Kiera Jefferson
Noise pollution is an unwanted and potentially harmful sound that can affect your physical and mental health. Sources of noise pollution include traffic, construction, crowds, and loud neighbours. Prolonged exposure to noise pollution can lead to stress, hearing loss, sleep disruption, and even a reduced lifespan. To reduce noise pollution at home, you can use noise-cancelling devices like headphones, install soundproof windows, use thick curtains and blinds, and choose noise-absorbing materials for your walls and floors. Additionally, you can inform your neighbours about generating noise and be mindful of your own noise levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identify the source of noise | External sources are usually the noisiest, including transport, industry, agriculture, and neighbourhood noises. |
| Choose the right location | Select a quiet neighbourhood and a well-designed home to limit noise transfer. |
| Soundproofing | Use sound barriers, plants, and sound-absorbent materials like rugs, carpets, curtains, acoustic panels, pillows, and furniture to block or absorb noise. |
| Window treatments | Install double- or triple-glazed windows to block out noise and improve insulation. |
| Door and window maintenance | Ensure doors and windows shut properly and consider using draught excluders to block noise. |
| Appliance maintenance | Regularly maintain appliances and systems to reduce operational noise, such as lubricating hinges and servicing HVAC systems. |
| Quiet zones | Designate certain areas as quiet zones with minimal noise for work, studying, or relaxation. |
| Noise-cancelling devices | Use white noise machines or noise-cancelling headphones to mask disruptive sounds. |
| Neighbourhood considerations | Situate noisy areas like swimming pools away from neighbours' windows and choose quieter outdoor equipment. |
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What You'll Learn
Seal windows and doors
Sealing windows and doors is a great way to reduce noise pollution in your home.
Caulking
One way to seal windows is by caulking. Acoustical caulk is a noise-proofing, latex-based product that helps reduce outside noises. It bonds with most window frame and wall materials and is more flexible than regular silicone caulk. You can apply a thin bead of the acoustical product after removing any old silicone caulk. However, it may not work with certain window frame or wall materials if the caulk is unable to adhere.
Double Glazing
Double-glazed windows can reduce noise pollution by up to 70%. They are made up of two panes of glass with an insulating gas between them and a high-quality, water-tight uPVC frame. When sound vibrations hit the window, they have to travel through two panes of glass and an insulating gas, slowing the sound and lessening its impact.
Soundproof Curtains
Soundproof curtains or blankets on the walls and windows can also help to reduce noise pollution. These can shave off a few decibels, although they will have a negligible effect if you already have thick or insulated walls.
Draught Excluders
If you are unable to make physical changes to your windows and doors, you can use draught excluders to block any noise which might escape underneath your doors.
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Use rugs and curtains
Rugs and curtains can be a great way to reduce noise pollution at home. They are especially useful if you are unable to make physical changes to your home or are looking for extra noise reduction.
Rugs are effective at preventing noise from below your home by absorbing sound. The thicker the rug, the better it is at sound absorption. A thick rug can also minimise the sound of footsteps and objects being dropped, reducing echo. Rugs made of thick open-weave fabric, felt, or soft fluffy material are ideal for this purpose. A rug with a foam-rubber backing or a thick felt pad underneath can further dampen sounds.
Heavy curtains are excellent at absorbing sound coming from outside your windows. The heavier the curtain, the more sound it can absorb. For curtains to be effective, ensure they are large enough to cover the wall below and above the window. Curtains with a mass-loaded vinyl layer are particularly good at sound absorption.
In addition to rugs and curtains, other soft furnishings can also help with noise reduction. For instance, wall hangings, upholstered furniture, and even plants can absorb sound.
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Soundproof with furniture
Noise pollution can have a range of negative health effects, from stress and poor concentration to more serious issues such as cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, tinnitus, and hearing loss. While external sources such as transport, industry, and neighbourhood noises are usually the loudest, indoor sources can also contribute to a noisy home environment.
One way to reduce noise pollution at home is by using furniture strategically. Here are some tips to soundproof your space with furniture:
- Place furniture against outside walls or shared walls to help absorb sound. Large pieces of furniture, such as bookshelves or chests, can act as a barrier and reduce noise transmission. Filling a bookshelf with books is especially effective, as books are excellent at absorbing noise.
- Enhance the soundproofing qualities of upholstered furniture by adding plush pillows and throws. The thicker the fabric, the better it will absorb sound.
- Use area rugs to muffle unwanted sounds. Rugs are easier to place and relocate than carpets, making them a flexible and stylish soundproofing solution.
- Hang heavy curtains or drapes over windows and doors to absorb sound. Thick curtain fabric is one of the best home soundproofing materials, and it also adds to your home décor.
- Acoustic foam panels can be used as a decorative piece while also absorbing sound in a room by limiting vibrations.
By combining smart furniture placement with other soundproofing techniques, you can effectively reduce noise pollution in your home and create a quieter and more peaceful environment.
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Install double-glazed windows
If you're looking for a way to reduce noise pollution entering your home, installing double-glazed windows is a great option. This is because noise often enters homes through vibrations, or through cracks and gaps in walls or window frames where air infiltration can occur.
Double-glazed windows are made up of two panes of glass with an insulating gap of air or inert gas in between. This design slows down sound waves and lessens their impact by forcing them to travel through multiple layers of glass. This means that double-glazed windows can reduce noise pollution by up to 70%.
The thickness of the glass, the size of the gap, and the quality of the installation all affect how well double-glazed windows reduce noise. While they are very effective at reducing common outside noises like traffic, they might not entirely block out exceptionally loud or low-frequency noises.
Double-glazed windows also offer other benefits, such as improved thermal insulation, resulting in lower energy bills and a more comfortable indoor environment. They can also be combined with treatments like tinted glass or UV coatings to offer additional benefits like UV protection and improved security.
While installing double-glazed windows can be expensive, the benefits they offer make them a worthwhile investment for your home.
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Choose quiet appliances
Choosing quiet appliances is an important step in reducing noise pollution at home. Noise pollution can have a range of negative effects on your health, from stress and poor concentration to more serious issues like cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and hearing loss.
When purchasing new appliances, look for the Quiet Mark, which indicates that the product is one of the quietest available in its category. For example, more than 60 Bosch appliances have achieved Quiet Mark certification, including their Series 6 cooker hood, dishwasher, and washing machine. The Series 6 SMD6EDX57G dishwasher, for instance, runs at only 42dB, which is significantly quieter than a normal conversation, which takes place at around 60dB.
Another quiet appliance is the Daikin air purifier, which provides fresh air without the need to open windows and doors. The compact MCK55W model is designed for living spaces and bedrooms, and it features near-silent yet powerful cleaning capability.
If you're in the market for a tumble dryer, consider the Miele TWH780WP Ecospeed 9kg tumble dryer, which has been tested for 20 years of use and is also Quiet Mark registered. A quiet dishwasher is especially important for small apartments or open-plan living. The Fisher & Paykel Double DishDrawer, registered with Quiet Mark, features two independently operating drawers, with the top one at waist height for added convenience.
By choosing quiet appliances, you can help create a calm and peaceful home environment, promoting better health and wellbeing.
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Frequently asked questions
Soundproof windows are a great way to reduce noise from outside. Double or triple-glazed windows with multiple panes of glass and air or inert gas in between are particularly effective. Thick curtains and blinds can also help insulate your home and make it harder for sound waves to travel through.
Sound-absorbing acoustic curtains can help reduce indoor noise. For noise from appliances like air conditioning units or hot water heaters, an acoustic enclosure will be your best option.
If you live next to a busy street, consider moving your driveway and garage away from bedrooms and living rooms. If you have loud neighbours, ask them to keep the noise down after 10 pm. You can also use noise-cancelling devices like headphones to block out noise.
Acoustic fencing or 'sound walls' can provide noise abatement of up to 43 dB. Dense vegetation can also significantly reduce noise transmission by absorbing sound energy and scattering high-frequency sound waves.
