Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery

8.3.4Noise

MVHR systems shall be designed to minimise disturbance caused by noise.

MVHR fan units should be sized to run at their optimum speed and to provide suitable performance whilst taking the resulting noise and vibration into account. Specifying MVHR fan units that can provide the required airflow rates when running at less than full speed can reduce unnecessary noise.

Ductwork should be sized to allow air to pass freely without causing excessive noise disturbance. To reduce noise transfer along ductwork, a short length of flexible duct can be installed adjacent to air valves and fan units. Other issues to be taken into account include:

  • noise between habitable rooms
  • external noise
  • location of the MVHR fan unit
  • the type of mountings used to secure the MVHR fan unit.