Quiet Comfort for Learning and Living

Reducing Chiller Noise at a Reston, VA Library with HVAC noise control solutions

Government Facilities, Libraries

Overview

For years, a community library in Reston, Virginia, struggled with disruptive chiller noise. It disturbed both library patrons and residents of the adjacent high-rise condominiums. The building owner needed a solution that would meet stringent noise reduction goals without compromising system performance.

Havtech partnered with Price Industries, Whitman, Requardt & Associates, and Service Mechanical Inc. to design and install a custom acoustic enclosure, ensuring quiet comfort for the library and surrounding community.

Challenge

Chiller noise disrupted people in the library and nearby condos, requiring a quiet solution that wouldn’t affect system performance.

Required protection from radiated and discharge noise.
Goal: reduce sound energy to 45 dBA.
Find a serviceable solution that wouldn’t interfere with chiller performance.

Solution

A custom Price Industries acoustic enclosure with panels and silencers reduced sound to target levels while keeping the chiller fully serviceable.

Key features included:

Acoustic analysis using Price’s All-In-One (AIO) software.
Intake silencers to address compressor noise.
Extra-long discharge silencers to block fan noise and protect condo sight lines.
Acoustic panels to minimize radiated sound.
Engineer-stamped structural support designed for easy future service.

Conclusion

Guided by Havtech’s engineering expertise and project support, the team leveraged Price’s acoustic technology to achieve the library’s noise-reduction goals without sacrificing chiller performance or serviceability. The result is a quieter, more comfortable environment that reflects Havtech’s ability to translate complex HVAC challenges into integrated, effective solutions.

Details:

Engineering Firm:
Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP

Mechanical Contractor:
Service Mechanical Inc

Building Type:
Public Library

Equipment Installed:
Custom acoustic enclosure with Price acoustic panels and rectangular silencers, including intake and discharge silencers to reduce chiller noise

Results

Noise Reduction

Only a 3 dBA increase measured during chiller operation (barely perceptible within three feet).
Overall sound levels reduced to meet the 45 dBA goal.

Community Comfort

Quiet study environment restored for library patrons.
Reduced noise impact for neighboring high-end condominiums.

Serviceable Design

Acoustic enclosure engineered with removable top section for future chiller maintenance.
Solution delivered without compromising chiller performance.