Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems noise and electronic sound masking systems in buildings

Abstract

HVAC systems are not typically adequate for both sound masking and neutral background noise quality. Electronic sound masking system cost and overall background noise quality can benefit from considering HVAC system noise character when designing sound masking systems. The contributions of adding electronic sound masking to neutralize background noise character generated by HVAC systems in buildings are explored. Results from general investigations on the topic are presented. General relationships of background noise to speech and noise reduction of construction assemblies are discussed.