Air Conditioning Noise Surveys and Noise Assessments
A planning application for a small domestic air conditioning unit can often throw up the requirement for a noise assessment. A noise survey and noise modelling is necessary to ensure that neighbouring properties won’t be significantly affected.
Air Con Noise Assessments across the UK
As experts in domestic air conditioning noise, we have years of experience conducting noise surveys and noise impact assessments for a air con and air source heat pump units across the UK.
We provide a nationwide service, conducting noise surveys to support planning applications and planning conditions.
Don’t know what you need? Just give us a call or an email.
Call us today on 0800 830 3338 for an air conditioning noise assessment
or email us at info@parkerjonesacoustics.com
What's our approach to Air Conditioning Noise Assessments?
Air conditioning noise assessments are usually required to support a planning application with new air conditioning plant in residential as well as commercial settings – or assess whether a statutory noise nuisance is occurring from an existing air conditioning unit. This can range from small domestic units through to large commercial/industrial facilities with an array of external air conditioning plant. The purpose of the noise assessment is to ensure that neighbouring properties are not adversely impacted by noise.
The requirements for a noise assessment can vary from one local authority to the next. Some authorities will set fixed air con noise limits outside neighbouring windows – a condition which can be discharged by a desktop report using a 3D noise model to predict noise emissions.
Other councils will require a full BS4142 assessment – involving a ‘baseline noise survey’ conducted at the property over several days. The noise emissions from the AC unit are then assessed against a ‘representative background sound level’ determined from the noise survey – generally requiring the plant noise rating level to at least lower or equal to the background noise level, in some cases as much as 10 dB below.
Typical A/C Plant Noise Assessment
Background Sound Level Measurements
A trip to site to measured baseline noise levels from a few hours to a few days - before the air source heat pump is installed, or if a retrospective application, with the AC plant turned off.
Noise Predictions of noise emissions from the ASHP/AC Condenser
We will produce calculations or even a 3D noise model (at no extra cost) to predict the plant noise emissions at nearby residential windows.
Analysis of Noise Impact
The predicted plant noise emissions are assessed against the background noise level in accordance with BS 4142:2014 - or a fixed level if stipulated in the planning condition/consultation from the Environmental Health Officer.
Noise Mitigation Recommendations
If predicted noise emissions from A/C plant is too high, we'll tell you how to deal with it. This may relocation of the condenser from windows, an acoustic enclosure around large ASHPs, an acoustic barrier, or a different condenser.
Robust Noise Assessment Reports
Our noise assessments are highly detailed, but also structured in a way which is easy to follow. Our reports tell a clear story which instills confidence with the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) at the local council.
Our Approach to Air Con Noise Surveys
First of all, we need to determine the local planning authorities requirements. This impacts on whether site visits are required to conduct a baseline noise survey are required, or whether a cheaper desktop noise assessment will do the job.
Secondly, if a baseline noise survey is required, we take a look at other planning applications in the area. Sometimes a similar application may have occured at a neighbouring property, from which a baseline noise survey may have been done and therefore we can reuse data to make our assessment cheaper!
Thirdly, we will do an initial desktop review – if we think the AC plant is going to be noisy and is unlikely to meet criteria, we will be upfront about this before progressing with the assessment, so our clients can fully understand additional costs they may have to fork out for mitigation, before paying for our services.
Finally, if we progress with the assessment, then we can usually turn these around within 1 – 2 weeks. Give us a call, if we have equipment free, we could be at site the next day.
ParkerJones Acoustics are adept at providing plant noise assessments in accordance with BS 4142:2014. In fact, we have found that many Councils have pointed new applicants to our reports as an example to follow! If you’d like to see one of our noise assessment reports then just get in touch and we’ll send you an example.
Our noise consultants work on projects across the nation, including cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Swansea.
Give ParkerJones Acoustics a call, where you’ll get a fair and honest evaluation at a competitive price, wherever you need an air conditioning noise assessment.
Noise Consultants you can rely on
"ParkerJones Acoustics recently helped us to discharge a planning condition and was very professional and accommodating. Chris (director) worked alongside us to model various window configurations of the property to establish where acoustic mitigation measures were required. This enabled our client to address matters strategically rather than simply blanketing the whole site with the worst-case scenario, in turn saving our client time and money. I would not hesitate to recommend ParkerJones Acoustics and I look forward to working alongside him soon."
"I have recently used the services of ParkerJones Acoustics to carry out a Noise Impact Assessment as part of a planning condition for an industrial development my company was building in the Scottish Highlands. From their same day quote to their equally prompt site visit and final report I have had a truly excellent service from this company, especially in comparison to some of the larger companies I have used in the past who were considerably more expensive. I am genuinely pleased to say I would have no hesitation in recommending Chris and his team at ParkerJones Acoustics to any business or individual requiring their services."
"Within 48 hours of contacting ParkerJones Acoustics, they were on site and collecting the information he needed. Chris (director) took the time to understand our business proposal; and he was so easy to work with and very friendly and we had a very professional and detailed report in our inbox within a week. A fantastic service that we would not hesitate to recommend, thank you!"
"We approached ParkerJones Acoustics for advice regarding a Noise Impact Assessment for a planning application. We cannot thank him enough for the prompt replies we received, the professional manner of his approach and the knowledge and expertise he had of the technical and planning issues. We would use Chris (director) of ParkerJones Acoustics) again and highly recommend him and his company."
"Chris has provided us with an excellent service, he's swift at responding and very knowledgeable in his area of work. We needed a noise survey undertaken due to an unauthorised installation of extraction fans at a local sports club close to our home. His report, which he turned around in 24 hours for us, was professional, clear to read and interpret. I highly recommend ParkerJones Acoustics Consultants."
"We sourced ParkerJones Acoustics consultants to help us with our planning application for a wedding venue. We found Chris (director) to be incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and professional in helping to produce a fully comprehensive noise assessment which resulted in a positive planning application. Communication was second to none and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his service."
"I can’t recommend ParkerJones highly enough. I engaged Chris (director) to produce a noise and vibration report for residential air conditioning and was extremely impressed with the level of communication and professionalism throughout the process. The final report was of exceptionally high quality and I will happily reccomend them to anyone"
"ParkerJones Acoustics provided our client with a very comprehensive Noise Impact Assessment report in support of a planning application for a micro-bar in the centre of Shifnal. A competitively priced service which was delivered in fast response to the Planning Authority's request. The application was successful. Thank you Chris!"
"Parker Jones Acoustics provides a fantastic, efficient service with excellent attention to detail. Within two days we had noise monitoring taking place capturing data on site - under a week and the report (incredibly informative without being too wordy) had arrived. Highly recommended!!"
"Chris was very knowledgeable and professional. We were seeking planning permission for a cafe and this was granted in part due to the excellent report by ParkerJones Acoustics. Chris really listens to the specific detailed requirements set out by his clients. Thanks very much Chris."
"I can’t recommend ParkerJones Acoustics highly enough. I engaged Chris to produce a noise and vibration report for residential air conditioning and was extremely impressed with the level of communication and professionalism throughout the process. The final report was of exceptionally high quality and I will happily recommend them to anyone."
"ParkerJones Acoustics carried out an acoustic survey for us in a planning application for a new home. They were very professional in their approach and both Chris and Tom were very easy to deal with. Their recommendations seemed fair and balanced and we are hoping the council will agree. It was an expense we could have done without, but their fee seemed reasonable and includes any follow up from the planners, so we would have no hesitation in recommending them."
"Used Parker Jones Acoustics on a project in Dundee. Noise assessment was a last minute requirement from local planners and could have severely delayed things. Chris got on board quickly, engaged with the planning team and was able to fast track the assessment. Result = positive planning decision 4 weeks later. ParkerJones Acoustics are now part of our team for future projects"
"Carried out a Noise Assessment report for a listed building which achieved planning permission. Delivered promptly and professionally. Extremely pleased with the service and would happily recommend and use their services in future."
"Excellent speedy response from ParkerJones Acoustics, and high-quality report provided in support of our planning application. Really impressed."
"Chris at Parker Jones Acoustics has been faultless. We had a deadline to hit and he was very proactive around reaching that deadline, even in the current climate of COVID19. I've been very impressed and equally was my planning consultant very impressed"
"ParkerJones Acoustics were pro-active in addressing difficulties in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Their experience and endeavour shone through the alternative quotes I obtained, and the finalreport exceeded my expectation; an impressive piece of work delivered in very good time. A happy customer; thank you Chris"
"Chris was most helpful, responding quickly and professionally to our request for a noise survey. He sent the results to us within a day which was much appreciated. I would definately recommend his service, and would also use his company again Thank you"
"Used this company to perform a noise and vibration survey for my air conditioning planning permission. It was handled very professionally, good advice given and quick turnaround. Very happy with the service."
"Great service from ParkerJones Acoustics, clear fast communication, fast turn around on work and competitive prices. I would highly recommend for any acoustic work."
"I needed some guidance in a hurry and Chris was on the end of the line with a very clear no nonsense reply. Very much appreciated"
"I reached out for some support on an acoustic related issue that we see troubleshooting at our plant. The support I got was excellent and very thorough."
"ParkerJones Acoustics helped significantly reduce the echo in our office by recommending acoustic treatment and sound insulation fittings. We’re now finding it much easier to work without disturbance and are able to use our meeting spaces without worrying about confidential conversations being overheard."
"I received an excellent, well informed and quick service. Chris has the expertise expected and is a true professional. Thank you."
"On behalf of Cantor Properties - Fantastic company, great service. Efficient, with a high level of professionalism. Would highly recommend!"
"Very economic and efficient. Helpful and very informative. Definitely use again on future schemes."
"Chris Parker Jones carried out an excellent noise assessment for us, detailed and yet easy to follow. Easy to contact and very helpful follow ups. Very professional."
"Thank you very much for the investigation you performed and the report you wrote which has helped us with a persistent noise problem from a neighbouring business."
"Highly professional and no issues at all. Would recommend to anyone. Answered all our questions. Gave a report which perfectly answered all the councils requirements."
"Joy to work with and went above and beyond for us to satisfy the landlords requirements. Highly recommended and will be using again for the rest of our sites."
"Wow! I messaged Chris on the website at 11am, and by 2pm he'd emailed me with diagrams and examples and an amazing breakdown of solutions. I am so thoroughly impressed."
"Very professional and helped me get through a tricky project. I would definitely recommend ParkerJones Acoustics to my clients. 5 star service!"
"Was very happy with the information provided by ParkerJones Acoustics. Chris was very helpful, being clear and thorough with all communications."
"Chris' deep expertise is matched by his focus on giving you only the input you need, instead of everything he could potentially bill you for. I wish other professionals operated on the same footing."
"Fantastic communication and extremely professional. All our questions answered and did an amazing job with the report for the council. Highly recommend if you do not want any hassle get in touch."
"ParkerJones Acoustics exceeded expectations; quick turn around on the report, great communication and a friendly service. We will be using them on our other projects!"
"On behalf of Cantor Properties - Fantastic company, great service. Efficient, with a high level of professionalism. Would highly recommend!"
"Chris (director) really is an expert & knows exactly what he is talking about which is a rarity these days. He replied promptly by email to my initial enquiry and followed up with a phone chat to discuss in greater detail the problem of the noise nuisance I have been experiencing from the flat above. Chris is a great listener and proposed a couple of solutions which he then sent on by email within an hour and which I am now following up. He also wants to know the outcome- a true professional and I would definitely recommend him. I cant thank him enough for his invaluable advice and insight."
"I contacted ParkerJones Acoustics after moving into a noisy 1st floor flat. I had no idea about what solutions were a available and after doing my own research I had become very confused. Chris responded to my email almost immediately, and clearly explained about the available products and offered his professional advice about my best course of action. Because of the information Chris gave me, I now feel much more reassured that there is a solution to my very annoying noise problem. I would not hesitate to recommend ParkerJones Acoustics to anybody who has a noise problem."
We had ParkerJones Acoustics to assist us with a noise problem in a recently purchased residential flat. Chris provided a fantastic service. He was extremely responsive and the work that Chris did was a very high standard. His knowledge of the subject is amazing. I would not hesitate to recommend Chris and ParkerJones Acoustics
"Chris (director) is fantastic. Lovely guy. Friendly efficient and honest. My new music room is superb and I couldn't have got the result I did without his help. I would refer and definitely use again."
Need a Noise Survey for a domestic Air Conditioning unit?
Fill out the form below to get in touch with one of our air con noise experts who can help satisfy your BS4142 related planning condition.
- 0800 830 3338
- info@parkerjonesacoustics.com
- 11 Bankside Road, Bristol, BS4 4LB
- 29 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn, London, WC2A 3EE
- 126 West Regent Street, Glasgow, G2 2RQ
- parkerjonesacoustics
Acoustics.
Noise.
Vibration.
...that includes air conditioning noise assessments
Our expert noise consultants are able to provide air conditioning noise assessments all over the UK. From the south west of England to the north east of Scotland, stopping at Wales on the way. Industrial noise assessments and surveys in major UK cities including London, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Swansea, Plymouth, Exeter, Bath, Swindon, Newport, Southampton, Bournemouth, Reading, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Oxford.
Noise assessments in accordance with BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound