Sound insulation for machines and equipment – stops sound between rooms
Reduce noise and vibrations from technical equipment in houses and homes
In houses and homes, it is often machines and technical equipment that cause disturbing noise that spreads between rooms. Noise from heat pumps, ventilation systems, washing machines, or pumps can travel through the building's structure and be heard far from the actual source of the noise. Sound insulation of machines and equipment is therefore about limiting how sound and vibrations spread in the structure – not about the acoustics of the room.
What is meant by machines and equipment?
In residential environments, machines and equipment refer to technical installations that are not part of the building's basic structure but generate sound or vibrations during operation. Unlike walls, floors, and ceilings, these are active or passive noise sources that can affect several rooms at the same time. Sound insulation in this context aims to reduce how sound spreads throughout the house.
Common sources of noise in houses and homes
Typical problems arise from heating and ventilation systems such as air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, ventilation units, and exhaust fans. Noise transmitted through ventilation ducts can also be disturbing in adjacent rooms. In the home, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and drying cabinets are common sources of both noise and vibration.
Other examples include circulation pumps, water pumps, sewage pumps, pool equipment, and smaller technical installations such as fans, dehumidifiers, compressors, or server and network equipment. What these have in common is that they often emit low-frequency noise, continuous humming, or structure-borne noise that spreads through walls, floors, and installations.
Why does sound from machines spread so effectively?
Machines not only create airborne noise, but also vibrations that propagate through the building's structure. When vibrations are transmitted through floors, walls, pipes, or ducts, the sound can be heard in completely different parts of the home. This makes machine noise particularly difficult to deal with without the right measures.
Principles of sound insulation for machines
Effective sound insulation of machines and equipment is often based on several interacting principles. By reducing direct contact between the machine and the building structure, vibrations can be reduced. Enclosure or shielding can limit airborne sound, and in some cases, sound insulation is combined with vibration damping for the best possible results. The goal is to stop the sound at the source before it spreads further into the building.
Well-considered advice for the best results
For the best effect, each machine should be assessed based on its location, how often it is used, and how the sound spreads in the building. A common mistake is to focus only on the room where the machine is located, even though the problem is often experienced in other areas. By viewing the machine as a source of sound and working with the right insulation principles, a quieter and more pleasant living environment can be created.
Soundproofing machines and equipment is therefore an important measure for stopping disturbing noise between rooms and creating better privacy in houses and homes.