us with any questions!
