Kiera Jefferson
Noise pollution is an unwanted sound that causes discomfort to the ears. It can be caused by machines, transport, and propagation systems, including aircraft, trains, automobiles, and construction equipment. Exposure to noise pollution can have harmful effects on humans, including hearing loss, increased stress levels, fatigue, and aggressive behaviour. To reduce noise pollution at home, you can implement various strategies such as using rugs and carpets to absorb sound, hanging wall coverings to reduce echo, improving insulation with soundproofing materials, investing in noise-cancelling headphones, and turning off electrical appliances when not in use. Additionally, strategic placement of furniture, installation of fences, and planting trees can also help mitigate noise pollution.
What You'll Learn
Use rugs and carpets to absorb sound
Hard floors may look sleek and modern, but they can also cause sound to reverberate throughout your home. If you have hard floors, consider adding rugs and carpets to dampen sound.
Carpets are great at muffling noise, and cut-pile carpeting with its fuzzy top is particularly effective at absorbing sound. A rug with foam-rubber backing can be a simple and inexpensive solution to reducing noise pollution in your home.
Carpets can reduce the sound of someone walking by up to 34 decibels, compared to laminate or wooden flooring, which only reduces sound by up to 6 decibels. They also help to reduce the reverberation time by half compared to hard flooring.
If you are unable or unwilling to install wall-to-wall carpeting, a large rug placed strategically under noisy furniture or in high-traffic areas can also help to reduce noise levels.
In addition to rugs and carpets, you can also use soft furnishings such as blankets and wall hangings to reduce sound. These items can be hung on bare walls to soften and absorb some of the noise.
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Hang coverings on walls to dampen noise
Bare walls can cause sound to echo around a room, so if you have large empty walls, consider hanging coverings to dampen noise. Blankets, canvas paintings, and tapestries are all effective options. These soft furnishings will help to soften and absorb sound, creating a quieter indoor environment.
If you are looking for a more substantial solution, bookshelves and other large pieces of furniture can also be used to block noise. A heavy bookcase filled with books, for example, will reduce the amount of sound audible through a wall.
For an even more comprehensive approach, consider installing acoustic wall panels. These modern panels are specifically designed to reduce noise pollution and can be very effective.
In addition to hanging coverings, another way to reduce noise pollution is to use sound-friendly furniture. Soft furnishings such as rugs and carpets can help to reduce echo and sound vibrations.
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Seal windows with double-glazed glass
Sealing windows with double-glazed glass is an effective way to reduce noise pollution in your home. It is a long-term solution that can help minimise unwanted sounds from outside, such as traffic noise, airplanes, and noisy neighbours. Double-glazed windows are designed to keep out noise and insulate your home better, leading to reduced energy costs.
If you are constructing a new home, consider installing double-glazed windows as a preemptive measure to mitigate noise pollution. On the other hand, if you are retrofitting your existing home, be aware that this alteration can be costly. In that case, external window coverings, such as aluminium roller shutters, can be a more affordable option.
Double-paned windows work in conjunction with weather stripping and added insulation to further reduce noise infiltration. This combination can significantly decrease the amount of sound entering your home, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment.
Additionally, double-glazed windows offer the benefit of improved energy efficiency. The insulating properties of these windows help regulate the temperature inside your home, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. As a result, you can enjoy a more comfortable living space while also lowering your energy bills.
By sealing your windows with double-glazed glass, you can effectively block out unwanted noise, enhance your home's insulation, and create a more tranquil and cost-effective living environment.
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Create peaceful noises to cover up unpleasant sounds
Creating peaceful noises to cover up unpleasant sounds is a great way to reduce noise pollution in your home. While it may seem counterintuitive to deal with noise by introducing more noise, peaceful and calming sounds can effectively mask unwanted noise. Here are some tips to help you create a more tranquil environment:
White Noise Machines
White noise machines are a popular solution for blocking out disruptive noises. These devices emit a constant sound, such as white noise, pink noise, brown noise, or nature sounds, to help drown out other noises in the environment. White noise machines can improve sleep quality, increase productivity, and reduce distractions caused by external sounds. They can be especially useful if you need an immediate solution to block out noises, such as when trying to sleep.
Fans
The sound of a fan can be an effective way to create a soothing background noise that helps to mask unpleasant sounds. It can be a more affordable option compared to purchasing a white noise machine.
Wind Chimes
Hanging wind chimes on your porch or balcony can create gentle, peaceful sounds that blend with the natural environment. The soft, rhythmic tones of wind chimes can help to distract from unwanted noise, providing a sense of calm and relaxation.
Water Features
Installing a water feature, such as a small fountain or waterfall, in your garden or patio area can generate tranquil sounds of flowing water. The gentle, continuous noise of water can help to cover up unpleasant sounds from your surroundings, creating a more serene atmosphere.
Music or Nature Sounds
Playing soft, peaceful music or nature sounds, such as rain, birds, or ocean waves, can be an enjoyable way to mask unwanted noise. These sounds can be played at a comfortable volume to create a relaxing ambiance in your home.
By implementing these strategies, you can take control of your auditory environment, reducing the impact of unpleasant sounds and creating a more peaceful and calming space in your home.
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Install noise-cancelling shutters
If you're looking to reduce noise pollution in your home, installing noise-cancelling shutters is a great option. External noise can be a real nuisance, interrupting your sleep and peace of mind, and even causing health issues such as fatigue, hearing loss, and psychological problems. While you might not always be able to change your environment, you can take steps to minimise sound pollution in your home.
Noise-cancelling shutters are an effective way to create a barrier between your windows and external noise sources. They come in various types, such as roller shutters, sliding shutters, and interior shutters, all of which can significantly reduce noise levels. For example, roller shutters contain Polyurethane insulation inside each slat, which helps to dampen external noise, while the pocket of air between the slats and your window frame acts as an additional sound absorption barrier.
If you're considering installing shutters, it's important to choose a suitable material. Shutters made from solid, thick materials, such as hardwood or extruded wood substitutes, are ideal for blocking out noise. These shutters typically have a frame that surrounds your window, with panels that swing open and closed on hinges. Each panel has louvers that can be adjusted to let in light and air while still providing noise reduction.
When choosing noise-cancelling shutters, you may want to opt for custom-made options to ensure a perfect fit for your windows. This is especially beneficial if you have specialty windows with unique shapes and sizes. Additionally, look for durable materials that can withstand different kinds of wear and tear, such as Faux-wood Polywood® shutters, which are known for their longevity.
Noise-cancelling shutters offer a range of benefits beyond just reducing noise pollution. They can also provide added privacy, control over light and ventilation, and increased security for your home. Furthermore, they can help reduce your energy costs by improving insulation and reducing the need to run air conditioning or heating systems.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to reduce noise from outside your home. You can install high-quality window shutters, or double-glazed windows, which can help to reduce noise from outside. You can also use noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to block out external sounds.
To reduce noise inside your home, you can turn off electrical appliances when they are not in use, as they can produce noise even when they are not being used. You can also place furniture strategically to help absorb sound, for example, placing large bookshelves or drawers along adjoining walls.
Investing in soundproofing can be an effective, long-term solution to noise pollution. Acoustic wall panels can also help to dramatically reduce noise inside your property.
