Silent ventilation, learn to eliminate noise

It is practically impossible to prevent a fan from generating a certain level of noise. Just as air conditioning manufacturers always try to offer quiet products -since they also incorporate fans inside-, in all mechanical ventilation systems, there is always an effort to cut the decibel level as much as possible. In some cases, we can reduce the noise until we find a level of silent ventilation that is pleasant to us.

Completely avoiding noise will always be impossible, as the rotation of the blades, the speed of the air, or even the motor will generate sounds that cannot be overlooked. However, silent ventilation can be achieved if we can reach a really low and comfortable acoustic level. And for that, we have different solutions to implement.

Before choosing silent fans, we need to consider how they will be used and where they will be placed. For example, in the case of bathroom extractors, it is important that they do not generate too much noise.

How to enjoy silent ventilation?

The most obvious choice is to opt for a fan that works at a lower power. With a lower number of revolutions, the noise will certainly decrease. Even so, it must still maintain a flow and pressure that ensures comfort for which the fan was chosen.

In this case, it is very important to know the needs of the ventilation system. For example, mechanical solutions that extract air from the house and renew it by introducing fresh air from outside have minimum requirements to guarantee their optimal functioning. In this case, adhering to these specifications is important to avoid excess noise and decibels.

Beyond that, to continue seeking silent ventilation, one can choose a fan with a motor that has a higher number of poles. For example, six poles and 900 revolutions per minute. We can also opt for fans with frequency converters that allow us to choose how many revolutions they will operate at.

We also have the option to choose energy efficiency alternatives. All fans that save on electrical energy also do so in noise. We have, for example, EC fans. These are models that combine alternating and direct current, utilizing the best of each motor. They are powered by alternating current but then transform the energy for direct current. Besides saving a lot, they generate less noise.

Smart installations

The ducts through which the air will circulate are of maximum importance. If they connect to the outside, the journey that the air needs to make should be minimized. Longer ducts require higher ventilation power and also produce more noise.

In our homes and offices, a fast air speed is not required. In these cases, with diameters that allow speeds of between 4 and 6 meters per second is usually sufficient. The required power of the fan will be lower, thus helping to have fewer decibels.

Likewise, the air needs to pass through areas free of obstacles. Ducts that can be kept clean and without too many turns will require less power.

In a good silent ventilation installation, we can also opt for noise dampening systems for our fans. The most well-known are, in English terms, silent blocks. These elements are rubber parts -sometimes metal- that are placed on the screws where the fan is attached.

In this way, the vibrations from the fan's movement are absorbed by the silent blocks, which act as if it were suspended in the air and not rubbing against washers or the wall. Furthermore, the life of the fan is prolonged by its use, as they operate smoothly and less abruptly, especially in large fans.

A more direct method to eliminate noise is to use acoustic silencers. They can be circular or rectangular and can cut up to ten decibels. These silencers have a mesh appearance and can prevent noise transmission, both when extracting air and when introducing it.

If the noise is too high, we can opt to insulate the fan, for example in a soundproof booth or an acoustic hood. In the same way, flow regulators can be installed.

Achieving a silent ventilation system, especially when air renewal is mechanical, requires significant doses of ingenuity and above all planning. While silencers or silent blocks are important, choosing the right fan model or planning the ducts are primary aspects. Choosing well where a fan will be installed can save future costs for eliminating the noise it produces.