2017 ASHRAE Annual Conference

Acoustical standards and codes for residential construction are adopted by municipalities that cover the basic level of performance. Though these standards are not always sensibly applied or do they ensure acoustical comfort for the space. Some standards and codes only require referencing design guides and the actual installation and application does not meet the performance intent. This presentation discusses the current state of acoustical standards and codes and the current limitations of these documents.

Industry standards and building codes that address noise from mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems typically limit noise levels but do not adequately address tones or unsteady conditions such as fluctuating or impulsive noise. Such conditions may be difficult to quantify but are a recurring theme when it comes to noise complaints in occupied buildings. This presentation uses recent project examples where discrete tones or unsteady noise from MEP systems resulted in complaints but still complied with current standards and building codes and provides a basic guide to help the practicing engineer recognize and avoid these problems.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has a new standard, 19488, that will create an acoustics label for dwellings, similar to Energy Efficiency Ratings. This will give a residential building a grade of A to F based on its performance in achieving five key acoustic design parameters, including interior noise and exterior noise intrusion. This will help home buyers make decisions about what to buy and will impact the mechanical system design. This seminar summarizes the standard and provides basic recommendations for ensuring internal and external noise levels can be achieved.