Noise pollution from your ventilation system? Here's how to prevent it!

Noise prevention starts with installation

If you want an installation that operates quietly, you obviously need a ventilation unit that is inherently designed to be quiet. In addition, the installation and adjustment of the unit and all associated components also plays an important role.

It all starts with the choice of materials and components, a well-thought-out laying plan and the correct installation of the entire ventilation system. Fortunately, there are various tools and services available to help you do just that.

Duct diameter

One of the biggest culprits in terms of noise is the diameter of the ducts. The greater the air flow rate that needs to pass through the ducts, the larger that diameter should actually be.

If the diameter is too small then the air resistance will be much too high in the duct. As a result, the unit will have to work longer and harder to remove polluted air from the home. Many residents then choose to turn the ventilation system off, but this is obviously not a good idea.

• MEV: ø 125 mm from 30 m³/h / Ø 100 mm less than 30 m³/h / Ø 160 mm to roof outlet
• MVHR: ø 160 mm up to 250 m³/h / Ø 180 mm from 250 m³/h

Types of ducts

Besides the diameter of the duct, the type of duct is also a determining factor. Avoid using flexible ducts wherever possible. Rigid ducts with a flat interior allow air to be transported as smoothly as possible through the ducts. Flexible ducts create vortices in the moving air, which does not improve the operation of the unit.

• Use rigid ducts as much as possible
• Avoid a flexible duct for the duct to the roof penetration

Location of ducts

As a final aspect of the duct system, consideration should be given to its mounting. Although the options here are sometimes limited, it is still important to make as few bends as possible. Certainly the closer the bend is to the ventilation device itself, the more impact it has on operation.

• Avoid bends as much as possible
• Never make bends sharper than 90°

Silencers

If the first three points have been followed as best as possible and there is still a concern that noise pollution may occur, then silencers may offer a solution. You install these components at the loudest points of the installation to absorb some of the noise production there.

• MEV: install an acoustic damper of 0.5m to 1m per duct port leading to another room
• MVHR: install an acoustic damper of 1m per duct towards the house

Adjustment of air flow rates

Last but not least, the correct adjustment of the ventilation system. The air-side control of the ventilation device can make or break an installation. There should not be too little ventilation, but too much ventilation causes noise problems. Preferably, ventilation is also only provided where and when it is needed (demand-controlled or zonal ventilation).

• Make sure the ducts are attached airtight, so there are no leakage losses
• Select a roof pass-through with low resistance

1. Material requirement

Every installation starts with proper preparation. And that's where DUCO can help. On request, we map out the material requirements for ventilation systems with ventilation ducts, boxes, fittings,... And all with gross prices so you get an idea of the cost immediately. This includes a clear and detailed drawing of all ventilation ducts in the house.

Provide us with the necessary information such as the building plans, EPB dossier and/or ventilation preliminary design and we will send you back an indicative material requirement, always tailored to the project.

• Contact us for a material requirement and laying plan

4. Duco Installation App

Couple your knowledge with the use of the new Duco Installation App, which guides you step by step through the installation process and also delivers a ready-made ventilation report. This saves time per project and wipes out a whole chunk of administration.

In addition, you can read error messages and immediately send a fault report to DUCO to receive prompt feedback.

All benefits at a glance:

• Calibrate the DucoBox ventilation system quickly and easily (handy installation wizard)
• Read out and change parameters and generate an intervention report
• Read out error messages
• Generate universal ventilation report
• Add photos of the installation
• Download documentation
• Carry out software updates

The Duco Installation App can only be used by using the Duco Installation Kit.

• Download the DUCO Installation App for free in the App Store or on Google Play.
• Order a Duco Installation Kit in the webshop

 

 

5. Technical advice

Need general advice or some pressing questions you can't immediately find the answer to?

Then be sure to get in touch with our technical advisers. By phone, or on site, a DUCO staff member is always available to help further the matter.

• Contact the adviser in your region

 

After installation comes maintenance

By following these tips, you can greatly reduce noise pollution from mechanical ventilation. But disturbing noises may still occur over time. An accumulation of dust and dirt, for example, can affect the ventilation unit’s operation. This not only has a negative effect on the indoor air quality, but will also affect acoustic comfort.

DUCO's maintenance instructions provide the ideal guide to schedule the necessary servicing. Keep the installation clean and cared for so you can enjoy a continuously healthy indoor environment without noise pollution.

• Download maintenance instructions of mechanical ventilation systems
• Watch the instruction videos mechanical ventilation maintenance

 

 

 

Other blogs about acoustics and quiet ventilation

• How do you minimise the impact of ambient noise on health and comfort?
• May I switch off the ventilation system?
• Early integration of acoustic façade solutions a must?
• How to install soundproof window ventilation?