Three Tips for Quieter Appliances

Nearly all residential and commercial buildings house a few appliances, from refrigerators to clothes dryers. And while modern appliances save us time and energy making our daily lives a little bit easier, they can also be extremely loud.

Some appliances are only loud when they’re in use, like the shaking of a clothes dryer or the grinding of a garbage disposal. Others, like refrigerators and air conditioners, generate a constant humming noise. Appliance noise may seem trivial, but it can become a major issue distracting you from something you need to focus on and even interfering with sleep.

If noisy appliances are giving you a headache, check out this list of ways you can quiet them down.

1.  Buy Quieter Machines

Okay so, this one is kind of obvious and may be costly, but it is honestly the best solution. Older appliances are almost always louder than newer versions. Not only do machines tend to get shakier with age, but many newer appliances are designed to minimize noise.

However, replacing every appliance you own with a brand-new model would cost you a small fortune. Instead, consider switching out the machine that bothers you the most with a newer version and look to the following tips for help with the rest of them.

When selecting quieter machines, look at the NC-levels or -ratings of the machine, to determine how loud they’ll be. If they’re not listed, then call the manufacturer and request the dBA level data.

2.  Utilize Noise Buffer Zones

Creating buffer zones means situating your appliances so that they are adjacent to spaces where sound is unimportant. When arranging or rearranging appliances, take a minute to really consider location. Place nosier machines next to closets, the garage, and other non-essential areas. If you have appliances on upper-level floors, make sure the rooms beneath them are also non-essential. By creating more space between areas where you live and work, and the space where your machines are, you can greatly decrease the amount of noise you’re able to hear.

When space is at a premium, consider upgrading the STC of the walls between noisy equipment and sleeping or studying areas. In many cases, you can install a thin layer of Mass Loaded Vinyl on the wall to improve the soundproofing.

3. Install Appliance Vibration Pads

Vibrations from machinery located near walls can jump from the machine onto the building’s structure, creating additional structure-borne noise. Appliance pads made from neoprene or MLV can help reduce these vibrations and stop them from traveling through the building’s structure. The pads can be placed under appliances like dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers to quiet them.

How do you deal with noisy appliances? Let us know in the comments below!