Noise reduction of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems in previously constructed buildings, primarily focusing on health facilities

Abstract

Excessive heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system noise is a leading cause of much unwanted noise throughout most commercial buildings, some of which are medical facilities with multiple systems implemented to meet the heating, cooling, and ventilation requirements. Even so, multiple opportunities for correction can be found. Many new buildings are being properly constructed with this problem in mind, though this still leaves many issues in previously constructed buildings and facilities where the noise issues have not been addressed. So what can be done? This paper will explore the possible heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and room acoustic noise issues of a particular nursing home in Olathe, Kansas. The building administrator receives complaints from families, residents, and staff members on multiple noise issues that can be directly attributed to HVAC system noise. Issues such as, but not limited to, exterior noise pollution, supply and return HVAC noise, duct breakout noise, fan coil ...