Official Dutch WPAC method
How much noise will your heat pump make at the neighbours’?
Place your heat pump on an interactive map and instantly calculate whether the noise meets the Dutch requirements (Bbl, formerly Building Decree 2012). The limit is 40 dB(A) at the property boundary in the evening and night (19:00-07:00) and 45 dB(A) during the day for units with silent mode.
Free · No account · Instant result
Choose your situation
Each setup has its own points of attention. Start from the example closest to yours — everything can be adjusted afterwards.
How it works
- 1 Recreate your situation
Set your plot dimensions, indicate which sides border neighbours and place buildings such as the house, an extension or a shed.
- 2 Drag the outdoor unit across the map
The map instantly colours green or red and shows the calculated level at each boundary point, so you immediately see which spot works.
- 3 Read off the maximum sound power
The tool calculates the maximum sound power (LwA) a unit may have at that spot. Compare it with the energy label of the heat pump you are considering.
The noise limits in brief
Since 1 January 2024 the Dutch Bbl decree sets how much noise a heat pump or air conditioner may cause at the neighbours: at most 40 dB at the plot boundary in the evening and night (19:00–07:00). With a silent mode active in that period, 45 dB applies during the day. For apartments the assessment is made at openable windows and doors instead of a boundary.
Read the full explanation of the limitsFrequently asked questions
How far must a heat pump be from the boundary?
There is no legal minimum distance — the requirement is at most 40 dB at the boundary. How many metres that takes depends on the unit’s sound power and the surroundings; that is exactly what this tool calculates. See the distance table per sound power.
Does the limit apply to air conditioners too?
Yes. The Bbl requirement covers all outdoor heat or cold generation installations, including air-conditioning outdoor units.
Does the limit apply to existing installations?
The requirement applies to installations placed or replaced since 1 April 2021. For older installations the municipality can still demand measures under the duty of care in case of nuisance.
Dutch Building Works Decree (Bbl) — art. 4.107(2) and 4.108(3), formerly Building Decree 2012 art. 3.8(2) and 3.9(3). Max noise level at the property boundary: 40 dB(A) (evening+night) / 45 dB(A) (day, with silent mode).
Based on WPAC-geluid V2020_0, commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. View the original tool