Semi-Frozen Air Source Heat Pump, 17th January 2024

The third week of January 2024 was a cold one in Suffolk. The ice permeated deep into the soil. We wrapped up warm as bitter Northerly winds screamed across fields and howled down chimneys. This recording is of an air source heat pump that had started to freeze. The clicking sound is that of the fan catching on the ice as it rotates with some birdsong in the distance. It created a satisfying, drifting, rhythm until warmer air came and defrosted the machine. This recording was captured at 7am on Wednesday 17th January on a Zoom h1n when the air temperature was around -1c (it had been as low as -5c). I had attempted to record the sound the previous night, but the icy conditions were causing the Zoom recorder to make popping sounds as its plastic case started to freeze. This episode was made possible through funding from Arts Council England through their Developing Your Creative Practice grant. [This field recording was recorded to showcase the natural sounds heard in a rural setting. It features no human voices. No monies will be made from the recording. Please contact me through my website if you have any concerns - https://www.matthewshenton.co.uk]