Noise from ventilation, AC units and building systems
Unlike party noise or loud neighbours, technical noise from fans and AC units is often constant and low‑frequency. Chronic exposure to this kind of hum can disturb sleep and increase stress levels even when measurements show relatively moderate decibel values. This is highlighted in environmental noise guidelines published by the World Health Organization.
Typical sources of technical noise
- roof‑top ventilation units and exhaust shafts;
- outdoor AC units mounted under windows or on façades;
- refrigeration systems of shops located on the ground floor;
- pump rooms and plant rooms in basements.
Start by documenting the situation: take photos of the equipment and note when the noise is strongest, whether it follows a schedule or depends on outdoor temperature. This helps to identify the owner and maintenance team.
Who is responsible for the equipment
In most buildings responsibility lies with:
- the property manager or HOA when the system serves the whole building;
- the owner of a commercial unit on the ground floor (shop, café, office);
- the tenant if they installed their own AC or refrigeration units.
Building and sanitary codes set limits for noise from building services. Referring to these documents and pointing out that the source is attached to the building structure makes complaints more convincing.
Technical fixes: from simple to advanced
Residents can:
- upgrade windows facing the noisy equipment;
- install acoustic liners on room vents;
- move bedrooms away from the loud façade if layout allows.
However, sustainable improvement usually requires changes to the equipment itself: vibration isolators, acoustic enclosures, relocation to a dedicated platform. Organisations such as ASHRAE publish detailed guidance on HVAC noise control.
How to complain about technical noise
The general algorithm is similar to other noise cases:
- collect key facts: address, description of the plant, operating times, noise character;
- add a point on NoiseMap to visualise the problem and gather feedback from neighbours;
- send a written complaint to the property manager or the commercial unit’s owner;
- if nothing changes, ask public health authorities for official measurements.
Technical noise may feel like “just background”, but studies show that a constant hum affects sleep and concentration as much as episodic peaks. The more precisely you describe the source and document its operation, the easier it is to push for real improvements.