Sound and vibration testing for commercial HVAC measures occupied-space noise against ASHRAE NC and RC criteria, plus equipment-side vibration measurement using triaxial accelerometers. We perform sound and vibration testing after tenant complaints, during punch-list closeout, and as part of comprehensive TAB scope across metro Atlanta and Georgia.

Sound and vibration testing — engineer measuring sound waves in an anechoic chamber with FFT analyzer on monitor
Acoustic testing rigor — equivalent to commercial NC/RC verification.

HVAC sound and vibration testing — industrial mechanical equipment with stacks and fans typical of a building service plant

What sound and vibration testing measures

First, our crew sets up Type 1 sound meters and triaxial accelerometers in the occupied zones cited by the complaint or by the spec. Then we run the system through its full operating range and log the data. After that, the report compares each measured value against the engineer’s design criteria. Specifically, the scope on a typical commercial project includes:

  • Octave-band sound pressure level in occupied spaces under fan, terminal, and equipment operation
  • NC and RC ratings compared to the engineer’s design criteria for each occupancy type
  • Vibration acceleration at fan housings, pump bases, and equipment mounting points
  • Structure-borne vibration transmission through floor slabs and partition walls
  • Identification of dominant noise sources by frequency band

When sound and vibration testing belongs in the scope

However, not every commercial project needs this scope at closeout. Typically we deliver sound and vibration testing in four situations: post-construction punch lists where the spec calls for measured NC compliance; tenant complaint resolution mid-occupancy; AHU or fan-coil retrofit verification; and hospitality, healthcare, and educational projects with strict ambient-criteria requirements.

What our sound and vibration testing report delivers

Furthermore, the deliverable does not stop at numbers. Every report includes measurement-location plans, octave-band data tables, NC/RC ratings against design criteria, identification of dominant sources, and corrective recommendations ranked by cost-effectiveness. Therefore, an engineer can sign off on the corrective scope, and the building operator inherits a documented baseline for future complaints.

Sound and vibration testing — digital oscilloscope on a lab workbench used for HVAC vibration frequency analysis
Digital oscilloscope for FFT vibration analysis.

Talk to us about a sound and vibration testing scope

Send the mechanical drawings, the complaint log, and a schedule outline, and you will hear back within one business day with a fixed-price proposal.

Request a proposal   Call 800-883-6040

Related resources

Related services

Further reading

Industry standards & references

Request a proposal →