Noise Limitation in HVAC Systems

Many journals and studies state that repeated exposure to loud sounds or noise can cause hearing loss. Humans can typically hear sounds below 70 decibels without harm, but exposure to noise levels over 85 decibels for extended periods can result in permanent hearing loss. Therefore, it is recommended that the noise levels for electronic equipment around us be kept below 45 decibels. Electronic devices such as space heaters and air conditioners, which often run 24 hours a day, can contribute to noise pollution if their decibel levels exceed 45.

Those of you who are near this electronic equipment will always listen for hours and it will become a nuisance that you can no longer avoid. These noisy sounds can last a long time, just like when you are at a concert venue or music studio without a silencer.

Meanwhile, the HVAC system in a building can emit a low hum in the back of your walls. The hum usually ranges from 30 to 50 decibels. When you install an HVAC system at home, you must make sure that the production company has set a noise limitation that you can accept every day. Once you are sure that the decibel standards are appropriate, you can continue with regular use while carrying out routine maintenance.

The maintenance you take is to ensure the decibels remain at the most hearing-friendly standards. Therefore, people who have an HVAC system in their home or office will always prepare system maintenance according to standards, insulation, and quality filters. So, the HVAC system can work properly. Good air quality and noise that is not disturbing will be a comfortable output for building occupants.

Why Does There Have to Be Noise Limitation?

The noise from the AC that is working is often annoying. If that happens then you should be suspicious if there is something wrong with the engine in the AC. The air conditioner in a room should not make noise even though there will still be sound coming from behind the machine.

When you assemble an HVAC system at home, you should check the noise limitation. The worker who installs this system will also tell you about how quiet your AC is. However, as a building owner, you must understand this noise issue. Several factors can make HVAC system noise vary in different places.

Installation Point

The area where you install your HVAC system will determine how noisy the equipment is. The further away the HVAC system is, the less noise there will be. Some HVAC systems require the unit to be indoors to work properly.

Meanwhile, outdoor HVAC units will usually have a location right next to an outside wall. The noise will be louder than a unit that is located further away from a wall. Companies that understand the importance of reducing indoor noise will prepare the right decibels.

Fan Movement

The fan always makes an unpleasant noise. This is part of HVAC systems that are always moving, causing a certain amount of noise. Some companies that make HVAC systems use fans at full speed. While other companies use fans with different speeds according to the heating or cooling level that you can set.

You need to get an HVAC system with a fan that is quiet by paying attention to the noise limitation according to German standards.

HVAC Models

The HVAC system for the indoor unit should only produce sounds that are no more than 20 decibels. Meanwhile, for outdoor unit HVAC systems, it should be no more than 60 decibels.

Do the Setting of Noise Limitation

Some companies that make HVAC systems understand the importance of noise limitation so their products are quite quiet. Users are calmer when using it every day. The lower the decibel, the quieter the HVAC equipment.

Then, some HVAC systems have a fan setting option between ‘on’ and ‘auto’. the ‘on’ setting allows the fan to run during the ‘on’ and ‘off’ cycles. Meanwhile, the ‘auto’ setting works by providing air circulation according to the HVAC system settings. Sometimes setting ‘on’ makes the system produce a louder sound. At this time, the fan continues to work. While the ‘auto’ setting usually makes the fan stop running so this can reduce noise. You need to set the fan at certain times to minimize noise.