My "Quiet Phobia" Concern!

Cyclist77

As I go through all the mental gymnastics of evaluating a new boiler system sound/quiet is foremost in our minds. I am in the process of trying to see a condensing boiler installation and hear it running.

Yesterday while tending my coal boiler as was casting a critical eye over the basement and my have come up with an idea.

The exterior basement wall where I would have the venting exit is underneath a corner of non- living area. If the condensing boiler was mounted in this location the only downside would be some additional piping to get back to the manifold wall. Other than $ do you see any concern.

And "if" my sensitive ears pick up sound is there any reason a sound enclosure could not be built around it?

Cheers!

Jamie Hall

There's no real problem with the extra runs of pipe, although I would suggest that they be one size larger than might otherwise be needed and that they be insulated.

Also, if the boiler you select has an outside air intake and exhaust, the only restriction on the sound reducing enclosure for it is that you provide enough room around it on all sides that it can be serviced easily.

If you are going to go to the length of a sound reducing enclosure, though, you will want a flexible coupling (there's a thread on The Wall on those somewhere) on the pipes to the manifold. The fuel line can be brought in from outside — since you mention condensing, I'm assuming gas — or if it is inside make sure that it is on flexible supports so that it can't touch any part of the structure directly.

The enclosure will want double offset stud walls and offset joist overhead construction Pay very close attention to the door and the door seals — they are often the weakest points in sound reduction.

hot_rod

mount the boiler on the concrete wall may help dampen the sound transfer

If you size, install and control it properly you can limit on off cycling. Start up is the point when they can make the most noise as they ramp to full fire, full fan speed and then back off to match the load.

If you build a room around it, use acoustic build materials or use sound blankets on the wall and ceiling

We built a podcast room and lined it with Audimute pads, they work great

leonz

You need to check and see if local plumbing and fire code requires a double thickness of fire resistant sheet rock on the walls and ceiling and a steel door as well.