If I use energy-efficient products, are they also quieter?
Sometimes, yes. The same technology that can reduce energy consumption, replace fuel with batteries, or retain heat in cold weather often reduces noise. Let’s take a look at some examples of how energy efficiency and noise reduction can work together.
Appliances
The United States and the European Union use the Energy Star label on many newer appliances. The Energy Star program began over 20 years ago. Its goal was to identify and rank products that benefit the environment by reducing energy consumption and that benefit consumers by lowering their utility bills.
These efficient appliances are often quieter, but by how much? Energy Star measures energy consumption in kilowatt hours — it would be terrific if they also included decibel readings. Some manufacturers offer this information voluntarily. Liebherr, a German appliance manufacturer, says in their blog, “All Liebherr household appliances have a decibel level of between 32 dB(A) and 44 dB(A).”
Dishwashers, refrigerators, and laundry machines have become less energy-consuming over the years, and they’ve become quieter, too.
However, a word of warning: the EPA and the Energy Star program is in jeopardy and the US department might not get funded in 2020.
Home construction
Prior to 1980, many American homes were built without insulation in the walls. Today, state and local regulations often mandate that new construction must use insulation for energy efficiency. These regulations typically apply to exterior walls, but not to interior walls. So, inside a single-family home, you might need to insulate some interior walls to reduce noise between rooms. And in an apartment building, you might still need to insulate your walls from your neighbor(s).
In addition, not all construction regulations are ideal for your health or for noise control. For example, the State of California updated its Building Energy Efficiency Standards guidelines in 2016. But look at Section 110.8 — “Mandatory Requirements for Insulation, Roofing Products, and Radiant Barriers.” You’ll find requirements for formaldehyde foam in that list.
It’s unlikely that you would ever knowingly use formaldehyde foam for noise control or heat efficiency. You’d probably never want to put it in your home at all, even with the plastic vapor barrier that this document mandates. Who would use this particular material? Possibly a hotel or large-scale building project.
For more information on home insulation materials (particularly for DIY projects), see the Soundproofist post on “What’s Inside Your Walls?” And check the Energy Star site for recommended insulation values based on your location (in the US).
In addition to insulation, double-or triple-glazed windows increase energy efficiency and reduce noise with each additional layer of glass.
Gardening
Gardening was once a contemplative and zen-like pursuit. However, the introduction of powered gardening equipment — like lawnmowers and leaf blowers — created a neighborhood nuisance. Gas-powered leaf blowers — often with noisy two-stroke motors — emitted hazardous fumes and could exceed 90 decibels, depending on your distance from the source. They’re very powerful, but they create a health hazard for anyone in the vicinity, including the equipment operator.
For most gardening needs, you don’t need to create a tornado to clear leaves on your property. Newer battery-powered leaf blowers (if a rake or broom won’t suffice) are under 65 decibels — still noisy, but better — and cleaner for the environment, as well. Some “quieter” products include those from Stihl (the cordless models). For more information about greener and quieter lawn equipment, see the Quiet Communities website.
Transportation
Hybrid and fully electric vehicles have become more widespread. And, naturally, they’re quieter. In fact, they’re so much quieter that they need to add audible sounds so that a pedestrian can hear them coming at low speeds (such as in a parking lot or at a crosswalk).
Electric mopeds and the dockless scooters in many of our cities are energy efficient…and silent. As a pedestrian (or a car driver), you need to be vigilant, because one can sneak into your blind spot without warning. But this is still better than the noise of a Harley or a “muscle car,” which rattles windows from a block away.
The takeaways
- Energy-efficient appliances are usually quieter. However, manufacturers should list the decibel levels of their products in addition to their kilowatt usage.
- Newer home construction might use insulation materials to reduce noise transfer. Older homes (built prior to 1980) might need some modifications to make them energy efficient and quieter. Be careful what materials you choose.
- Powered gardening equipment increases environmental stress and noise. Whenever possible, use battery-powered equipment or (if feasible) old-fashioned manual labor.
- Battery-powered transportation — and bicycles! — are very quiet. Be aware that others might not hear you when you approach them. This means you need to be more aware of your surroundings and be proactive before you zoom through a parking lot, change lanes quickly, or zip onto a sidewalk with a dockless scooter.
References:
Noise Pollution Clearinghouse, Quiet Communities, Buildings Guide, California Energy Commission, Energy Star, The Guardian (UK)