Part 3 – Choose the Right HVAC For Guestroom Noise

Room noise is the number one complaint of hotel guests. Guestroom HVAC systems can cause high levels of guestroom noise.  So today I present one very important- yet overlooked- product difference between PTACs, VTACs, and VRF– Guestroom  Noise.

When looking at guestroom HVAC noise – there are two primary areas that must be understood when considering overall guest satisfaction.

1. Sound from the Unit – This is the most obvious noise contributor to the actual sound level that the unit produces and is heard within the guestroom. Noise levels are measured and compared using the decibel (dBA) scale. A higher dBA corresponds to a higher noise level.  See below decibel scale for reference.

2. Sound through the Unit – Outdoor noise pollution transfers into guestrooms by traveling through the exterior building wall via any areas vulnerable to sound penetration. Therefore, the HVAC exterior grille on the exterior wall of the guestroom is a main vulnerability site. Noise transfer levels are measured and compared using the STC scale. A higher STC corresponds to a better sound insulation. See below STC scale for reference. For more urban or high noise environments, this consideration remains vital for reducing sound pollution.

For controlling unwanted hotel noise, I present below a quick summary of how these three systems compare

PTAC

Sound from Unit

  • PTACs typically have a dBA level ranging from 46 to 61 depending on the quality of PTAC (Note: decibel scale above for approximate sound level).
  • These numbers can be much higher if the unit is not properly cleaned and maintained.

Sound Rating through Unit

  • PTAC assemblies typically have an STC rating of around 28.
  • Some manufacturers have an optional STC damper that can be added to the unit to increase this to an STC of around 31.
  • The noise reduction (sound level difference between inside and outside) of exterior walls is about 25-30 dBA, which means sound levels inside the guestroom during an outside 80 dBA event might be as high as 50 dBA (Note: decibel scale above for approximate sound level).

VTAC

Sound from Unit

  • Typically, VTACs have a dBA level ranging from 58 to 65. (Note decibel scale above for approximate sound level).
  • This noise level is reduced by the fact that the unit is located in a closet with a STC rating of 60 which will dampen this noise significantly in the guestroom.
  • These numbers can be much higher if the unit is not properly cleaned and maintained.

Sound Rating through Unit

  • Typically, VTAC assemblies, including the closet, have an STC rating of around 57.

VRF (Fan Coil Units)

Sound from Unit

  • Fan coil units typically have a sound level around 23-30 dBA at the unit.
  • This level is reduced by the fact that the unit is located in a ceiling with a STC rating of typically 50 or more.

Sound Rating through Unit

  • One major benefit of VRF systems is that there is no exterior grille.
  • No exterior grille means that outside noise does not enter the guestroom via the HVAC system.
  • This can be a major benefit for sites with sound issues (e.g., airport, interstate, downtown urban, sites).

Guestroom noise significantly impacts the overall guest experience and should not be overlooked. Please do not hesitate to leave your feedback below as a comment or contact me at BlairH@base-4.com

Thank you,
 
Blair Hildahl
Blair@hotelsuniversity.com
608.304.5228