- Q.My neighbor has a noisy
through-the-wall air conditioner that runs day and
night. So that I could get a better night's sleep, I
thought I would offer to build him a soundproof box he
could place around the AC unit, before I resort to more
drastic measures. Is it possible to build a simple
structure that will reduce noise, provide the necessary
ventilation, and be weather-resistant? The unit is
located below a glass-block wall, on the first floor
above a concrete walkway with ample space around
it.
A.Fernando Pages Ruiz, a
building contractor in Lincoln, Neb., and the
author of Building an Affordable House,
responds: Unfortunately, you cannot build a
soundproof enclosure of any kind that would also
provide adequate ventilation for the AC unit. Noise
travels through air, so by definition a soundproof
enclosure would have to be airtight.
The solution to your neighbor's AC noise output
lies at your own bedroom window. First, check that
your window seals tightly. You'd be amazed how much
sound you can block with good weather stripping.
Remove the casing around your window and seal the
area around the jambs with caulking or expanding
foam sealant. If that doesn't help, consider
installing heavy, solid shutters that can be sealed
tightly. You could also replace your existing
window with a vinyl window frame (vinyl provides
better sound attenuation than wood) and laminated
glass. For a surefire solution, Soundproof Windows
(877/438-7843,
www.soundproofwindows.com)
makes add-on window units (they're used in
conjunction with your existing windows) with
sound-attenuating frames and glass that can reduce
sound infiltration by up to 90 percent.
Otherwise, if your neighbor's unit is showing
signs of age, you could ask him to replace his air
conditioner with one that has a lower sone rating
(sones are used by appliance manufacturers to
indicate the relative noise level of their
products; a lower number signifies a quieter
machine).