Is the neighbor's ventilation system set too high and therefore too loud?

So I think one should objectively review the problem again in order to be able to suggest individually suitable solutions.

Noise: Did you measure with an app on your phone? Where exactly, right at the air outlet or at your terrace? So where are the 60dB you measured actually located?

Wind speed: So you bought a wind meter? And held it in or at the exhaust vent? Of course from the public street, because you do not enter the property. And you did this as long as the neighbor was at home?

And from these measurement results you then calculated the air exchange and are of the opinion that the 60dB would exceed the limit values of 50dB in a general residential area? So you caused 60dB at 8m distance on your terrace from the exhaust vent of your neighbor's controlled residential ventilation?

Do you think all this is so empirical and reliable?

So sorry but I can’t help a slight shake of the head. :cool:
I can understand that noises can be very stressful and the subjective perception can be very different. Your whole approach to the topic I personally find, let's say, somewhat "odd". :D

Hello face26,

1. First of all, I of course tried several times to have a conversation with the neighbor. I asked that we sit down together. Unfortunately, this does not happen. They would rather turn off the system for 14 days and then turn it back on, from my point of view, too loudly. I want their system to run; I also do not want trouble with my neighbors; I am looking for compromises. I would even pay up to a certain amount if it is about the silencer.

2. I measured the sound pressure of 60 dB(A) directly at the exhaust outlet; and yes, "amateurishly" with the mobile phone; just like the wind speed. And no, I had a wind measuring device at home; there are hobbies for which such devices are needed.

3. The 50 dB(A) is now the guideline in pure residential areas (Federal Immission Control Act "Noise" item 6.1 e).

4. I want to solve problems, not justify my approach. If one does not know how the conversations or attempts at conversation take place on site, one should first not shake one's head. ;)

5. And yes, it is empirical, based on experiences and observations.

So I think the problem should be factually reviewed again in order to be able to suggest individually suitable solutions.

I do not share that view. First, determine the noise level with a "proper" measurement and then request to reduce it to or below the specified limit. Nothing more. The responsibility for solutions lies with your neighbor if they do not comply with the specified limits. If you suggest solutions, very quickly the situation will arise where your proposed solutions, but not the solution to the problem, will be discussed. You will be confronted with how expensive it is, why it’s not feasible, why you interfere at all with the technology in the neighbor’s house, and the emotional situation will become confusing and can escalate over a completely silly issue. Your well-intentioned consideration can be used against you. Therefore: "Dear neighbor, your system is too loud (measurement) and is a considerable disturbance for us. Please ensure that a noise level of xxdB is adhered to or not exceeded." I would refrain from setting a deadline in the first communication (initially verbally, along with the announced letter).

Hello hampshire and face26, first of all thanks again for your feedback (also to the others).

Let's see how the neighbor reacts to the friendly letter that was posted yesterday. The system has been off again since this morning :rolleyes: So it seems it’s not completely indifferent to them.
"Same procedure as last month, Miss Sophie? Same procedure as every month, James." :D

My suggestion would be a measurement or inspection of the system. But I would like to present this in a conversation first and achieve it as a first compromise. Because good neighborliness is important to me (even if one might think I stalk the controlled residential ventilation of my neighbors).

Well, the approach wasn’t entirely serious on my part either.

If you don’t write about the background story, then you can only work with what you have.

I’ve only dealt with the topic of noise on the side because in our building area the measured values according to the noise assessment report may possibly be exceeded for various reasons. Hence noise protection measures, etc.
My understanding is that the noise level is not to be measured at the source but at the "relevant" spots. In other words, that would now be your terrace. What does your noise measurement app say there?

In this respect, I partly agree with .
But without proper measurement, it’s no use. And read up on the topic of noise in residential areas again. Heat pumps have more than 50dB directly at the device. But at a distance of a few meters, no longer. According to your theory, hardly any heat pump would be allowed in a general residential area.

Here’s a tip for you: try running a search engine query on the topic of noise and neighbor distance heat pump.

And feel free to keep us updated.

To maybe change perspectives a bit: If I were the operator of a controlled residential ventilation system that is functioning properly according to my specialist company, I don’t know why I should commission a noise measurement (for a noise level that in my opinion is not disturbing). And if the neighbor then takes measurements at my ventilation system while I’m not there... I don’t know.

Hello face26,

the "specialist company" threw away the silencers in the supply air ducts of our decentralized ventilation from Lunos because they thought it was packaging :rolleyes:

But yes, I agree with you, on our terrace of course less comes through, about 35-40 dB(A). But this sonorous noise is really annoying :( I'll do some reading and also have a contact to an acoustician from a colleague. I'll give him a call.