Acoustic pollution, is it possible to reduce it with a ventilation system?

It is talked about less than other types of pollution, but acoustic pollution can be a major problem, especially in large cities. Moreover, when we think about the enormous buildings that are not well equipped against noise, it can become a much greater conflict at home.

When we refer to acoustic pollution, we need to differentiate between two types:

1. The one that is produced inside our homes.
2. The one generated by external activity that reaches our homes.

Normally, those who suffer more from both types of pollution at home are due to the poor airtightness of some buildings. If a house was built without putting much emphasis on blocking noise from outside or from other rooms, we are likely to experience excess acoustic pollution.

On the other hand, if we open the windows to ventilate the rooms and live in an area near a major avenue, we will not only endure the entry of polluting gases, but we will also have to deal with external noise.

Normally when this happens in a home, it is not common to resolve the pollution by eliminating that noise. The natural reaction of many people is to raise the volumes. If we listen to music or watch television, we tend to turn up the volume, which increases the pollution further.

The problem of acoustic pollution at home is that it can affect our day to day. It can cause us damages such as increased stress, loss of concentration, poorer quality rest, or even anxiety.

How does acoustic pollution affect ventilation? First of all, it is important to consider that some traditional air conditioning systems are quite noisy. For example, air conditioning units. In this case, the biggest problem is not from the units installed in each home but the discomfort generated by compressor units. Many of them are usually installed outside, mostly on terraces. If it is a property or a block of flats, this fact can affect neighboring neighbors who want to spend some time on their terrace in the summer.

The way in which ventilation can help reduce acoustic pollution is through mechanical ventilation systems, especially double flow. In this case, we close the windows and the air extraction and introduction fans are silent. There is no noise generated by the compressors and we avoid noise from both outside and that generated indoors.

In buildings constructed from 2020 onwards, acoustic pollution will be drastically reduced by using mechanical ventilation systems in conjunction with a high airtightness construction, which does not allow bad weather or noise to enter the home. This is part of the advancement of Nearly Zero Energy Buildings.

Methods to reduce acoustic pollution at home

Although we may not have a sealed home or a good ventilation system, we can still try to implement actions to minimize this problem at home and not suffer from acoustic pollution.

For example, we cannot change the walls or the way our house is built, but we can install simple protections to stop noise.

• First of all, try to avoid everything you can that increases noise in your house. So you can start by turning off your electronic devices. From charging phones to televisions on stand-by. It seems they don't make noise, but they do. If you want a quieter home, do not leave your appliances plugged in.
• Do not wear noisy shoes at home to avoid disturbing neighbors or family, better wear slippers. Especially in homes with wooden floors.
• Install blinds on your windows. You can't imagine how much they can reduce noise from cars and urban activity. You can even find blinds designed to reduce acoustic pollution.
• Noisy neighbors are a problem in communal living. What can you do to avoid hearing them? Try putting furniture in the areas that border your neighbors, such as cabinets or bookshelves. These pieces of furniture can dampen the impact of noise.
• Change the doors of your house. It is another simple solution you can implement, as doors transmit noise if they are of poor quality. You can also find doors that block noise from outside.

Acoustic pollution is a type of pollution that we sometimes overlook. But just like poor air quality affects our bodies, noise can also impact our day-to-day lives. Our performance and rest will appreciate a little protection against noise.