As it gets warmer and people emerge from their winter hibernation into the summer sun, noise always becomes an issue. This is especially true when it comes to backyard noise in residential neighborhoods.The source of the noise can be cookouts, pool pumps, air conditioning units, young children, or number of other things.Regardless of whether you’re the one making the noise or the one trying to enjoy some quiet time one yard over, we recommend a sound blocking fence.  Also referred to as a soundproof fence, these sound barriers absorb noise and can also block it from transferring between properties.Specifically, our most commonly used acoustical solution, and the most affordable product for residential sound blocking fences is our AudioSeal™ Exterior-Grade Acoustical Blankets.  These products are sold by the individual blanket or roll in standard sizes, making retrofits to existing structures easy and cost-effective.Please be sure to verify your structure will comply with local building codes, ordinances, or home owners association.

This particular person lived near Philadelphia and installed central air conditioning. Their neighbors complained to the city about the noise levels (notice how close the houses are) and she was told she couldn’t use her AC until she got the noise levels below the city ordinance. After discussions she decided to install a stockade fence and line it with AQFA-10 EXT sound absorbing blankets. She expedited the order since it was the week before memorial day. After installation of the AQFA-10 EXT material, the AC noise was well under the city ordinance noise limits. She stayed cool and comfortable all summer long!The next story involves a bank next to a church. The bank installed a new AC system and it was too loud for the church. They weren’t required by law to do anything about the noise, but the business wanted to be a good neighbor. They installed ABBC-13 EXT blankets in the 2″ thick version (this model comes in 1″ or 2″ thicknesses, with an option for 2lb psf instead of 1lb for the 2″) on the side of the bank building and reduced the noise level to an acceptable level for the church..  

Even though these panels aren’t supported by a fence, the acoustical treatment is just as effective. During the summer the church was able to open the windows without hearing a constant hum from the bank’s AC unit.Both of these stories happen to be specifically about outdoor HVAC noise blocking, but this solution would work for any kind of outdoor noise. If the barrier will block the line of sight between you and noise source, it will block the sound as well.The model AQFA-10 EXT Exterior Absorber Sound Blanket blanket is purely sound absorbing and consists of an exterior grade vinyl coated polyester on both sides of 2″ quilted fiberglass. These sound blankets are constructed with all edges bound and grommets across the top for easy hanging.The Audioseal Exterior Sound Blanket ABBC-13Ext blanket is both sound absorbing and blocking, which makes it something we call a “combination blanket”. It consists of a vinyl-coated-polyester-cloth facing encapsulating a 1″ quilted fiberglass that is bonded to a reinforced 1-lb per square foot mass loaded vinyl barrier. 

These sound attenuation blankets are constructed with environmentally sustainable fiberglass filling with grommets across the top and Velcro® along the vertical edges of the blankets.high efficiency ac-dc led driverIn situations where there is no existing fence in which to mount a blanket, a turn-key approach may be taken. how to wire air conditioning unitsThe PrivacyShield™ Outdoor Enclosure is specifically designed to enclose residential machinery like pool pumps, HVAC heat pumps and generators. cheap window air conditioners gold coastAvailable in a two sided or three sided enclosure with a 6′ height, these ship direct to you and are installed in a similar fashion as a fence.Let us know how we can help with your next project!

Kathy PalimoreAcoustical Sales Consultant800.782.5742 ext. 116Direct: 804.349.0036Contact Kathy Palimore New Air Conditioning for Old Houses New Air Conditioning for Old HousesIt's now easier to retrofit older homes with increasingly compact air conditioning systems. High noon will turn many a classic home into a summertime sweatbox. And while noisy window-mounted air conditioners can lower temperatures, they are just as apt to spoil a charming exterior. Unfortunately, many old homes don’t have a convenient space to install ductwork for a traditional central air-conditioning system. Lowering ceilings or building out walls to hide supply and return ducts is expensive, and can blemish indoor spaces. Sometimes the attic or basement can hold the ductwork, but it’s still a shame to chop big chunks out  of original plaster ceilings, wood floors, or wainscoting to place air registers. But don’t sweat it: There are air-conditioning systems that don’t need much bulky ductwork.

Mini-split systems use individual cooling units placed room by room, which require only a thin refrigerant and power line connecting them to an outdoor air-conditioning compressor and fan. Another alternative, known as high-velocity systems, use two-inch insulated air-supply tubing to deliver chilled air. This tubing can be snaked through existing walls and ceilings in an old home to deliver cool air where it is needed. The registers are unobtrusive discs placed around the perimeter of the ceiling, or high on the walls. All retrofitted air-conditioning systems will require some degree of creative cutting and patching in walls, floors, and ceilings. And while the new high-tech systems cost more than a regular duct system in new houses, they save money in old homes because of the reduced need for rough carpentry and subsequent finish work. An $8,000 to $10,000 price tag isn’t unusual for a high-velocity air-conditioning retrofit in an old house. Mini-splits offer an economical compromise: You can install cooling units in just one or two rooms, creating an oasis to retreat to during the dog days of summer.

Consult a professional installer to choose an air-conditioning compressor that will allow you to expand a partial system at a later date. A properly sized air-conditioning system is the most important factor for a comfortable home. Systems that are too big or small will lead to a host of complaints—it’s too loud, it breaks down too often, some rooms are too hot, some rooms are too cold, the electricity bills are too high. A professional installer who will size the right is crucial to comfort. Make sure your installer shows you the industry-standard “Manual J” and “Manual D” sizing calculations for your house. If an installer wants to use rule-of-thumb sizing methods, find another contractor. While there are a number of factors involved in choosing an air-conditioning system, keep in mind that bigger isn’t better. Oversized systems don’t dehumidify as well as systems that are properly matched to the needs of the house. This is critical to making the house feel cooler.