ᐅ Noise from heating system: causes and who bears the cost of soundproofing?
Created on: 14 Jan 2013 11:45
O
Orschel
Hello,
We have installed our heating manifold for the ground floor, as well as the heating system (air-to-water heat pump), in a small annex outside our house that is directly attached to it. From this small room, the pipes for the heating circuit run directly through the wall into our guest/workroom and from there into the entire ground floor.
We have now noticed that there is a faint noise, like a gentle rushing sound, heard only in this room when the heating is running. It is not very loud, but it can be noticed when the room is quiet.
We need to investigate with the architect and the heating engineer why this noise is transmitted specifically into this room.
Assuming that this noise can be eliminated with various soundproofing measures and that those come at a cost, who would bear these costs? Is the heating engineer responsible for ensuring that the noise is inaudible, or if it was poorly planned, does the architect guarantee that it will be resolved? Or are there measurement standards stating that the noise level is acceptable and that it may not be economical to reduce it? Normally, I would expect that for the amount of money invested in companies and architects, one receives a service where it is not necessary afterwards to say that it is unpleasant but tolerable...
The other heating circuits (basement and upper floor) cannot be heard at all...
We have installed our heating manifold for the ground floor, as well as the heating system (air-to-water heat pump), in a small annex outside our house that is directly attached to it. From this small room, the pipes for the heating circuit run directly through the wall into our guest/workroom and from there into the entire ground floor.
We have now noticed that there is a faint noise, like a gentle rushing sound, heard only in this room when the heating is running. It is not very loud, but it can be noticed when the room is quiet.
We need to investigate with the architect and the heating engineer why this noise is transmitted specifically into this room.
Assuming that this noise can be eliminated with various soundproofing measures and that those come at a cost, who would bear these costs? Is the heating engineer responsible for ensuring that the noise is inaudible, or if it was poorly planned, does the architect guarantee that it will be resolved? Or are there measurement standards stating that the noise level is acceptable and that it may not be economical to reduce it? Normally, I would expect that for the amount of money invested in companies and architects, one receives a service where it is not necessary afterwards to say that it is unpleasant but tolerable...
The other heating circuits (basement and upper floor) cannot be heard at all...
Orschel schrieb:
Well, we are building with an architect, so he knew what this room was intended for. Therefore, I assume (or at least hope) that he informed the structural engineer about this. Hopes are rarely based on material evidence, unless contractually agreed! Furthermore, neither the architect nor the structural engineer are trained MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) planners! Did the architect fail to inform you but also forego cooperation with specialist engineers to keep the total cost as low as possible? However, if an architect acted on their own authority and with joint liability here, they now hold the so-called losing hand! You should hold them accountable! You will probably have to expect significantly higher ongoing heating and hot water costs in the future; the additional energy consumption of the heating circuit pump is likely only a minor factor. Best regards.
@Euro: Thanks in advance for your response. Unfortunately, I don’t have the documents with me right now as I’m currently at the office. I have informed my architect again to forward them to the heating engineer so he can take a look at the issue.
As for the other matter, the fact is that as a layperson, you simply don’t have any knowledge about MEP planners and so on. You work with architects and heating engineers, and normally you should be informed if something like this could happen. I generally expect the architect to plan everything correctly, including involving the necessary specialized engineers. Or at least to inform me that one is needed, even if it then results in higher costs.
As for the other matter, the fact is that as a layperson, you simply don’t have any knowledge about MEP planners and so on. You work with architects and heating engineers, and normally you should be informed if something like this could happen. I generally expect the architect to plan everything correctly, including involving the necessary specialized engineers. Or at least to inform me that one is needed, even if it then results in higher costs.
Hello,
Unfortunately, small projects like single-family houses are often somewhat neglected in the planning of the system. Both heating engineers and architects frequently believe that it can be done without. It is estimated, assumed, and guessed.
In my opinion, this is absolutely outdated and does not correspond to today’s requirements. New technology can be very efficient but is also very sensitive and correspondingly expensive. Missing or incorrect planning/execution is quickly reflected, for example, in excessive operating costs. Often unnoticed by the users. Many don’t even realize that their consumption is actually partly significantly too high.
How should they, when a solid basic assessment (actual demand/consumption (power, energy) for heating and hot water) is usually missing.
Whether there might be a system behind this is something every reader can decide for themselves.
You might report back whether you were provided in advance with a demand and consumption calculation.
Best regards
Orschel schrieb:
..., because normally I assume that the architect plans this correctly, also involving the necessary specialized engineers. Or at least informs me that one is needed but it will cost X more.
Unfortunately, small projects like single-family houses are often somewhat neglected in the planning of the system. Both heating engineers and architects frequently believe that it can be done without. It is estimated, assumed, and guessed.
In my opinion, this is absolutely outdated and does not correspond to today’s requirements. New technology can be very efficient but is also very sensitive and correspondingly expensive. Missing or incorrect planning/execution is quickly reflected, for example, in excessive operating costs. Often unnoticed by the users. Many don’t even realize that their consumption is actually partly significantly too high.
How should they, when a solid basic assessment (actual demand/consumption (power, energy) for heating and hot water) is usually missing.
Whether there might be a system behind this is something every reader can decide for themselves.
You might report back whether you were provided in advance with a demand and consumption calculation.
Best regards
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