Vibration Isolation in Heat Pump Installation

Vibration isolation in heat pump installation is the controlled mechanical separation of the heat pump from the building structure to stop compressor, fan, and pipework vibrations from spreading into floors, walls, ceilings, and connected systems. It is essential for reducing structure-borne noise, preventing low-frequency hum in living spaces, protecting pipework and fixings from long-term fatigue, and meeting acoustic regulations in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the wider EU. A correctly designed isolation system uses suitable mounts, mats, flexible connections, or floating bases to decouple the unit from the building and ensure quiet, durable, and compliant heat pump operation.

What is Vibration Isolation in Heat Pump Installation

Vibration isolation is the mechanical decoupling of a heat pump unit from the building structure. It prevents oscillations generated by compressors, fans, and refrigerant flow from transmitting into floors, walls, ceilings, or connected pipework. The isolation system places resilient, energy-absorbing materials or components between the heat pump and its mounting surface.

In heat pump installation, vibration isolation is an active engineering measure. It is not a passive design feature of the unit itself. The installer selects, positions, and configures isolation elements based on the unit type, operating frequency, structural conditions, and applicable noise regulations.

Vibration isolation applies to all heat pump types: air-to-water units with external compressors, ground-source units mounted indoors, and split systems where the compressor module sits on a rooftop, terrace, or plant room floor.

What is the Purpose Vibration Isolation

The core purpose of vibration isolation is to break the structural transmission path between the heat pump compressor and the building fabric. A heat pump compressor generates cyclical mechanical forces during every operating cycle. Without isolation, these forces travel through mounting bolts, bases, and building elements as structure-borne sound.

Structure-borne sound manifests as low-frequency hum, vibration in walls, and resonance in ceilings and floors. Occupants perceive it as continuous noise even when airborne sound levels appear acceptable. Vibration isolation eliminates or significantly reduces this transmission path.

A properly isolated heat pump protects occupants from disturbance, protects the building structure from long-term fatigue, and keeps the installation compliant with building acoustics standards.

Why Vibration Isolation Is Needed

The Physics of Compressor Vibration

Every heat pump compressor generates vibration during operation. Scroll compressors, which are the dominant type in modern residential and light-commercial heat pumps, produce rotational and pressure-pulsation forces at their operating frequency. In a 50 Hz grid environment, scroll compressors typically operate at 1,450–2,900 RPM. This translates to fundamental vibration frequencies between approximately 24 Hz and 48 Hz.

These frequencies fall within the range most effectively transmitted by rigid structural connections. Concrete slabs, steel frames, and timber floors conduct low-frequency vibration efficiently across large distances. A compressor mounted directly onto a concrete pad without isolation transmits its full vibrational energy into the building.

Consequences of Inadequate Isolation

Inadequate vibration isolation produces three categories of harm:

Acoustic harm to occupants. Structure-borne sound causes perceptible noise inside adjacent rooms. Bedrooms directly above or beside a heat pump plant room are particularly vulnerable. Even if the airborne noise level of the unit is within legal limits, structure-borne transmission can cause disturbance that triggers complaints or legal disputes.

Regulatory non-compliance. Austria, Germany, and Switzerland each maintain specific regulations governing structure-borne noise and vibration from technical building equipment. Non-compliance exposes property owners and installers to enforcement action, required remediation, and liability.

Mechanical fatigue. Uncontrolled vibration from the heat pump propagates into connected pipework and structural fasteners. Over time, this causes micro-fatigue in pipe joints, refrigerant line connections, and fixing points. Fatigue-related failures require costly remediation and may void equipment warranties.

Regulatory Context

Vibration isolation requirements arise from multiple regulatory frameworks depending on location and application:

Germany: TA Lärm (Technische Anleitung zum Schutz gegen Lärm) governs noise emissions from technical installations. VDI 2062 Part 1 and Part 2 provide engineering guidance for vibration isolation of building services equipment. DIN 4109 specifies airborne and impact sound insulation requirements for building elements.

Austria: ÖNORM B 8115 regulates sound insulation in buildings. ÖAL Richtlinie 3 provides specific guidance on noise from technical equipment. OIB Richtlinie 5 (Schallschutz) governs acoustic protection in building construction.

Switzerland: SIA 181 establishes the framework for sound insulation in buildings. The Lärmschutzverordnung (LSV) sets binding limit values for noise immission.

EU-wide: EN ISO 10052 defines measurement methods for sound from building services equipment. EN 12354 series covers building acoustics calculation methods. The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC imposes vibration emission declaration requirements on heat pump manufacturers.

These regulations define acceptable vibration and noise levels at the point of immission — inside adjacent rooms or at property boundaries. Vibration isolation is typically a mandatory engineering measure required to achieve compliance, not merely a recommended comfort measure.

Key Features of Vibration Isolation Systems

Effective vibration isolation systems share a consistent set of engineering characteristics. Each feature serves a defined mechanical function within the isolation assembly.

Natural Frequency

Definition

The natural frequency of an isolation system is the frequency at which it resonates without damping. It is determined by the stiffness of the isolator and the mass of the mounted equipment.

Purpose

Effective isolation occurs when the disturbing frequency (compressor operating frequency) is at least 1.4 times — and ideally 2–3 times — higher than the natural frequency of the isolation system. Isolators must therefore be selected to achieve a low enough natural frequency relative to the compressor’s operating speed.

Benefits

A correctly tuned natural frequency ensures the isolator operates in the attenuation zone of its frequency response curve. This maximises vibration reduction efficiency.

Practical Application

For a scroll compressor operating at 1,500 RPM (25 Hz), the isolator system should achieve a natural frequency below approximately 10–15 Hz. Anti-vibration mounts with rubber-metal compound construction typically achieve 5–12 Hz natural frequencies at rated load.

Static Deflection

Definition

Static deflection is the vertical compression of the isolation element under the dead weight of the mounted equipment. It is measured in millimetres.

Purpose

Static deflection determines the natural frequency of the system. Greater deflection corresponds to a lower natural frequency. A minimum static deflection of 10–15 mm is generally required for effective isolation of rotating compressor equipment.

Benefits

Isolators with higher static deflection provide lower natural frequencies and therefore better isolation efficiency for low-frequency vibration sources.

Practical Application

When selecting anti-vibration mounts for an air-to-water heat pump with a total mass of 180 kg installed on four mounts, each mount carries 45 kg. The installer selects mounts rated for 45 kg that achieve 12–15 mm static deflection. This ensures the system natural frequency falls below 4.5 Hz.

Damping Coefficient

Definition

Damping is the capacity of the isolation system to dissipate vibrational energy as heat. The damping coefficient (ζ) expresses the ratio of actual damping to critical damping.

Purpose

Damping prevents resonance amplification when the disturbing frequency passes through the natural frequency of the system during startup and shutdown. Without adequate damping, the isolator briefly amplifies rather than attenuates vibration during speed transitions.

Benefits

Controlled damping prevents startup resonance from producing peak vibration loads on the structure. It stabilises the system during variable-speed compressor operation.

Practical Application

Natural rubber and neoprene compounds used in anti-vibration mounts provide moderate inherent damping (ζ ≈ 0.05–0.15). For variable-speed inverter-driven compressors that sweep through a wide frequency range, higher damping materials or viscous dampers may be specified to control resonance during frequency transitions.

Load Capacity and Load Distribution

Definition

Load capacity is the maximum static mass an isolator can support without exceeding its design compression range. Load distribution refers to the even division of equipment weight across all isolation points.

Purpose

Isolators operate within a defined deflection range. Under-loaded or over-loaded mounts move outside their optimal operating zone and lose isolation efficiency.

Benefits

Correct load distribution ensures each mount operates at its designed static deflection. This maximises isolation performance and prevents premature degradation of the isolation material.

Practical Application

For a heat pump where the centre of mass is offset from the geometric centre — as is common in units with a single large compressor on one side — load distribution is uneven. The installer places isolators at positions that distribute load proportionally, or selects mounts with different stiffness ratings at each position.

Insertion Loss

Definition

Insertion loss is the measured reduction in vibration transmission achieved by the isolation system, expressed in decibels (dB) or as a transmissibility ratio.

Purpose

Insertion loss quantifies the effectiveness of the isolation system. It allows comparison between different isolation configurations and verification against regulatory requirements.

Benefits

A known insertion loss value enables engineers to predict the residual structure-borne noise level transmitted into the building. This supports compliance verification before installation.

Practical Application

A well-designed isolation system for a residential heat pump typically achieves insertion loss values of 20–30 dB in the primary compressor frequency range. Engineers use this value alongside the unmitigated vibration level at the mount to calculate predicted structure-borne sound levels in adjacent rooms.

Detailed Explanation of Isolation Components

Anti-Vibration Mounts

Anti-vibration mounts are discrete elastomeric or spring-elastomeric elements placed between the heat pump base frame and the structural support surface. They are the primary isolation component in most residential and light-commercial installations.

Anti-vibration mounts function by deforming elastically under the equipment load. This elastic deformation absorbs vibration energy and prevents transmission into the substrate. Their isolation performance depends on the compound stiffness, the pre-compression under load, and the geometry of the elastomeric element.

Rubber mounts, neoprene mounts, and rubber-metal sandwich mounts are the most common types in heat pump applications. Metal spring mounts provide superior low-frequency attenuation and are used for heavier commercial units or where very low natural frequencies are required.

Inertia Bases

An inertia base is a concrete or steel-reinforced concrete slab, typically 150–300 mm thick, cast to support the heat pump and placed on top of the isolation mounts rather than directly on the structural floor.

The inertia base increases the total mass supported by the isolation system. Greater mass lowers the natural frequency of the isolation assembly, improving low-frequency isolation performance. It also stabilises the unit against operational torque reactions from the compressor.

Inertia bases are specified for large air-to-water units and ground-source heat pumps in commercial plant rooms where the structural floor is directly below occupied spaces. The additional mass can increase the system’s isolation efficiency by 5–10 dB in the low-frequency range.

Flexible Pipe Connections

Vibration isolation of the heat pump unit alone is insufficient if rigid pipework connects the unit to the building system. Rigid pipe connections create a direct structural bridge that bypasses the mount isolation.

Flexible pipe connections — flexible hoses, rubber expansion joints, or stainless steel corrugated connectors — break this transmission path. They are installed at the heat pump connections for both the refrigerant circuit (where applicable) and the hydraulic heating circuit.

Flexible connections must be specified and installed at the correct point. They must be located immediately adjacent to the heat pump, before any pipework is rigidly fixed to the building structure. Their use is specified in VDI 2062 Part 2 and ÖNORM B 8115 guidance documentation.

Vibration-Damping Mats and Pads

Vibration-damping mats are continuous elastomeric sheet materials placed under the entire base area of a heat pump, or under a structural frame or concrete pad. They differ from discrete anti-vibration mounts in that they provide distributed support rather than point isolation.

Mats are commonly used for outdoor air-to-water heat pumps on paved or concrete terraces where point-loading is not suitable. They are also used under frame-mounted indoor units where a continuous support surface is preferred.

Cork-rubber composite, neoprene foam, and recycled rubber granulate pads are common materials. Their isolation effectiveness depends on material stiffness, thickness, and the load per unit area applied.

Wall and Pipe Penetration Isolation

Vibration can re-enter the building through pipework penetrations in walls, floors, and ceilings, even when the heat pump unit itself is effectively isolated. Pipes that pass through structural elements without decoupling provide a direct path for structure-borne sound.

Wall sleeves, pipe grommets, and acoustic collars are installed at every penetration point where refrigerant lines, hydraulic pipes, or electrical conduits pass through building elements. These components mechanically decouple the pipe from the surrounding structure.

The performance requirements for penetration isolation depend on the acoustic rating of the building element. In high-performance residential buildings certified to Austrian or German passive house standards, penetration isolation details are critical and subject to acoustic design review.

Types of Vibration Isolation Systems

Rubber Anti-Vibration Mounts

• What they are. Moulded natural rubber or synthetic rubber elements, often bonded to metal plates.
• How they work. The rubber element compresses and shears under load, absorbing vibration energy through elastic deformation.
• Typical application. Residential air-to-water heat pumps (5–20 kW). Indoor ground-source units. Split system indoor modules.
• Isolation range. Effective for frequencies above approximately 15–20 Hz. Natural frequency typically 5–12 Hz at rated load.
• Regulatory relevance. Meets VDI 2062 and ÖNORM B 8115 requirements for residential installations when correctly selected.

Metal Spring Isolators

• What they are. Coil steel spring elements, typically enclosed in a housing with a neoprene or rubber base pad.
• How they work. Steel springs provide very high static deflection (25–75 mm) with correspondingly low natural frequencies (1.5–3 Hz).
• Typical application. Commercial heat pumps above 20 kW. Rooftop units in multi-storey buildings. Plant rooms above sensitive spaces.
• Isolation range. Effective for frequencies above approximately 5–8 Hz. Superior attenuation in the 10–50 Hz range.
• Regulatory relevance. Required or recommended by VDI 2062 Part 2 for vibration-sensitive environments and high-power equipment.

Combined Spring-Rubber Isolators

• What they are. Isolators combining a steel coil spring with rubber damping elements in series or parallel.
• How they work. The spring provides primary attenuation. The rubber element adds viscous-type damping to control resonance during startup and shutdown.
• Typical application. Inverter-driven heat pumps operating across a wide speed range. Variable-speed compressor applications.
• Isolation range. Combines low natural frequency advantages of spring isolation with the damping benefits of elastomeric materials.

Floating Concrete Slabs

• What they are. Complete floating floor assemblies where a concrete slab sits on a continuous resilient isolation layer.
• How they work. The slab acts as a high-mass inertia base. All lateral contacts between the slab and surrounding walls or floor are eliminated using perimeter isolation strips.
• Typical application. Heat pump plant rooms in residential apartment buildings. Large commercial installations. Maximum isolation requirement applications.
• Isolation range. Achieves natural frequencies below 3 Hz. Provides broadband isolation across the full operational frequency spectrum.
• Regulatory relevance. May be required by OIB Richtlinie 5 or ÖNORM B 8115 where plant rooms are adjacent to or below sleeping areas.

Vibration-Damping Pads and Mats

• What they are. Continuous sheet isolators in cork-rubber, neoprene foam, or recycled rubber granulate.
• How they work. Distributes weight evenly and provides moderate attenuation through material compression and damping.
• Typical application. Outdoor monobloc units on paved terraces. Lightweight residential units where point-support is unsuitable.
• Isolation range. Effective primarily for frequencies above 30–50 Hz. Less effective than discrete mounts for low-frequency compressor vibration.

Use Cases

Residential Single-Family House — Outdoor Unit

A monobloc air-to-water heat pump is installed on a concrete pad at the rear of a single-family house. The concrete pad connects structurally to the house foundation. Without isolation, compressor vibration transmits through the pad into the foundation and then into bedroom floors.

Isolation solution:

• Four anti-vibration rubber mounts at the corners of the heat pump base frame.
• Flexible hydraulic connection between the heat pump and the building hydraulic system.
• Acoustic grommet at all pipe penetrations through the exterior wall.

Key regulations:

• TA Lärm (Germany) or ÖNORM B 8115 (Austria): nighttime noise immission limits at the facade of the nearest affected residence.

Residential Apartment Building — Indoor Ground-Source Unit

A ground-source heat pump is installed in a utility room on the ground floor of a multi-unit residential building. The room shares walls and ceiling with apartments.

Isolation solution:

• Spring-rubber combination mounts under the heat pump base frame.
• Inertia base (reinforced concrete slab on isolation mounts) for larger units.
• Flexible connections for all hydraulic pipework.
• Acoustic pipe sleeves at all wall penetrations.
• Perimeter isolation strip between equipment base and floor screed.

Key regulations:

• ÖNORM B 8115 (Austria) or DIN 4109 (Germany): flanking transmission limits into adjacent residential units.
• OIB Richtlinie 5 for residential acoustic protection.

Commercial Office Building — Rooftop Unit

A large air-to-water heat pump or chiller-heat pump is installed on a rooftop above occupied office floors. Rooftop structural elements transmit vibration directly into the building frame.

Isolation solution:

• High-deflection steel spring isolators with neoprene base pads.
• Inertia base beneath the unit.
• Flexible connections for all pipework and electrical conduits.
• Vibration isolation at every roof penetration.
• Acoustic analysis to verify no resonance with structural span frequencies.

Key regulations:

• VDI 2062 Part 2 (Germany), TA Lärm immission limits, SIA 181 (Switzerland), EN ISO 10052.

Heat Pump in Passive House or Low-Energy Building

In a passive house, the building envelope provides very high airborne sound insulation. Structure-borne transmission therefore becomes the dominant acoustic pathway. Even low-level vibration becomes audible inside.

Isolation solution:

• Full spring or spring-rubber isolation on all indoor equipment.
• Complete floating slab for plant rooms adjacent to sleeping areas.
• Flexible connections throughout the hydraulic and refrigerant circuit.
• Acoustic design calculation documented before installation.

Key regulations:

• Passive house acoustic certification requirements (PHPP acoustic module).
• ÖNORM B 8115 (Austria), DIN 4109-1 enhanced protection level (Germany).

Benefits of Proper Vibration Isolation

Acoustic Comfort

Structure-borne noise from heat pump compressors is a leading cause of residential noise complaints. Effective vibration isolation eliminates or significantly reduces this source. Occupants experience no perceptible vibration or low-frequency hum from the heat pump system.

Acoustic comfort is directly linked to occupant wellbeing. Low-frequency noise from building services equipment is associated with sleep disturbance, cognitive disruption, and chronic stress. Vibration isolation protects occupant health as well as acoustic quality.

Regulatory Compliance

Properly isolated installations meet the vibration and noise requirements of TA Lärm, ÖNORM B 8115, DIN 4109, OIB Richtlinie 5, SIA 181, and applicable EU standards. Compliance protects property owners from enforcement action and installers from liability.

Building authorities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland increasingly verify acoustic measures during building approval and occupancy inspection. Documented vibration isolation is part of the acoustic evidence package required for compliance certification.

System Longevity

Vibration isolation reduces mechanical fatigue in heat pump components and connected pipework. Uncontrolled vibration accelerates wear in pipe joints, flare fittings, and refrigerant line connections. It can also cause fastener loosening in the heat pump casing.

Properly isolated installations experience significantly fewer vibration-related maintenance issues over the system lifetime. This reduces servicing costs and protects the system investment.

Warranty and Insurance Protection

Many heat pump manufacturers specify vibration isolation requirements in their installation guidelines. Non-compliant installation — particularly the absence of flexible pipe connections — can invalidate warranty claims related to vibration-induced failures.

Building insurance policies in Germany and Austria may also condition coverage on compliance with applicable noise protection standards. Vibration isolation documentation supports both warranty protection and insurance compliance.

Property Value Protection

Noise disturbance from technical building equipment is a disclosed defect in residential property transactions under Austrian and German civil law. A property with a documented vibration complaint or unresolved structure-borne noise issue faces disclosure obligations and potential price reduction.

Properly isolated heat pump installations carry a verified acoustic compliance record. This protects property value and simplifies future transactions.

Selection Criteria for Vibration Isolation Systems

Selecting the correct vibration isolation system requires assessment of seven parameters. Incorrect selection — even with high-quality components — produces inadequate isolation performance.

Equipment Mass and Centre of Gravity

The total operating mass of the heat pump determines the required load capacity of the isolation system. The position of the centre of gravity determines load distribution across individual isolators. Both must be established before selecting mount type and stiffness.

Manufacturers provide operating mass data in technical documentation. For units with refrigerant charge, operating mass differs from shipping mass. Use operating mass for isolation design.

Operating Frequency of the Compressor

The compressor operating frequency defines the disturbing frequency that the isolation system must attenuate. For fixed-speed compressors, this is a single value determined by the motor pole count and grid frequency. For inverter-driven (variable-speed) compressors, this is a frequency range spanning the compressor’s minimum to maximum speed.

Variable-speed compressors require isolation systems with effective attenuation across the full speed range, not just at a single design point. Spring-rubber combination isolators or high-damping materials are preferred for this application.

Required Insertion Loss

The required insertion loss is determined by the unmitigated vibration level of the heat pump and the maximum permissible structure-borne noise level in adjacent spaces. This calculation requires an acoustic analysis based on the building layout, structural construction type, and applicable regulatory limits.

Engineers use the procedure defined in VDI 2062 Part 2 or ISO 10052 to establish required insertion loss. The isolation system is then selected to meet or exceed this value.

Structural Stiffness of the Support

Isolation systems are designed for specific support stiffness conditions. A concrete structural slab behaves differently from a suspended timber floor or a steel roof structure. The support structure’s own resonant frequencies must not coincide with the heat pump operating frequency or with the natural frequency of the isolation system.

Structural acoustic analysis may be required for critical installations. This identifies potential resonance problems before installation and allows the isolation system to be optimised accordingly.

Environmental Conditions

Outdoor isolation components must withstand temperature extremes, UV exposure, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycling. Anti-vibration mounts used outdoors must be rated for the local climate conditions. Natural rubber degrades in ozone-rich environments; neoprene or EPDM compounds offer superior weather resistance.

In Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, outdoor isolation components must function reliably at temperatures from -25°C to +60°C across their service life.

Installation Accessibility

Isolation systems must be installable within the physical constraints of the installation location. Inertia bases require adequate floor load capacity. Floating slabs require sufficient ceiling height and perimeter clearance. Anti-vibration mounts require accessible fixing points on the heat pump base frame.

Pre-installation dimensional surveys confirm that the specified isolation system can be installed as designed.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Isolation components are subject to ageing and compression set over time. Rubber and elastomeric elements require periodic inspection and eventual replacement. The isolation system design must allow access for inspection without disturbing the heat pump installation.

Inspection intervals of 3–5 years are typical for residential installations. Commercial installations in plant rooms may require annual inspection depending on operating hours and environmental conditions.

Comparison of Isolation System Types

Integration with Other Systems

Hydraulic System Integration

Vibration isolation of the heat pump is only effective when the hydraulic connection between the heat pump and the building heating circuit is also isolated. Rigid metal pipework connected directly to the heat pump unit bypasses the mount isolation.

Flexible hydraulic connections — braided stainless steel hoses, rubber expansion connectors, or EPDM flexible joints — are installed at the heat pump hydraulic ports. These connections are designed to withstand the system operating pressure and temperature while providing mechanical decoupling.

Flexible connections are sized for the pipe diameter, operating pressure, and maximum system temperature. They must be installed without tension or angular loading; incorrect installation can reduce flexibility and transmission loss.

In iDM heat pump installations, the hydraulic connection points on units such as the TERRA AL air-to-water series and TERRA SW ground-source series are clearly identified in the installation documentation. The system designer specifies the flexible connection type and length based on system parameters.

Refrigerant Circuit Integration

In split-system heat pumps, refrigerant lines connect the outdoor compressor unit to the indoor heat exchanger module. These lines pass through walls and travel over potentially significant distances. Rigid support of refrigerant lines against building elements creates transmission paths that bypass unit-level isolation.

Refrigerant lines must be supported using resilient fixings — rubber-lined pipe clips, foam-padded supports, or spring-suspended hangers — at all points where they contact building elements. This is particularly critical at wall penetrations and at the transition between flexible and rigid pipe sections.

Acoustic-rated pipe insulation also reduces airborne radiated noise from refrigerant lines carrying pulsating refrigerant flow.

Control and Electrical System Integration

Control cables and electrical conduits connecting the heat pump to the building electrical system can also transmit vibration if rigidly fixed to both the heat pump and the building structure. This is a secondary transmission path that becomes significant only when primary isolation is very effective.

Flexible conduit sections, vibration-isolating cable grommets, and resilient conduit fixings are specified for installations requiring maximum isolation performance. iDM Navigator 2.0 control systems provide connectors and cable routing guidance in the technical installation manual.

Acoustic Design Coordination

Vibration isolation is one component of the overall acoustic design of a heat pump installation. It must be coordinated with airborne noise control (compressor enclosures, silencers), room acoustic treatment, and structural acoustic design.

In new-build construction, acoustic design coordination occurs at the planning stage. The acoustic engineer, structural engineer, and HVAC system designer collaborate to specify isolation requirements before the building elements are constructed.

In retrofit installations, the existing building structure determines the achievable isolation performance. An acoustic survey of the existing conditions — structural construction type, room layout, existing noise levels — informs the isolation specification.

Acoustic design documentation — calculations, specifications, and verification measurements — forms part of the installation record for regulatory compliance purposes. This documentation supports the building owner in demonstrating compliance with ÖNORM B 8115, DIN 4109, or SIA 181 as applicable.

Vibration isolation in heat pump installation is a defined engineering discipline with established calculation methods, product standards, and regulatory requirements. It protects occupants from structure-borne noise, protects the building structure and system components from mechanical fatigue, and keeps installations compliant with Austrian, German, Swiss, and EU noise and building acoustics regulations.

Effective vibration isolation requires:

• Correct identification of the compressor operating frequency and the required attenuation level.
• Selection of isolation components matched to the equipment mass, support structure, and environmental conditions.
• Integration of flexible connections at all hydraulic, refrigerant, and electrical interfaces.
• Acoustic design coordination across all transmission paths.
• Documentation of the isolation design for regulatory compliance and warranty purposes.

The isolation system type — rubber mounts, spring isolators, combined spring-rubber, or floating slab — is selected based on the required insertion loss, the compressor frequency range, and the sensitivity of the adjacent spaces. Each type operates on the same fundamental principle: decoupling the vibration source from the structure by inserting a resilient element with a natural frequency well below the disturbing frequency.

iDM Energiesysteme GmbH, as a manufacturer of heat pump systems since 1953, provides installation guidelines that specify vibration isolation requirements for all product series. These guidelines align with applicable standards and support installers in achieving compliant, high-performance acoustic outcomes.