Peaceful nights should never be interrupted by the constant humming of a heating or cooling system. At AirGreen, we understand how important it is to enjoy optimal thermal comfort without compromising on quiet operation. That’s why we’ve put together this detailed guide on five ultra-quiet central heat pump models, ideal for homes in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as the North Shore and South Shore.
Why is the noise level of a central heat pump so important?
In a single-family home, condo, or small residential building, the noise level generated by a central heating or cooling system can become a significant nuisance. A loud compressor, an improperly calibrated fan, or poor acoustic insulation can disrupt sleep or interfere with daily life. Fortunately, the latest generations of central heat pumps feature major technological advances to reduce these sound disturbances.
How is a heat pump’s noise measured?
Noise is measured in decibels (dB). The lower the number, the quieter the unit. For reference:
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20 dB: The sound of rustling leaves
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30 dB: Whisper in a quiet room
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50 dB: Normal conversation
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60 dB and up: Levels that can become intrusive, especially at night
The best ultra-quiet central heat pumps on the market typically run between 50 dB and 56 dB, even at full operation.
1. Bosch BOVA 20 - IDS Premium Series
One of the quietest and most efficient central heat pumps currently available. Equipped with a modulating inverter compressor and Silent Blade™ technology, it operates at sound levels as low as 56 dB, even at full power.
Advantages:
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Variable speed modulation for ultra-quiet performance
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R-454B, eco-friendly refrigerant with low GWP
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SEER rating up to 20, HSPF of 10.5
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Eligible for Hydro-Québec grants in several cases
Installations completed by AirGreen:
We’ve installed several Bosch IDS Premium units in homes across Saint-Lambert, Ahuntsic, and Laval-sur-le-Lac, meeting the needs of demanding clients looking for both comfort and silence. In one specific case in Saint-Bruno, a customer who was highly sensitive to night-time noise told us about her issue: we installed the Bosch BOVA 20, adding a soundproof enclosure and anti-vibration platform, a solution that completely eliminated any noise disturbance.
2. Goodman GVZC20
Known for its durability, the GVZC20 is Goodman’s quietest premium central heat pump. Thanks to its variable speed compressor, it can operate at just 54 dB, a level practically unnoticeable in a quiet residential setting.
Features:
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R-32 refrigerant, more eco-friendly and efficient
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SEER up to 21, HSPF up to 10
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10-year limited parts warranty + unit replacement coverage
Real testimonial:
In a home in Blainville, an elderly couple complained about the droning noise from their old Trane unit. After installing a Goodman GVZC20, their sleep quality improved immediately. We also insulated the noisy ducts and resealed all joints.
3. Lennox SL25XPV - Signature Series
Arguably one of the quietest heat pumps on the market, with sound levels as low as 58 dB. The SL25XPV also offers smart connectivity via iComfort®, which modulates operation cycles to avoid noise peaks.
Technical details:
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Variable speed inverter technology
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R-410A refrigerant, transitioning to R-32
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Compatible with advanced air purification systems
Example installation:
In Brossard, a condo property manager wanted to replace an old noisy system in a triplex. The SL25XPV was selected for its ability to heat and cool without disturbing neighbors, with extremely positive feedback afterward.
4. Trane XV20i
The XV20i by Trane is an ultra-quiet central heat pump, often preferred for large homes. With its aerodynamic fan blades and TruComfort™ variable compressor, it maintains a stable indoor temperature with a sound level of around 55 dB.
Key benefits:
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Energy efficiency rating up to 21 SEER
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Variable compressor: 750 to 7000 RPM
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12-year compressor warranty
AirGreen project in Longueuil:
We installed an XV20i in a three-storey home, insulating the main ducts and installing a smart thermostat. The result: a virtually silent system, even in the upstairs bedrooms.
5. Carrier Infinity 24VNA6
Carrier delivers a high-end and quiet solution with the Infinity 24VNA6, operating at noise levels as low as 56 dB, ideal for dense urban environments.
Highlights:
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Greenspeed® Intelligence technology
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Modular operation to reduce noise
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Stable cooling performance without abrupt shifts
AirGreen project in Montréal:
In the Rosemont neighborhood, a family with two young children needed a high-performance yet ultra-quiet system. After the installation, we conducted an acoustic analysis in the evening: 38 dB at the front of the home — barely louder than rustling leaves.
Our best practices to make a central heat pump even quieter
Even the best units can produce unwanted noise if poorly installed. Here are a few key practices we follow at AirGreen:
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Installation on composite anti-vibration bases
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Use of acoustic enclosures for outdoor units
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Precise airflow adjustments to prevent whistling in the ducts
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Regular maintenance to prevent premature wear and noise issues
Conclusion: Quiet comfort at the heart of AirGreen’s mission
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell heat pumps. We install custom HVAC solutions, tailored to your living environment. We take your habits, your acoustic environment, and your home’s structure into account to ensure that every central heat pump we install is as quiet as it is efficient.
Whether you live in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore, our team of experts is ready to help you choose, install, and maintain the quietest central heat pump for your home.