Knowing how to reduce HVAC noise with a sound barrier wall enclosure or screen keeps the peace for everyone
Noise exposure is a common hazard in commercial and industrial settings, affecting the health and safety of workers and the environment. Excessive noise can cause hearing loss, stress, fatigue and lower productivity. It can also interfere with communication, warning signals and emergency responses.
One of the more frequent offenders in noise pollution from commercial or industrial sources are Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Almost every commercial or industrial building has some type of HVAC system with exterior components that create noise and negatively impact our outdoor environment. In fact, noise emanating from HVAC systems is one of the most commonly regulated noises under state/provincial or municipal jurisdictions. These exterior components are often roof-mounted, but they can also be ground-mounted next to the building.
HVAC equipment enclosures are excellent noise-control solutions
In addition to noise mitigation measures designed into the HVAC system by the manufacturer or the installation team, further-noise control solutions can be obtained using sound-and-vibration-deadening pads and absorptive equipment enclosures or screens.
Equipment enclosures can range from smaller wrap-arounds or screens for more simple HVAC units, to much larger enclosures that completely surround a multi-piece equipment yard, complete with access/ventilation ports and gates for service personnel.
Lightweight AIL Sound Walls are transforming HVAC equipment enclosures
Made from lightweight PVC panels, AIL Sound Walls are transforming HVAC enclosures in commercial and industrial settings. Designed with superior noise-reduction capabilities, durability and aesthetic appeal, these innovative enclosures offer HVAC specialists and contractors advanced solutions that promise both operational efficiency and enhanced workplace ambiance.
Rooftop HVAC equipment enclosures call for lightweight, versatile sound wall solutions
Many of today’s urban buildings use roof-mounted HVAC systems. The lighter weight of AIL Sound Walls make them ideal for all types of rooftop enclosures. Their supports easily integrate with both existing and new roof structures to deliver effective sound barrier wall solutions. The AIL Sound Walls Engineering team often designs specialized flanges and fittings to facilitate attachment to various types of roofing.
In some cases, AIL Sound Walls have been used to create larger HVAC equipment noise-mitigation solutions that integrate with the building’s architectural structure. The AIL Sound Wall installations below are integrated into the rooftop structural members of the Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, CA (top) and the University of Michigan Nursing School in Ann Arbor (bottom).
The nimble and lightweight attributes of AIL Sound Walls also let them be easily mounted or clad to existing walls or structures when controlling unwanted noise from HVAC equipment. In the below example from the rooftop of a condo tower in Naples, FL, the wall-clad sound walls navigate a number of obstacles and angles to control HVAC noise for residents using the adjacent rooftop pool and deck areas.
APEX by AIL Sound Walls is our latest innovation for equipment enclosures and surrounds
It’s simple, really. Take any type of AIL Sound Walls (Silent Protector, Tuf-Barrier, Plus, XL Series), angle the top portion toward the noise source and you have APEX by AIL Sound Walls. The resulting “sound cove” effect helps contain the unwanted noise and reduce the wall heights while providing similar sound-mitigation effectiveness. The project shown above was for a packaging company in Kalamazoo, MI.
Absorptive sound barrier walls are best for HVAC equipment surrounds
AIL Sound Walls’ Silent Protector (Absorptive) systems are designed to meet the demands of today’s projects. Great for both ground and structure mounts, Silent Protector noise barrier wall systems are lightweight and engineered to deliver excellent sound mitigation.
How to measure a sound barrier wall’s performance
There are two ways to measure a sound wall’s performance: Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) and Sound Transmission Class (STC). NRC measures the volume of sound absorbed versus the volume reflected, while STC measures the volume of sound that the wall allows to pass through. As shown in our Product Specifications, all of our sound wall products meet and surpass the recommended NRC and STC standards.
One of the industry’s top-performing sound barriers
The Silent Protector sound absorption wall panels are engineered for maximum noise reduction. Made from recycled and recyclable perforated PVC panels and filled with acoustical mineral wool, Silent Protector is one of the industry’s top-performing sound walls. Silent Protector Plus, with an added steel backer panel, offers our highest Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of up to 39 and a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.95.
Absorptive sound mitigation for equipment enclosures and other applications
With their easy-to-install panels and construction versatility in small spaces, Silent Protector is the go-to sound barrier solution for the toughest sound-mitigation jobs, such as noisy HVAC or other equipment surrounds.
AIL Sound Walls create effective equipment surrounds for many types of commercial and industrial applications
Noise from large commercial developments and their associated mechanical systems and traffic can be mitigated economically with AIL Sound Walls. Our lightweight PVC systems create low-maintenance sound barrier walls and equipment surrounds to help commercial developments keep the peace.
Commercial sound barrier wall applications include:
- Big Box Stores
- Distribution Facilities
- Mechanical System Barriers
- Rooftop System Surrounds
- Loading Docks
- Generator Surrounds
From massive machinery that operates 24/7, to utility stations and HVAC systems, industrial worksites generate noise. AIL Sound Walls are ideal for sound mitigation from industrial sites. Our absorptive and reflective sound wall systems are impervious to all types of weather and will not rust, rot or stain.
Industrial sound barrier wall applications include:
- Manufacturing Plants
- Equipment Enclosures
- Perimeter Walls
- Rooftop HVAC Barriers
- Generator Surrounds
Explore all the features and benefits of AIL Sound Walls
AIL Sound Walls’ features and benefits quickly stack up to make them the go-to choice over noise barrier walls made from concrete, wood or other materials:
- Lightweight PVC construction
- Sound-mitigation performance
- Lower installed costs
- Durable and low maintenance
- Sustainable and enviro-friendly choice
- Enhanced aesthetics and finish levels
- Project design versatility
- Experienced project partner
Learn more on our Features & Benefits web page >
An AIL Sound Walls Technical Sales Representative can help with your project
There’s an AIL Sound Walls specialist ready to help you value engineer a better solution for your sound-mitigation project — and the sooner they get involved in the process, the more you may save. Call toll-free 1-866-231-7867 to get started.
