From 2026, a hybrid heat pump or sustainable alternative is mandatory when replacing your boiler. This is better for your wallet and the environment. But what are the rules? Here are the key points:
- Noise standards: Maximum 40 dB at night and 45 dB during the day at the property boundary.
- Distances: Outdoor units must be at least 1 meter from property boundaries; specific rules vary by municipality.
- Permits: Not always required, but needed when installing in protected cityscapes, near monuments, or deviations from the environmental plan.
- Subsidies: Through the ISDE subsidy, you can recover 20-30% of the costs for heat pumps with energy label A+ or higher.
- Noise reduction: Use soundproof enclosures, vibration dampers, and place the unit on a stable surface to prevent nuisance.
Important: Ensure your installation complies with the regulations from the Building Decree 2012 and have it performed by a certified installer. This prevents problems and allows you to enjoy sustainable and quiet living.
Key Regulations for Heat Pump Installation
In the Netherlands, heat pump installations are subject to strict legislation, with rules concerning noise standards, minimum distances, and protection zones. Wim Beentjes and Theo Campmans from the Dutch Measurement Institute explain:
"To reduce CO2 emissions, air/water and air/air heat pumps are increasingly used in the Netherlands. Due to various noise complaints, the Dutch government decided that legal regulations were necessary to limit outdoor noise."
This legislation forms the basis for the specific regulations discussed below.
Building Decree and Noise Standards
The Building Decree 2012 is the starting point for all rules concerning heat pump noise. This legislation was introduced in three phases: establishing noise standards, specific rules for houses and apartments, and implementing a legal measurement method. This all came into effect on April 1, 2021.
The Building Decree protects neighbors from heat pump noise nuisance, both in their garden and on their balcony. For single-family homes, the noise is assessed at the property boundary, while for apartments, the measurement takes place at opened windows or doors.
The maximum noise levels are set as follows:
| Time Period | Maximum Allowed Noise Level |
|---|---|
| Day (07:00 - 19:00) | 45 dB(A) |
| Evening (19:00 - 23:00) | 40 dB(A) |
| Night (23:00 - 07:00) | 40 dB(A) |
During the day, the noise level may temporarily be 5 dB higher, for example, for heating a water boiler. Moreover, a correction for tonality is applied, where annoying tones are heavily weighted.
Distance Requirements
Municipalities impose additional requirements on the placement of heat pumps, mainly concerning the distance to property boundaries and surrounding buildings. Although these requirements can differ per municipality, the 40 dB standard at the property boundary remains guiding.
For example, in Utrecht, the noise level of an outdoor unit in a neighbor's garden may not exceed 40 dB. A permit is needed if:
- The outdoor unit is placed more than 1 meter above the ground
- The installation is located near a monument or in a protected cityscape
- The installation deviates from the environmental plan
Smaller outdoor units, which are a maximum of 1 meter high and occupy less than 2 m², do not require a permit.
Protected Areas and Monuments
Special restrictions apply to protected areas and monuments. In protected cityscapes and with monumental buildings, an environmental permit is often required before a heat pump can be installed.
The Building Decree furthermore protects all neighbors, regardless of the type of housing on the other side of the property boundary. Therefore, installers must always comply with the strictest standards.
In some new housing developments, such as Amsterdam Centrumeiland, specific rules apply. Here, a "heat plan" mandates that new buildings must connect to a collective heat/cooling storage system, with exceptions for private builders. Closed ground energy systems are prohibited here due to potential disruptions.
Installers and suppliers can use a calculation tool and the HMRI measurement method to calculate the sound power and check if the installation meets the requirements.
Permits and Approvals for Heat Pump Installation
Obtaining the correct permits is a crucial step in installing a heat pump. Not every installation requires a permit, but this depends on factors such as the size of the pump, the location, and the type of building.
How to Apply for a Permit?
To start, check which rules apply to your situation. Most heat pump installations require an environmental permit, especially if there are construction, renovation, or demolition activities. The Environmental Desk is where you can verify whether you need a permit and where you can apply for one.
A good example is the municipality of Hilversum, where you can submit an application digitally via the Environmental Desk. You will need DigiD or eRecognition. During the application, choose 'Building activity (environmental plan)' as the activity. Prefer not to submit digitally? A written application is also possible.
Include the following documents with your application:
- A site plan or cadastral map with the location of the installation
- Photos of the surroundings and the planned installation
- Product information, such as type, dimensions, color, and material
- Permission from the landlord (if applicable)
The standard processing time is 8 weeks, but this can be longer if the project is complex. Is your application denied? Then you can file an objection.
For air/water heat pumps, a permit is usually not necessary unless the location or building density imposes specific requirements. For ground/water heat pumps, a permit is often only required if the drilling impacts the groundwater.
Extra Rules for Monuments and Protected Cityscapes
For monumental buildings and buildings in protected cityscapes, stricter requirements often apply. For changes, such as installing a heat pump, additional permits are usually required. However, there are relaxations. In Amsterdam, for example, visible installations like solar panels and heat pumps can be installed more easily.
Monuments are exempt from the 2026 heat pump obligation because adapting these buildings is often complicated and expensive. Minister Hugo de Jonge of Housing emphasized:
"There will be an exception for situations where the standard cannot be properly applied, for example, when due to noise requirements or necessary adjustments to the home, the more efficient installations result in disproportionately high costs."
If you are working on a property with landscape or cultural-historical value, a permit is always required. Contact your municipality to discuss specific requirements for heritage properties.
Why Certified Installers are Important
Enlisting certified installers is crucial to comply with all regulations. These installers must hold an F-gas certification to work with refrigerants and meet the InstallQ standards for quality.
The Quality Assurance Act for Building sets high standards for construction projects, including heat pump installations. Certified installers are well-versed in the latest regulations and ensure that your installation is technically and legally sound.
For complex projects, you can have a feasibility study conducted by the municipality. This helps prevent issues later in the process and ensures that everything is properly arranged.
Finally: involve your neighbors and local businesses in your plans. This prevents potential objections and ensures a smoother permit process. A good relationship with the neighborhood is always a plus and aids in a successful installation. In the next section, we discuss the technical requirements involved.
Noise Reduction Methods for Heat Pumps
Limiting noise nuisance is not only pleasant for your neighbors but also necessary to comply with the Dutch noise standards of 40-45 dB. Although modern heat pumps produce an average of about 55 dB at maximum capacity, you can significantly lower this noise level with the right approach. Here's how you can do it.
Acoustic Enclosures and Insulation
One of the most effective ways to reduce the noise of a heat pump is by using soundproof enclosures. These can lower the noise by up to 15 dB. For instance, a German customer used 50 mm thick soni RESIST UV noise insulation panels to build a wall around his outdoor unit. The result? The neighbors hardly heard the heat pump anymore.
There are also various insulation materials that help dampen sound. Consider:
- Mineral wool, which limits sound transmission due to its dense structure.
- Fiberglass, cotton, cellulose and spray foam insulation, which make walls and ceilings soundproof.
- Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) and Green Glue, which are also effective for sound insulation.
The costs for insulation materials vary per product. Some prices include:
- soni COMPOSITE: €32.90 per 0.5 m²
- soni EVA: €13.90 per 0.5 m²
- soni HEAVY: €14.90 per 0.5 m²
- soni RESIST: €17.90 per 0.5 m²
Moreover, vibration dampers are essential. By placing rubber anti-vibration bases under the outdoor unit, you prevent vibrations from spreading through the ground or walls. This relatively simple measure can make a big difference.
"With our effective noise and vibration insulation materials, heat pumps can be equipped to become (almost) inaudible." - Cellofoam
Optimal Placement of Outdoor Units
The location where you install the outdoor unit plays a major role in limiting noise nuisance. Place the unit as far away as possible from bedrooms, living areas, and neighbors' windows. Suitable locations are, for example, the back of your garden or the side of your house.
A stable surface, such as a concrete foundation, is also crucial. Concrete absorbs vibrations and prevents noise from spreading through the ground. Make sure the unit is level because a tilted heat pump causes unnecessary vibrations and extra noise.
If you don't have natural barriers such as hedges or fences, consider placing a noise barrier or sound wall between the heat pump and your neighbors. Be careful not to place the unit in a closed space, such as an attic or a corner near walls. Adequate free space around the unit is vital for proper airflow and prevents additional noise.
"If you're concerned about sound, we advise placing the outdoor unit on a sturdy surface that can absorb vibrations, such as concrete. If possible, also place the unit away from bedroom windows or neighbors. The end of your garden or the side of the house are good examples of placements that minimize nuisance." - Heat Different
Measuring and Monitoring Noise Levels
Besides physical measures, it's important to regularly measure the noise level of your heat pump. With a decibel meter, you can easily verify whether the installation remains within Dutch standards: 40 dB(A) between 19:00 and 07:00 and 45 dB(A) between 07:00 and 19:00 at the property boundary.
The Dutch Noise Nuisance Foundation (NSG) even advises stricter limits, such as a maximum of 30 dB(A) at the property boundary or 5 meters away. For apartments, the noise is often measured near neighbors' windows. Pay attention to tonal characteristics, such as hums, which can incur an additional 5 dB(A) penalty on the measured values.
Regular maintenance is also essential. A well-maintained heat pump not only operates more efficiently but also makes less noise. Regularly check for loose parts, fan contamination, and wear and tear on moving parts.
When purchasing, you can easily check the noise level of a heat pump via its energy label. As Emiel from homeQgo states:
"If you're purchasing a heat pump and plan to place it outside near neighbors, you can check the energy label to see what the noise level of your new heat pump is."
Finally, practical solutions such as Decoclim heat pump covers can reduce noise nuisance by 10 to 30%. Ideal for existing installations that make too much noise.
Technical Requirements for Heat Pump Installation
When installing a heat pump, it is important to comply with the technical building rules for safety and efficiency. The installation must comply with the guidelines of the Buildings in Environment Act (Bbl), while the Quality Assurance Act for Building (Wkb) ensures construction quality. These rules form the basis for a safe and well-functioning installation. Below, several key aspects are further explained.
Pipe Insulation and Frost Protection
Proper insulation of pipes is essential to save energy and prevent damage from freezing. Uninsulated pipes can lead to 16%–23% energy loss. Insulating pipes with 19 mm thick material can reduce energy consumption for water heating by 4%–5%.
Various insulation materials are available, such as tubular insulation sleeves, spiral insulation wraps, and fiberglass mats. For pipes vulnerable to frost, a temperature-sensor-controlled heating tape is an effective solution. Heat tracing systems, which generate heat through electricity, can be applied to pipes, tanks, and vessels of various sizes.
"If systems remain unprotected, damage to pipes can occur, so securing your installation with frost protection valves offers peace of mind, knowing your systems are protected and will not freeze due to unpredictable weather or a sudden cold snap." - Tim McCollum, ThermOmegaTech® OEM Sales Manager
Thermostatic frost protection valves provide additional security. They monitor temperatures and automatically adjust flow, reducing the risk of human errors.
Tips for pipe insulation:
- Insulate both hot and cold water pipes, especially where condensation can occur.
- Avoid placing water pipes in exterior walls. If this is unavoidable, ensure insulation around the pipe and between the pipe and the outside wall.
- Seal wall and floor beam penetrations with expandable, closed-cell foam.
- Ensure that shut-off valves to outdoor faucets and the main shut-off valve remain accessible indoors.
Electrical Connections
The electrical installation of a heat pump must comply with strict safety standards. In the Netherlands, the NEN 3140 and NEN 1010 standards apply.
- NEN 3140: Focuses on safe low-voltage installations and is intended for maintenance and management.
- NEN 1010: Sets requirements for new electrical installations in homes, construction sites, and temporary installations. For new construction projects, the version NEN 1010:2020 is required.
Although NEN standards are not statutory requirements, they offer practical guidelines to meet laws and regulations. Complying with these standards ensures safe wiring and prevents malfunctions or hazardous situations.
A certified installer must ensure correct grounding, appropriate cable diameters, and adequate protection. The electrical connection must be tailored to the heat pump's capacity, which can range from a few kilowatts for small systems to more than 15 kW for larger installations.
Positioning for Efficiency
The physical positioning of a heat pump greatly affects its efficiency and performance. Proper positioning minimizes energy loss and maximizes operation.
- Air circulation: Ensure the outdoor unit is at least 1 meter away from walls and obstacles. This prevents the build-up of warm air and promotes free airflow. Avoid placing the unit in corners or enclosed spaces.
- Foundation: A stable, flat concrete foundation is essential. This ensures a levelled unit, prevents extra wear, and reduces noise.
- Sun radiation: Direct sunlight on the outdoor unit can reduce efficiency in summer. Place the unit in partial shade during the hottest hours but ensure airflow is not obstructed.
- Distance between indoor and outdoor unit: Keep the pipes as short as possible to limit heat loss. Balance between efficiency, accessibility, and noise reduction.
With a careful approach to insulation, electrical connections, and placement, a heat pump can perform optimally and contribute to a more sustainable energy solution.
Conclusion: Key Points
The correct placement of a heat pump according to Dutch rules is essential for a successful installation. Maintain the minimum distance of 1 meter from the property boundary and ensure the noise level at the property line does not exceed 40 dB. This prevents legal issues and potential complaints from neighbors. These basic rules form the foundation for further technical and legal requirements.
For larger systems, such as ground-water installations, an environmental permit is required. Additionally, only certified installers with a CO Craftsmanship certificate may install these systems. This ensures not only safety but also regulatory compliance.
Noise nuisance can impact living comfort. Although 72% of heat pump owners report no problems, it is wise to consult with neighbors in advance to prevent potential misunderstandings.
Good insulation of your home is crucial. It not only increases the efficiency of the heat pump but also extends its lifespan, which averages 15 years. For poorly insulated homes, a hybrid system might be a better choice. Regular maintenance, preferably every two years, ensures the heat pump continues to operate optimally.
These strict placement regulations contribute to the Netherlands' goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Heat pumps play a key role in the energy transition and the greening of homes.
By collaborating with an experienced renovation partner like Bricknest, you can ensure that your heat pump meets all legal and technical requirements. This way, you can enjoy sustainable and comfortable living for years.
FAQs
How do I apply for a permit for a heat pump and which documents do I need?
How do you apply for a permit for a heat pump?
Want to install a heat pump? Then you may need to apply for a permit. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Consult your municipality: Not every situation requires a permit. This depends on where you live, the type of heat pump, and the specific rules in your municipality.
- Gather the right documents: Think of building plans, technical specifications of the heat pump, and a description of the work you plan to do.
- Submit your application: This usually happens via the Environmental Desk online or directly at your municipality.
For certain heat pumps, like geothermal systems or systems with a capacity of more than 200 kW, a permit is always required. With air-water heat pumps, a permit is often not necessary unless you live in a protected cityscape or if the outdoor unit is very visible. Therefore, always check the local rules to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How do I reduce the noise of my heat pump to meet Dutch noise standards?
To limit the noise of your heat pump and comply with Dutch noise standards, you can apply these practical tips:
- Strategically place the outdoor unit: Choose a location further from bedrooms and neighbors. This helps minimize noise disturbance.
- Use soundproof materials: Consider a special enclosure or sound-absorbing panels around the unit. These solutions help dampen the sound.
- Choose a model with a quiet mode: Some heat pumps have a night mode that significantly reduces the noise level.
With these adjustments, you not only improve your living comfort but also keep the living environment pleasant for yourself and your neighbors.
Why is it important to hire a certified installer for the installation of a heat pump?
Having a heat pump installed by a certified installer offers several advantages. First, you are assured that the installation is carried out correctly and fully complies with applicable laws and safety regulations. This is essential not only for home safety but also to get the most out of your heat pump.
Additionally, it is often the case that you only qualify for subsidies if the installation is carried out by a recognized professional. This can result in significant savings. And let's be honest: a professional also ensures that your heat pump operates more efficiently. This means lower energy costs and a longer lifespan for the device. So it's not only beneficial for your comfort but also for your wallet!
