Exterior Mechanical Units Noise Control

By Bruno Caligara

In New York City, air-borne noise is always an issue. In many cases, exterior  mechanical units are installed without first checking the proper permitted decibel ratings.  These issues mostly arise in residential areas where the nuisance of noisy air conditioning units – if not properly installed – will lead to complaints and violations.

When your mechanical engineer designs and specifies an exterior mechanical unit for use in a residential area, they should show compliance with the New York Mechanical Code MC 926, and the New York Noise Control Code, Section 24-232.  Permitted decibel ratings can be achieved by specifying a unit that complies or by providing a noise/sound absorption enclosure system.