Noise issues persist for Lahti resident Maria Haikara amid geothermal heating concerns

Noise issues in the home of Lahti resident Maria Haikara began in the fall of 2020 following the installation of geothermal heating in her apartment complex. The problem escalated during the subsequent winter, leading health authorities to declare the noise levels hazardous to health. Over the years, various measures have been attempted to mitigate the disturbance.

In July 2024, Yle visited Haikara’s now-vacant apartment. Jussi Hirvonen, the executive director of the Finnish Heat Pump Association, commented on the lengthy nature of the complaint process, stating, “Such an extended duration for handling a complaint is not acceptable. These are technical issues that can be solved.”

While the latest measurements on the situation were not yet completed at the time of publication, it seemed that the noise, which had resulted in years of complaints and attempted fixes, might finally be easing. Currently, a tenant resides in Haikara’s apartment. Below, property manager Janne Järvisalo showcases changes made over the summer aimed at reducing noise transmission.

Inspection results provided clear recommendations for improvements. “We’ve installed new spring-reinforced brackets and opened all penetrations from the geothermal equipment, added insulation, and sealed up again,” Järvisalo explained.

Hirvonen emphasized that noise issues are relatively rare compared to the thousands of geothermal pumps installed in Finland, although solving noise complaints retroactively can be challenging given the numerous potential pathways for vibration and sound from the heat pumps into residences.

In related efforts, the Ministry of the Environment, the Heat Pump Association, and consulting engineers are planning a collaborative project aimed at quieter geothermal installation solutions in apartment buildings, with potential commencement in November 2023 and proposals expected by spring 2025.