How to Keep Your Commercial HVAC System Quiet in the Workplace

A current trend in workplace design is to develop small, collaborative workspaces instead of large open cubicle spaces and closed-in conference rooms. The improvements might include clusters of office spaces surrounding an open-air area with a round table.

These spaces are usually more open, with great natural light whenever possible; often team members move in and out of the space as needed. A key theme of these designs is removing walls for improved creativity—working “outside the box” both literally and figuratively. But with more people working in open spaces, attention must be given to addressing ambient noise.

Surveys demonstrate a need to reduce background noise; the top two distracting noises are HVAC noise and the voices of nearby co-workers. After spending the capital to improve workplace productivity and creativity, solutions to overcome these distractions are essential. Both HVAC noise and voice distraction can be addressed with careful attention to detail.

Before you begin, explore your HVAC noise. Is it abnormally loud? This might indicate a malfunction in the system. A service call may lead to a repair that eliminates the noise. Reducing normal Commercial HVAC noise is possible: here are some options:

A Quieter System.

Commercial HVAC systems have a limited lifespan. Well-maintained systems will function for 20 to 25 years, perhaps longer. If your system is loud and not broken, its age may be a factor. Older systems were not designed with collaborative spaces in mind. They used the best technology available to heat, cool, and ventilate the given spaces.

Older systems, often, had a single blower capacity and were oversized for the given space. Every time the blower cycles on, the noise is loud, and if it is oversized, it will cycle more often. A new HVAC system might be in order.

• If you consider a new commercial HVAC system, consider investigating a newer technology—a variable refrigerant flow system. These systems are sized precisely to match your space and designed to run continuously at a lower blower capacity. These systems offer great advantages beyond blower noise and they help you with your collaborative workspace design.
• If you install a new HVAC system, work with your contractor to ensure new equipment is placed to your advantage. If you have an option to move large equipment away from key spaces, now is the time. Vent registers make your space comfortable and safe; your installation contractor can help you place vents properly for function and sound control.
• HVAC ducts are generally round and vent registers are generally rectangular. The adapter between the round and rectangular pieces is called a boot. Sound boots are adapters with sound-deadening material. Sound boots can reduce the transmission of voice through ductwork.

Quieter Materials

When co-workers complain about the voices of others, the complaint is not about volume, but about hearing intelligible conversations. Sound travels directionally and it helps to “break up” the sound waves. However, interior building systems have a tremendous impact on noise transmission.

Hard surfaces, such as glass and tile, cause sound to bounce around; even small sounds will echo around a room. Consider adding materials that deaden sound in the immediate vicinity of the collaborative spaces.

• Carpet and fabric furniture absorb sound well.
• Wherever possible, install drop ceilings with acoustical tile
• Fabric wall coverings are available that mimic artwork
• Adding green plants is also a good option to break up sound

If you have designed and installed specialty spaces to improve productivity, these tips can help eliminate the two worst sources of distraction. Let us know how we can help you with your commercial HVAC needs.

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