HVAC Systems Acoustical Cost and Energy Report 06-08-05-Final

HVAC SYSTEMS ACOUSTICAL,
COST & ENERGY STUDY
Prepared for the
Los Angeles Unified School District

Facilities Services Division
June 6, 2005
By
Maroko & Shwe, Inc., Professional Engineers

With
Schaffer Acoustics Inc
Table of Contents
Executive Summary PAGE
Introduction & Methodology i

Conclusions for Basic Systems i
Conclusions for Other Systems ii
Other Factors iii
New Developments iii
Recommendations iv
School HVAC Systems Comparison (Basic Systems) vii
School HVAC Systems Comparison (Other Systems) viii
HVAC Systems Acoustical Cost & Energy Study

Introduction 1
Basic Systems Description 1
Standard Design Measures for HVAC Sound Attenuation 2
Air Inlet / Outlet Connection Details Figure 0.1 4
Acoustical Improvement Measures 4
Basic Systems 6
System 1 : Rooftop Packaged Air Conditioning with Gas Heating 7

System 2 : Split System Heat Pumps 14
System 3 : Four Pipe Fan Coil Units with Remote Central Plant 21
System 4 : Central Air Handling Units with Remote Central Plant 27
System 5 : Radiant Panels with Remote Central Plant 32
PAGE
Other Systems 36
System A : Water Source Heat Pump 37

System B : Wall-Mounted Packaged Heat Pumps with Ducted Supply 42
System C : Duct Free Systems 45
Acoustical Requirements of LAUSD Design Guidelines 51
Acoustical Measures in the Guide Specifications 52

Acoustical Measures in the School Design Guide 62
Different Perspectives 67
Acoustical Engineers Report & Calculations 70
Report of Schaffer Acoustics Inc

Calculations made by Schaffer Acoustics Inc
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Maroko & Shwe, Inc. , 10200 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 380, Mission Hills, CA 91345
MSi Tel: (818) 830-1161, Fax: (818) 830-6121, e-mail: marokoshwe@earthlink.net
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction and Methodology

This study was initiated to explore the costs and benefits of five basic classroom air
conditioning systems for new schools, specifically relative to the background sound levels
generated by each system, their relative capital cost, and energy usage.
The methodology used was to:
(1) Define clearly each HVAC system, so that costs, energy use, and acoustic
performance could be calculated;
(2) Define noise-reduction options for each system;
(3) Calculate the energy use for each system using the Trane Companys TRACE 700
simulation program;
(4) Calculate the acoustical performance and classroom sound levels for each system
and its options, using the Trane Acoustical Program (TAP);
(5) Summarize the findings and make recommendations for LAUSD design standards to
improve energy and acoustical performance with minimal increase in capital cost.
To amplify and verify the mechanical engineering acoustical simulations, the services of
Mark Schaffer, P.E., were engaged. He is one of the nations leading authorities on the
sound and vibration effects of air conditioning equipment, and was chair of the ASHRAE
committee on HVAC sound and vibration. His findings are an integral part of the
conclusions of this report.
Five Basic Systems are described in the report. The first two are unitary systems which are
in common use in Southern California. The next three all involve a central energy plant.
Two of these are currently in use in some LAUSD schools. The last system, Ceiling Radiant
Heating and Cooling Panels, is relatively new and not currently in common use in California.
In addition, a brief analysis of several other systems was included in the study.
Conclusions for Basic Systems

The comparative results of the study of the five systems are summarized in the table,
School HVAC Systems Comparison (Basic Systems), on page vii. The general conclusion
of the five system study is that improvement in the background sound levels in the
classroom can be achieved with more centralized HVAC systems in lieu of unitary systems,
but at considerable increase in capital and operating costs. In addition, the following
conclusions could also be made:
Systems with remote central-station air handling units (AHU) and central energy plants
(Systems 4 and 5) will yield the quietest classroom sound levels, falling in the range of
i
35 to 37 dBA thus meeting the ANSI Standard criteria. They also have a higher capital
cost of about two times (or more) that of the unitary systems.
The added cost for central AHUs does not include the cost for building equipment
rooms, if they are not located on the roof.
A key finding of the study was that the acoustical performance was controlled by
excessive duct breakout sound at the lowest octave bands, and that increasing the
duct wall thickness from the usual 26 gage to 18 gage reduced the classroom sound
levels by 4 to 5 dBA. This finding is theoretical only and has not yet been verified by
field tests.
Rooftop (System 1) or split unitary systems (System 2), designed in accordance with
current LAUSD practice can achieve a background sound level of approximately 45
dBA. If the thicker duct gage is incorporated, a level approaching 40 dBA can
theoretically be achieved. The additional capital cost for increasing the duct gage is
approximately $1,900 per classroom above that of the Districts current practice.
The cost of the central energy plant for the four-pipe fan-coil unit in the classroom
(System 3) is not justified by sound-level improvement or energy savings. It might only
be useful in multi-story buildings not practical for split-system unitary equipment.
Fan-coil units located above the classroom ceiling will always generate fan noise that
reduces the ability to lower background sound levels. If fan-coil units can be located
outside the classroom area for example, above an adjoining work-room ceiling
sound levels can be improved, but with some additional cost.
Conclusions for Other Systems

In addition to the five Basic Systems for new schools, several other systems currently used
in existing schools were analyzed and evaluated as a supplement to the major study. The
comparative results of the study of the three additional systems are summarized in the table
School HVAC Systems Comparison (Other Systems)on page viii. Because the fans and
air openings, and often the compressors, are within the classroom space, the noise
generated is sufficiently loud that none meet the Districts standard for New Schools of 45
dBA background sound level as recommended by the Collaborative for High Performing
Schools (CHPS). Within ten feet of the unit, these systems produce at best a sound level of
50 dBA, and closer to the unit the levels reach 55 and 60 dBA in most cases.
As an adjunct to this study, a completed classroom installation was investigated that has
been measured and reported to have achieved a background sound level of 37 dBA or less
with unitary rooftop equipment. It is characterized by an existing one-story wood-frame
building, with a rooftop unit and all the distribution ducts for four diffusers and two return
grills supported above the roof levels. Thus, the duct breakout noise does not reach the
classroom. This is an appropriate installation for the DHH classroom it serves. However,
exposing all the ducts on the roof is not a practical solution for all classrooms in a school.
Multiple roof penetrations increase the chances of leakage. Re-roofing is complicated. It is
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unsightly. And it works only for the top-floor classroom. Also, it is significantly more costly
to construct. (A separate report will be prepared on this installation.)
Other Factors
Apart from basic system selection and design, HVAC systems sometimes produce
excessive classroom noise levels because of oversights or errors in design or construction.
Some of these are:
Over estimating in design the duct static pressures (SP). Because the fan noise is
proportional to the static pressure, if the fan SP is higher than needed, the installer is
likely to choke the system by closing the manual volume dampers (and sometimes the
opposed blade dampers at the diffusers and registers) rather than the longer and correct
process of adjusting the fan speed by replacing the fan drive sheaves. The result:
significantly increased noise.
Improper air balance can also cause the situation described above, even when the
system is properly designed.
High air-flow velocities in the ducts and through the diffusers and grills a definite noise
increase. It is often caused by reducing duct sizes to fit into space that is inadequate.
Insufficient duct length between the diffusers and grills that is, they are located too
close to the fan, not permitting some attenuation of the fan noise.
Locating the manual volume dampers and control dampers too close to the diffuser and
grill outlets.
Insufficient sound insulation for equipment rooms or between the rooftop units and the
ceiling space below.
Insufficient vibration isolation of major equipment.
Structures that are not strong and stiff enough to absorb or dampen the equipment
vibrations, even when vibration isolators are provided.
Locating large equipment too close to classrooms.
These have been addressed in the Districts design guidelines, as well as being part of
sound engineering practice.
New Developments
Even as this study has progressed, manufacturers have introduced new and improved
units. Both Carrier and Trane now have new packaged rooftop HVAC units with substantial
improvements in both acoustical performance and energy efficiency.
iii
The new Carrier Centurion unit may be able to reduce classroom background sound levels
from 46 dBA to 38 dBA although this has not been verified. A comparable unit, the Trane
XL1600, seems to have similar capability.
Full acoustical data on these units, though, has so far not been available. They also appear
to have a significant cost increase. One of these was used in the special classroom
described above.
Recommendations
Follow Standard Design Measures
The following Standard Design Measures for HVAC Sound Attenuation should be
incorporated in all new systems designs:
1. Size diffusers and registers for NC 25 or less.
2. Provide proper duct connections at diffusers and registers as indicated in Figure 0.1
of this report.
3. Provide a minimum 5-0 of flexible duct at all air inlets and outlets.
4. Provide an adequate number of manual volume dampers. Locate the dampers a

minimum 3 duct diameters up stream or downstream of air inlets and outlets.
Maximize the distance between dampers and take-offs and elbows.
5. Size ducts per velocities recommended by project acoustical consultants, but not to
exceed in Systems 1, 2 and 3, 850 feet per minute for main ducts and 450 feet per
minute for branch ducts.
6. Provide turning vanes at all rectangular elbows.
7. Provide ducted returns with the air inlet registers at a minimum 15-0 from the main
duct risers in Systems 1, 2 and 3 and as recommended by project acoustical
consultants in Systems 4 and 5.
8. Provide vibration isolators for all rotating or reciprocating HVAC equipment including
packaged units, fans and compressors.
9. Provide sound barriers and acoustic sealant at the inside of the curb and duct roof
penetrations, and beneath the unit (similar to in Figure 1.2).
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10. Provide duct lining and duct silencers (as required by the project acoustical
consultant) for the larger fans, air handling units and larger packaged units (generally
larger than 6 Tons) serving areas such as multi-purpose rooms and gymnasiums.
11. Do not locate duct sound attenuators inside the building above (the ceiling of)
occupied spaces where the breakout noise will increase indoor sound levels above
acceptable limits.
12. Do not provide duct lining for the classroom packaged units and fan coil units of less
than 5 Tons capacity unless directed by the project acoustical consultant for unique
conditions.
13. Do not over estimate the fan static pressures or system capacities.
14. Specify the allowable sound levels for all HVAC equipment. Select fans for optimum
sound levels. The specified sound levels shall be rated in accordance with the
current industry standards. (Standards by ARI - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Institute; AMCA Air Movement and Control Association, etc.) as published in the
Codes and Standards Chapter of the current ASHRAE (American Society of Heating
Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) Handbook on HVAC Systems and
Equipment.
15. Provide flexible connectors for ducts at fan connections and pipes at all pumps and
air handling equipment connections.
16. Ensure that the systems are balanced properly.
17. Carefully consider the location of HVAC equipment.
18. Ensure that the Architects provide sufficient space for the proper installation,
performance and service of ductwork and equipment.
Detailed requirements that include the above measures are already part of the LAUSD
design guidelines and guide specifications. These guidelines and guide specifications
related to HVAC Acoustics are included in the later part of this report as reference. The
designers should make themselves familiar with the latest LAUSD design guidelines and
specifications before starting a new project.
Field Test the Effectiveness of the Increase in Duct Wall Thickness

Find two existing classroom locations, the first with an existing curb mounted, down shot,
rooftop gas/ electric packaged unit and the second with a split system fan coil unit above
the ceiling. Measure the sound levels as installed. Replace all the ducts. Replace the main
v
supply and return air ducts from the unit to the first branch take off with 18 gage sheet metal
ducts. Reconfigure the duct system layout to comply with the standard system design
measures in the preceding paragraph. Measure the sound levels again and compare with
the previous measurements. Adopt the increase in duct wall thickness to 18 gage as a
standard if it is found to be effective.
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vii
viii
HVAC SYSTEMS ACOUSTICAL, COST & ENERGY STUDY
Introduction
For this study and evaluation, five basic systems for air conditioning school classrooms
were selected. Four of these systems are currently used extensively throughout California.
The last system, ceiling radiant heating and cooling panels, is relatively new and is not
commonly used in California. The acoustical performance relative to classroom
background noise of each system was evaluated, in conjunction with different optional
attenuation measures. Also evaluated were capital cost and energy efficiency.
Basic Systems Description
Following is a brief description of each of the five basic systems. These are described in
much greater detail in the drawings and narrative for each system in the following pages.
1. Unitary Rooftop Packaged Air Conditioning System
Roof-mounted units installed directly above a classroom and serving one

classroom each, with gas heating and electric direct-expansion cooling. Ducted
to four supply-air diffusers and two return-air registers. Non-recirculated air is
relieved to the outside thru a register ducted to a dampered opening in the
exterior wall.
2. Unitary Heat-Pump Split-System
Condenser unit is installed on the roof directly above a classroom (or in some
other remote location) and serving one classroom each. Fan-coil unit is located
above the ceiling in the classroom, mounted on vibration isolator hangers. Ducts
are the same as System 1, except there is also an outside-air opening in the wall
and duct to the unit.
3. Four Pipe Fan Coil Unit System
Fan-coil unit, serving one classroom, provided with hot and chilled water from a
remote central plant with air- or water-cooled chillers and gas-fired hot water
boilers. Fan-coil unit is located above the ceiling in the classroom, mounted on
vibration isolator hangers. Ducts are the same as System 2. (There is no local
condenser unit, and noise from the piped water system is negligible.)
1
4. Remote Air Handling Unit (AHU) System
Remote air-handling unit (rooftop or equipment room), serving several
classrooms and provided with hot and chilled water from a remote central plant
with air- or water-cooled chillers and gas-fired hot water boilers. Each classroom
is provided with a variable-air-volume zone control terminal. AHU has built-in
sound attenuators for both supply and return fans. The fans are mounted on
vibration isolators internal to the unit, and are also optimized for both energy
efficiency and sound. If not installed in an equipment room, the unit is typically
installed above a corridor adjacent to student toilets so that the roof penetrations
for the supply and return air ducts are separated from the classroom with
significant lengths of ductwork. The variable air volume terminal is located above
the classroom ceiling and serves four diffusers. The return air is ducted through
two registers.
5. Ceiling Radiant Heating and Cooling Panel System
Ceiling -mounted panels are provided with hot and chilled water from a remote
central plant with air- or water-cooled chillers and gas-fired hot water boilers.
Classrooms have a dedicated outdoor-air ventilation system with pre-treated air,
cooled and dehumidified or heated as demand requires, provided from a
remotely located air-handling unit with built-in sound attenuators. The fan is
mounted on vibration isolators internal to the unit, and is also optimized for both
energy efficiency and sound. The AHU is installed similarly to System 4. The
supply air is distributed through only two ceiling diffusers, due to the lower
volume of air for ventilation only.
Standard Design Measures for HVAC Sound Attenuation
The following conditions and sound attenuation measures have been assumed for the
analyses of this report, and apply to all five basic systems.
1. Diffusers and registers sized for NC 25 or less.
2. Proper duct connections at diffusers and registers as indicated in Figure 0.1.
3. Minimum 5-0 of flexible duct at all air inlets and outlets.
4. Proper placement of manual volume dampers. Minimum 3 duct diameters up

stream or downstream of air inlets and outlets. Maximize the distance between
dampers and take-offs and elbows.
5. Ducts sized per velocities recommended by project acoustical consultants, but not to
exceed in Systems 1, 2 and 3, 850 feet per minute for main ducts and 450 feet per
minute for branch ducts.
2
6. Turning vanes at all rectangular elbows.
7. Ducted returns with the air inlet registers at a minimum 15-0 from the main duct
risers in Systems 1, 2 and 3 and as recommended by project acoustical consultants
in Systems 4 and 5.
8. Vibration isolators for mounting units.
9. Sound barrier and acoustic sealant at the inside of the curb and duct roof
penetrations, and beneath the unit (similar to Figure 1.2).
10. The effects of items 8 and 9 above cannot be calculated with the TAP program, but
in previous projects, a difference of about 3 dBA was measured between rooftop
units mounted on curbs without vibration isolators with unsealed roof penetrations
and rooftop units mounted on isolator curbs with sealed penetrations.
The above attenuation measures and some others are indicated in Figures 0.1 and 1.2
following in the report.
3
Air Inlet / Outlet Connection Details - Figure 0.1
Acoustical Improvement Measures

The following measures to improve acoustical performance and to reduce background
sound levels were investigated:
Step-1: Add duct lining (1-inch and 2-inch were investigated).

Step-2: Add duct silencers at supply and return ducts above the ceiling for
the rooftop unitary packaged unit only.
Step-3: Increase duct thickness (investigated in steps from 26, 24, 22, and 18
gage).
4
Step-4: Add gypsum-board duct enclosures from the roof penetrations of
supply and return ducts extending to enclose the first duct elbow (to
reduce fan or air sound leakage or breakout noise into the ceiling
cavity).
The significant effects of each of the above measures on sound levels, energy use, and
other building components were simulated using the TAP Acoustical Analysis and Trace
700 Energy Analysis Program. Findings from the analysis include:
Of these, it was found through the TAP acoustical analysis of Systems 1, 2 and 3
that the acoustical improvement measures of Step 1 duct lining, and Step 2 duct
silencers, offered insignificant improvements in the background sound levels. This is
due to the fact that Systems 1, 2 and 3 have individual supply fans that discharge
directly into main ducts located above the classroom ceiling and the breakout portion
of the fan noise through the duct walls dominates over the airborne noise. For larger
packaged units, (6 Tons and above) installed with the main ducts outside of the
building, duct lining and duct silencers are still effective. Duct silencers and internal
lining are proven to be effective in Systems 4 and 5. The air handling units used in
the analysis for Systems 4 and 5 are provided with integral duct silencers and 2
acoustical lining constrained with perforated steel sheets at the fan sections.
In Step 3 increasing duct thickness, only the increase in duct-wall thickness to 18
gage offered significant sound-level improvement for Systems 1 and 3 and
insignificant improvement for System 2. This is discussed with numerical results later
in the report. This finding has not been substantiated through actual installation and
measurement.
The enclosure of Step 4 is not subject to the TAP analysis, but has been measured
to demonstrate improved acoustical performance for System 1.
The provision of vibration isolators for the rooftop unit and a sound barrier between
the unit and the ceiling space for System 1 also offer significant improvements, but
cannot be analyzed with the TAP program. Comparative field measurements in other
buildings indicate that these can reduce the background sound level by
approximately 3 dBA.
After preliminary calculations and analysis, the five Basic Systems were analyzed further by
the acoustical consultant Mark Schaffer, using the sound-attenuation measures described
for System 1 for ducts, diffusers, dampers, air velocity, and structural attenuation.
5
BASIC SYSTEMS
6
SYSTEM 1:
Roof Top Packaged Air Conditioning with Gas Heating
Typical Roof Top Unit Air Distribution System

Figure-1.1
This system is preferred by most districts and is LAUSDs system of choice for smaller
schools with multiple single or two story buildings that are less than 50,000 square feet
each. A dedicated HVAC unit is provided for each classroom. The HVAC unit is typically
installed directly on top of the classroom it serves, to avoid combination smoke / fire
damper in the ducts. For two story buildings, two units are typically installed on the roof of
the second floor classroom. The ducts for the first floor classroom are routed above the
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ceiling of the second floor classroom from the HVAC unit to a shaft that goes into the space
above the first floor ceiling.
The majority of the units are 4 Tons capacity. The supply airflow rate is 1,600 CFM of which
1,000 CFM is returned and 600 CFM is relieved to outdoors through gravity relief openings.
The typical basic design of this system for LAUSD consists of a rooftop packaged air
conditioning unit mounted on a factory curb with vibration isolators and minimal ductwork
serving two to four supply diffusers and one to two return registers.
The measured background sound levels for installed systems of this type typically range
between 42 and 49 dBA, depending on attenuation methods adopted, the type of
construction of the building, and the quality of the design and installation. Measurements
for a Type V, wood-frame building is usually higher than for a steel and concrete building.
The lowest sound levels for this system were measured at a new high school building with
steel frames where some sound attenuation measures were incorporated into the design
and the quality of the construction and air balance was more controlled. These measures
have already been adopted into the LAUSD design guidelines.
The standard sound attenuation measures for this system are indicated in Figure 1.2.
8
Typical Section of Down Discharge Rooftop A/C Unit
Figure-1.2
The Trane Acoustical Program (TAP) Version-2 is used to estimate the classroom sound
levels of each system type using sound data from two different manufacturers and the
standard design measures for sound attenuation.
The cost of each system with the standard design measures for sound attenuation is
estimated using the Means Cost Estimating program with manufacturer provided
equipment cost.
Additional attenuation measures are then added to the standard system singly and in
combinations to evaluate the attenuation of each arrangement.
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The following measures are found to have little or no effect on improving the acoustical
performance of Roof Top Packaged Units of the 3, 4 and 5 Ton sizes that are typically used
for classrooms (in the down discharge configuration).
1. Duct lining 1-inch thick
2. Duct lining 2-inch
3. Duct enclosures near the duct roof penetrations installed in conjunction with 1 lining
4. Installing duct silencers on both the supply and return near the duct roof
penetrations at the cost of $ 1,450.00 for each classroom (i.e. about a 12% increase
in overall HVAC cost). Also, duct silencers are effective only when the self-
generated noise could be minimized by using silencers with thick (20 gage
minimum) sheet steel casings or providing enclosures around the silencers that will
add more cost.
According to the TAP analysis, the most effective measure for improving acoustical
performance is to use 18-gage ductwork for the rectangular main ducts. The overall
increase in cost is about 20%. The theoretical attenuation is significant, but it has not been
verified through field tests. The results are tabulated for easy comparison on the next page.
10
Cost Benefit Analysis of Roof Top Gas/Electric Unit System
Attenuation Cost Vs Sound Level
18 gauge Rect. Main Ducts &

26 gauge Ducts Throughout
Equipment 26 gauge Round Branches
NC dBA System Cost NC dBA System Cost
Carrier 48HJ rooftop unit
47 46 $9,971.00 39 41 $11,871.00
Trane Precedent
46 47 $9,736.00 36 42 $11,636.00
rooftop unit
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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Energy Efficiency
We estimated the following annual energy usage for a typical 960 square foot classroom
with Trace 700 using typical school operating schedules:
Annual Energy Usage

900 Square feet area classroom
Rooftop Air Conditioning Unit with Gas Heating
Manufacturer Trane Carrier
Model Precedent HJ
Cooling Eff.
12 13
SEER1
AFUE2 % 81.4 80
Energy Use Cooling Heating Cooling Heating
Total Total
kWh $/kWh Total $ Therms $/Therm kWh $/kWh Total $ Therms $/Therm
$ $
4,133.7 0.15 620.06 2.55 1.00 2.55 3,611.7 0.15 541.76 2.63 1.00 2.63
1. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
2. Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
Indoor Air Quality
Air Filters: 2 thick air filters of MERV 8 (30%) efficiency
Indoor air circulation rate: 10 air changes per hour
100% outdoor air economizers: Provided
Maintenance
Cost: $ 550.00 per classroom per year

Level of Difficulty: Low
Reliability
Very reliable. Also, the breakdown of one unit will not affect the entire school.
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After-hours operation
Easy to operate after hours and also very energy efficient as individual units can be started
from the thermostat through a preprogrammed by-pass timer and the activation of a central
plant is not necessary.
Interface with operable windows
Individual units can be stopped through a special preprogrammed switch provided on the
thermostat. The thermostats for unitary equipment in the current LAUSD guide
specifications is provided with a 0 - 6 hours after hours override button. Holding down the
override button for 5 seconds will deactivate the unit. This feature is included to avoid
costly and unreliable proximity switches that will automatically deactivate the unit when the
windows are opened.
Environmental impact
Cooling: The current refrigerant, R22 will be phased out in 2020. Units with
environmentally friendly (non-CFC/HCFC) refrigerants are available from a few
manufacturers but they are not recommended as yet because the refrigerants are reported
to be unstable mixtures and the required lubricants are so extremely hygroscopic that extra
drying of the entire system is required before charging. We should wait until industry
standards are more stable.
Heating: Low NOx burners are provided with units sold in California.
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SYSTEM 2:
Split System Heat Pumps
Typical Split System Heat Pump Unit Air Distribution System

Figure-2.1
This system is used for the lower floors of a classroom building of three stories or more and
for modernization projects. A dedicated system is provided for each classroom.
The majority of the units are 4 Tons capacity. The supply airflow rate is 1,600 CFM of
which 1,000 CFM is returned and 600 CFM is relieved to outdoors through gravity relief
openings or an exhaust system.
The typical basic design of this system consists of an outdoor section that consists of a
scroll compressor, an air cooled condenser and a condenser fan and an indoor section that
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is a fan coil unit with a DX coil. Minimal ductwork serving four supply diffusers and two
return registers is provided. Outdoor air is typically obtained through wall louvers or a
dedicated outdoor air system.
The outdoor section of the system is typically installed on the roof on a vibration isolator
frame in new construction as indicated in Figure 2.2. On grade installation is preferred for
modernization of single story to save the expense of the vibration isolators and roof
structural upgrades. The indoor section is typically suspended above the ceiling of the
classroom from hangers provided with vibration isolators as indicated in Figure 2.3.
Typical Vibration Isolator Rail for Outdoor Unit

Figure-2.2
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Typical Suspended Fan Coil Mounting Above Ceiling
Figure-2.3
Sound attenuation measures similar to the rooftop unit in the preceding section were taken
as a standard for LAUSD in designing the ductwork.
The measured background sound level for this system with 1 of duct lining throughout in a
Type 1 steel frame building is about 43 dBA.
The sound level estimates with TAP for various additional sound attenuation measures and
their associated costs are tabulated on the next page.
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Cost Benefit Analysis of Split System Heat Pump Unit

26 gauge Duct Throughout
Equipment 26 gauge Round Branches
NC dBA System Cost NC dBA System Cost
Carrier FB4B split system
$8,414.00 $10,314.00
35 42 35 41
Trane Odyssey split system
$8,550.00 $10,450.00
46 46 42 45
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Energy Efficiency
Annual Energy Usage

Split System Heat Pump Unit
Model TWE FB4B
Cooling Eff.
11.25 9.55
SEER1
HSPF2 7.85 7.5
Total Total
kWh $/kWh Total $ kWh $/kWh kWh $/kWh Total $ kWh $/kWh
$ $
3,881.5 0.15 582.22 22.7 0.15 3.41 4,216.9 0.15 632.54 20.6 0.15 3.09
1. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
2. Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
Indoor Air Quality
Air Filters: 2 thick air filters of MERV 8 (30%) efficiency is typically

provided when outdoor air is obtained directly by the
indoor section through wall louvers or roof vents. Higher
efficiency filters can be provided when a dedicated
outdoor air system is provided.
100% outdoor air economizers: Can be provided for individual systems but usually are
omitted due to space limitations and higher cost. 100%
outdoor air economizer systems cannot be provided with
dedicated outdoor air systems.
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Maintenance
Level of Difficulty: Low but not as convenient as the rooftop units as the
service person has to enter the classroom and lift up the
ceiling tiles to service the indoor unit. Secondary drain
pans, evaporator freeze stats and high condensate level
shut-off switches are necessary to prevent ceiling
damage from condensate overflow.
Reliability
This system is quite reliable. The breakdown of one unit will not affect the entire school but
the refrigerant lines are usually hidden in permanent construction and are difficult to
access. When they leak, it is as difficult as repairing a water pipe leak between building
studs.
When a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust system is provided the breakdown of
these added system components could affect an entire building and renders the systems
less reliable
After-hours Operation
If a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust system is not provided, this system is easy
to operate after hours and also energy efficient as individual units can be started from a
programmable thermostat through a preprogrammed by-pass timer and the activation of a
central plant is not necessary. An energy management system is not required.
Additional controls are necessary when a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust
system is provided. Also, air moving energy is wasted if only a few fan coils units among
the many served by the system are necessary to operate.
Interface with Operable Windows
specifications are provided with a 0 - 6 hours after hours override button. Holding down the
windows are opened.
Some energy waste occurs when a dedicated outdoor air or a common exhaust system is
provided.
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Environmental Impact
Cooling: The current refrigerant, R-22 will be phased out in 2020. Units with
environmentally friendly (non-CFC/HCFC) refrigerants are available at present from a few
manufacturers but they are not recommended as yet because the refrigerants are reported
to be unstable mixtures and the required lubricants are so extremely hygroscopic that extra
drying of the entire system is required before charging. We should wait until industry
standards are more stable.
Heating: Heat pumps produce no combustion products at the site.
20
SYSTEM 3:
Four Pipe Fan Coil Units with Remote Central Plant
Typical Four Pipe Fan Coil Unit with Remote Central Plant Air Distribution System
Figure-3.1
This is an older system that preceded reliable packaged equipment, and is still used
extensively for larger buildings. A fan coil is provided for each classroom and is typically
suspended above the ceiling of the classroom from hangers provided with vibration
isolators as indicated in Figure 2.3. Minimal ductwork serving four supply diffusers and two
return registers is provided. Outdoor air is typically obtained through wall louvers or a
dedicated outdoor air system. Each fan coil unit is provided with a chilled water coil for
cooling and a hot water coil for heating. Chilled water and hot water is pumped to the fan
coil from a remote central plant that is provided with air or water cooled chillers and gas
fired hot water boilers.
21
The majority of the classroom fan coil units are about 4 Tons capacity. The supply airflow
rate is 1,600 CFM of which 1,000 CFM is returned and 600 CFM is relieved to outdoors
through gravity relief openings or through an exhaust system.
The measured background sound level for this system in a Type 1 steel frame building is
about 46 dBA.
22
Cost Benefit Analysis of 4 Pipe Fan Coil Unit System

26 gauge Ducts Throughout
26 gauge Round Branches
Equipment
System Cost System Cost
NC dBA NC dBA
(per classroom) (per classroom)
Carrier 42BH 4-pipe
$21,817.00 $23,717.00
fan coil unit 49 46 40 42
Trane BCHC 4-pipe
$20,442.00 $22,342.00
fan coil unit 52 48 42 43
23
Energy Efficiency
Annual Energy Usage

Four Pipe Fan Coil Unit
Model BCHC 42BH
Total Total
kWh $/kWh Total $ Therm $/Therm kWh $/kWh Total $ Therms $/Therm
$ $
1 1
5,991.7 0.15 898.76 4.00 1.00 4.00 5,935.6 0.15 890.34 4.00 1.00 4.00
1
. With 30% Filters.
Indoor Air Quality

provided when outdoor air is obtained directly through
wall louvers or roof vents. Higher efficiency filters can be
provided when a dedicated outdoor air system is
provided.
24
Maintenance
Level of Difficulty: Higher as the service person has to enter the classroom
and lift up the ceiling tiles to service the fan coil unit.
Secondary drain pans and high condensate level
shut-off switches are necessary to prevent ceiling
damage from condensate overflow.
The central plant requires a higher level of expertise and

effort to service.
Reliability
The breakdown of one chiller or boiler can affect the entire school especially in smaller
schools where there is no redundancy and only one chiller or boiler is provided.
these system components could affect an entire building and renders the systems less
reliable.
An energy management system or the assistance of a plant operator is required.
system is provided. Also, considerable energy is wasted if only a few fan coils units among
the many served by the system are necessary to operate as the dedicated outdoor air fan,
Central exhaust fan a chiller or boiler and related circulating pumps are necessary to be in
operation, especially in smaller schools where a small dedicated chiller for after hours
operation is not provided.
windows are opened.
provided.
25
Cooling: Chillers with environmentally friendly (non-CFC/HCFC) refrigerants are

available at present from all manufacturers.
Heating: Boilers are required by code to be provided with best available technology to
comply with the Air Quality Management District Low Pollutant Emission
Standards.
26
SYSTEM 4:
Central Air Handling Units with Remote Central Plant
Typical Central Air Handling Unit with Remote Central Plant Air Distribution System
Figure-4.1
27
This is an older system that preceded reliable packaged equipment, and is still used
extensively for larger buildings. A central air handling unit is provided on the roof or inside
an air handling unit room preferably one unit for each floor of the building. A variable air
volume (VAV) terminal is provided for each classroom and is typically suspended above the
ceiling of the classroom. Minimal ductwork serving four supply diffusers is provided
downstream of the VAV terminal. The space above the ceiling is traditionally used as a
return air plenum but due to CHPS indoor air quality requirements and the need to prevent
high space air pressure fluctuations to maintain ADA door closer forces, ducted return air
systems are used for current LAUSD projects.
Each air handling unit is provided with a chilled water coil for cooling and a hot water coil
for heating. Chilled water and hot water is pumped to the fan coil from a remote central
plant that is provided with air or water cooled chillers and gas fired hot water boilers.
The majority of the classroom VAV terminals are about 4 Tons capacity. The supply airflow
rate is 1,600 CFM of which 1,000 CFM is returned and 600 CFM is relieved to outdoors
through the return or relief fans at the air handling unit.
This system is not as effective in controlling space humidity as systems with individual
cooling coils. Also, the outdoor air to each room will also be reduced with VAV modulation
unless special controls are provided to maintain a constant outdoor air flow rate at the cost
of $ 3,000.00 for the smallest system.
as a standard for LAUSD in designing the ductwork. The air handling units are provided
with computer selected fans optimized for sound and internal vibration isolators. Duct
silencers are provided on the roof or in the air handling unit room at both supply and return
air main ducts. Custom air handling units with quieter fans, cabinets with higher sound
absorption and built-in duct silencers are also available at substantial additional cost.
The calculated background sound level for this system with a custom rooftop air handler
with 5 feet long duct silencers in the supply and 3 feet long duct silencers in a Type 1 steel
frame building is about 44dBA with the VAV terminal inside the classroom at the classroom
closest to the air handler which is located on the roof above the corridor. The sound level
is reduced to 37 dBA for the classroom farthest from the air handler with the VAV terminal
located in the corridor.
28
Central Air Handling Unit System
Cost and Acoustical Performance
System Cost
Equipment Corridor Classroom (per classroom)
NC dBA NC dBA
Temtrol ITF-RDHRE43 AHU 46 44 31 37 $19,135.00
Energy Labs AHU 31 37 31 37 $20,135.00
29
Energy Efficiency
Annual Energy Usage

Central air handling units with VAV System
Unit Manufacturer Temtrol
Unit Model ITF-RDHRE43
Energy Use Cooling Heating
kWh $/kWh Total $ Therms $/Therm Total $
1 0.15 693.86 Minimal _ Minimal
4,625.7
1. Two Stages of Air Filtration with 30% Pre Filters and 95% Final Filters.
Indoor Air Quality
Air Filters: Higher efficiency filters can be provided without any

limitations.
Indoor air circulation rate: 10 air changes per hour or more at full load if duct space
is available. A classroom with a VAV system will receive
only about 4 or 5 air changes of re-circulated air during
part load and heating. The outdoor air to each room will
also be reduced unless special controls are provided to
maintain a constant outdoor air flow rate. Air filter
manufacturers recommend higher air changes to limit
indoor particle counts. The coil leaving temperature
could be reset higher to satisfy the zone with the highest
cooling demand at the sacrifice of air moving energy
savings from VAV and also reheat for humidity controls
during periods of high humidity.
100% outdoor air economizers: Provided.
30
Maintenance
Level of Difficulty: Higher. The central plant requires a higher level of

expertise and effort to service.
Reliability
The breakdown of one air handler could affect an entire floor or building.
Considerable energy is wasted if only a few rooms among the many served by the system
are necessary to operate as the central air handler, exhaust fan, a chiller or boiler and
related circulating pumps are necessary to be in operation.
Individual VAV terminals can be closed from a programmable thermostat through a

preprogrammed switch. The thermostats for unitary equipment in the current LAUSD guide
windows are opened. A similar method could be applied to a VAV system through the
Energy Management System. Interface with an energy management system through
proximity switches at the windows is not absolutely necessary.

Standards.
31
SYSTEM 5:
Radiant Panels with Remote Central Plant
Typical Radiant Panels with Remote Central Plant Air Distribution System
Figure-5.1
32
This system is a relatively new type of system in the United States though it has been
extensively used in Europe and Canada. This system is very quiet and energy efficient due
to drastically reduced air movement since air moving energy is the major component of
HVAC energy use. However, the design and installation of this system, requires a much
higher level of expertise and cost.
A central air handling unit is provided on the roof or inside an air handling unit room
preferably one unit for each floor of the building to provide de-humidified outdoor air to each
classroom. Radiant panels integrated with the ceiling are provided for each classroom to
provide heating and cooling. Minimal ductwork for two outdoor air diffusers is provided for
each classroom. All the supply air to the room is relieved through gravity to outdoors or is
exhausted through a central exhaust fan system. The space above the ceiling can be used
as a relief or exhaust air plenum but the need to prevent high space air pressure
fluctuations to maintain ADA door closer forces may necessitate ducted exhaust air
systems for larger buildings with fan assisted relief.
Each dedicated outdoor air unit is provided with a chilled water coil for cooling and a hot
water coil for heating. Chilled water and hot water is pumped to the air handling unit from a
remote central plant that is provided with air or water cooled chillers and gas fired hot water
boilers.
The radiant panels are also provided with chilled water and hot water from a remote central
plant.
as a standard for LAUSD in designing the ductwork. Duct silencers are provided on the
roof or in the air handling unit rooms at both supply and return air main ducts. The air
handling units are provided with computer selected fans optimized for sound and internal
vibration isolators. Duct silencers are provided on the roof or in the air handling unit room at
both supply and return air main ducts. Custom air handling units with quieter fans, cabinets
with higher sound absorption and built-in duct silencers are also available at substantial
additional cost.
The background sound level for this system with a custom rooftop air handler with 5 feet
long duct silencers in the supply and 3 feet long duct silencers in the return in a Type 1
steel frame building is expected to be about 37dBA at the classroom closest to the air
handler which is located on the roof above the corridor.
33
Energy Efficiency
Annual Energy Usage

Radiant Heating and Cooling Panels with Dedicated Outside Air System
Manufacturer Temtrol DOA Air Handler with TWA Radiant Panels
Model ITF-RDH17
kWh $/kWh Total $ Therms $/Therm Total $
1 0.15 1,027.07 4.27 1.00 4.27
6,847.1
1. Two Stage Filtration with 30% Pre Filters and 95% Final Filters.
Indoor Air Quality
Air Filters: Higher efficiency filters can be provided without any

limitations.
Indoor air circulation rate: 100% outdoor air (No return) but 3 to 4 air changes per
hour only. Air filter manufacturers recommend higher air
changes to limit indoor particle counts. Interior zones of
office buildings with VAV systems normally receive less
than 4 air changes of re-circulated air. A classroom with
a VAV system will receive only about 4 or 5 air changes
of re-circulated air during part load and heating. 4 air
changes of 100% outdoor air should be sufficient.
Maintenance
Level of Difficulty: Higher. The central plant requires a higher level of

expertise and effort to service.
34
Reliability
The breakdown of one dedicated outdoor air handler or central exhaust fan could affect an
entire floor or building.
Condensation problems could occur with control system failure or operator error.
Considerable energy is wasted if only a few rooms among the many served by the system
are necessary to operate as the central dedicated outdoor air handler, central exhaust fan,
a chiller or boiler and related circulating pumps are necessary to be in operation.
Individual zone heating and cooling valves to the room radiant panels can be closed from a
programmable thermostat through a preprogrammed switch. The thermostats for unitary
equipment in the current LAUSD guide specifications are provided with a 0 - 6 hours after
hours override button. Holding down the override button for 5 seconds will deactivate the
unit. This feature is included to avoid costly and unreliable proximity switches that will
automatically deactivate the unit when the windows are opened. A similar method could be
applied to a VAV system through the Energy Management System.
When outdoor humidity is high, condensation problems could occur with control system
failure or operator error.

Standards.
35
OTHER SYSTEMS
36
SYSTEM A:
Water Source Heat Pumps
Typical Water Source Heat Pump Unit System

Figure-6.1
Water source heat pump systems are considered hybrid systems, where a common water
loop for condensing or heat exchange is provided from a central source for a building or a
campus, while primary cold or heat generators may be distributed.
A water source heat pump is provided for each classroom and is typically suspended above
the ceiling of the classroom from hangers provided with vibration isolators as indicated in
Figure 6.1. Minimal ductwork serving four supply diffusers and two return registers is
provided. Outdoor air is typically obtained through wall louvers or a dedicated outdoor air
system. The water source heat pumps are provided with a common water loop for
condensing or heat exchange pumped from a campus wide central condenser water
system. A minimum of two independent cooling towers, two boilers, and associated
37
accessories must be provided for a campus wide central condenser water system for
redundancy.
Positive means for fresh air make-up and sufficient means of relief to maintain door
opening and closing pressures that comply with California Building Code accessibility
requirements must be provided for classroom units.
The majority of the classroom units are about 4 Tons capacity. The supply airflow rate is
1,600 CFM of which 1,000 CFM is returned and 600 CFM is relieved to outdoors through
gravity relief openings or through an exhaust system.
The measured background sound level for this system exceeds 50 dBA for most
installations when measured per current ANSI standard methods.
38
Energy Efficiency
Annual Energy Usage

Water Source Heat Pumps
Manufacturer Carrier
Model 50 R Series
Cooling Eff. EER1 14.6
Heating Eff. COP2 4.9
kWh $/kWh Total $ kWh $/kWh Total $
6,928.6 0.15 1,039.29 23.1 0.15 3.47
1. Energy Efficiency Ratio
2. Coefficient of Performance
Indoor Air Quality

provided when outdoor air is obtained directly through
wall louvers or roof vents. Higher efficiency filters can be
provided when a dedicated outdoor air system is
provided.
Maintenance
39
Level of Difficulty: Higher as the service person has to enter the classroom
and lift up the ceiling tiles to service the unit. Secondary
drain pans, and high condensate level shut-off switches
are necessary to prevent ceiling damage from
condensate overflow.
The central cooling tower and boiler plant requires a

higher level of expertise and effort to service.
Reliability
The breakdown of one cooling tower or boiler can affect the entire school especially in
smaller schools where there is no redundancy and only one tower or boiler is provided.
these system components could affect an entire building and renders the systems less
reliable.
system is provided. Also, considerable energy is wasted if only a few fan coils units among
the many served by the system are necessary to operate as the dedicated outdoor air fan,
central exhaust fan, a tower or boiler and related circulating pumps are necessary to be in
operation.
40
windows are opened.
provided.
Cooling: The current refrigerant, R-22 will be phased out in 2020.
Standards.
41
SYSTEM: B
Wall-Mounted Packaged Heat Pumps with Ducted Supply
Typical Wall Mounted Heat Pump Unit System

Fig 7.1
42
Section for Typical Wall Mounted Heat Pump Unit
Fig 7.2
43
Wall mounted packaged heat pumps are the lowest cost and least invasive (least disruptive
to existing Architecture to install) for modernization projects. They are also very
inexpensive to operate. These advantages are offset by the significantly higher sound
levels. Within ten feet of the unit, these systems produce at best a sound level of 50 dBA,
and closer to the unit the levels reach 55 and 60 dBA in most cases. Because there is
usually no ductwork exterior to the units (though the above drawings indicate a ducted
supply air installation with no ductwork on the return), no opportunity to attenuate the units
externally exists. The only option is to improve the design of these units to make them
quieter. The following items should be considered for unit improvement:
1. Make indoor air supply fans quieter by using bigger fans operating at a lower speed.
2. Make condenser fans quieter by using centrifugal fans or specially designed quieter
propeller fans in lieu of the noisy propeller fans that are currently used.
3. Make compressors quieter by using scroll compressors in thicker gauge housings,

provide higher density insulation for the housings or provide external lagging.
4. Provide vibration isolators at fans and compressors.
5. Provide flexible connectors for pipes at compressors.
6. Provide flexible connectors at fan outlets.
7. Make the unit cabinet quieter by using a double wall cabinet of thicker gauge sheet
metal with gaskets at all joints and thicker insulation.
The locations of these units also have a substantial impact on the classroom sound level.
The typical location on a classroom wall in a modernization project is at a window that is
adjacent to or between existing windows that are usually of 1/8 glass as indicated in Figure
7.1. These windows offer very little sound attenuation and the radiated noise from the unit
entering through the windows, contributes significantly to the classroom sound level. The
manufacturers recommended installation as indicated in Figure 7.2 suggests that these
units are intended for installation against a solid wall.
44
SYSTEM C:
Duct Free Systems
Typical Hi Wall System

Fig 8.1
45
Typical Ceiling Suspended System
Fig 8.2
46
Typical Console Unit System
Fig 8.3
47
Typical in Ceiling Cassette System
Fig 8.4
48
The above systems are variations of split-system heat pumps that were studied as System
2 in an earlier section, with ductless indoor units. They are less invasive (least disruptive to
existing Architecture to install) than rooftops or conventional split systems for modernization
projects. They are also relatively less expensive as installation of ductwork is not required.
They are also quite energy efficient and match those of the split system heat pumps. They
are available in three typical configurations:
High Wall as indicated in figure 8.1. The indoor sound pressure level measured 1 meter
away from the indoor unit of this system is about 48.3 dBA at low speed for a 2 ton Unit.
Indoor sections of high wall systems are only available up to 2 Tons capacity. Two indoor
units will be required for a typical LAUSD classroom thus increasing the indoor sound level
to about 51 dBA.
Ceiling suspended (valance) as indicated in figure 8.2. The indoor sound pressure level
measured 1 meter away from the indoor unit of this system is about 58.0 dBA at medium
speed for a 4 ton Unit. This unit is not available in low speed.
Console as indicated in figure 8.3. The indoor sound pressure level measured 1 meter
away from the indoor unit of this system is about 40.0 dBA at low speed for a 2 1/2 ton Unit.
Indoor sections of console systems are only available up to 2 Tons capacity. Two indoor
units will be required for a typical LAUSD classroom thus increasing the indoor sound level
to about 43 dBA.
A Ceiling Cassette System is shown in figure 8.4. The indoor sound pressure level
measured 1 meter away from the indoor unit of this system is about 45.6 dBA at medium
speed for a 4 ton Unit. This unit is not available in low speed.
Some severe limitations exist with these systems. Indoor sections of high wall systems
are only available up to 2 Tons capacity and console systems up to 2 Tons capacity.
Therefore, two indoor units would be required for a typical LAUSD classroom. These
systems are also only available with low-efficiency; cleanable air filters (filters that are
required to be periodically cleaned). The current LAUSD standard is minimum 30%
efficiency, low-pressure drop, pleated, disposable air filters, which are more effective and
less costly to maintain.
Outdoor air ventilation is not readily available through the unit with high wall,
console and ceiling suspended systems. Classrooms are required by code to be
provided with 20 cubic feet per minute of outdoor air per student. This limitation
alone precludes three configurations of this type of system from classroom
applications in new construction. For modernization projects, these units may be
used in conjunction with a dedicated outdoor-air ventilation system after careful
analysis. However, the cost and invasiveness of the dedicated outside air system
may render the systems impractical.
49
These systems cannot provide a 100% outdoor-air economizer cycle. The maintenance
cost is higher and the level of difficulty to service is also considerably higher. The indoor
sections have to be practically totally dissembled for service. After-hour operation and
interface with operable windows is relatively easy and is similar to split-system heat pumps.
Environmental impact is similar to split-system heat pumps.
50
ACOUSTICAL REQUIREMENTS OF
LAUSD DESIGN GUIDELINES
51
ACOUSTICAL REQUIREMENTS
of LAUSD DESIGN GUIDELINES
General
Requirements in the LAUSD Design Guidelines that relate to the acoustic and noise
aspects of HVAC systems are contained in the Guide Specifications that specify
equipment, installation measures and testing methods, and in the School Design Guide
that present design criteria for the AE firms. Following are excerpts from those documents
illustrating the measures related to HVAC acoustics that the District requires.
These include all of the noise mitigation measures included in this study and report, with
the exception of the increase in duct wall thickness to 18 gage. Actual field testing of this
measure is recommended prior to its adoption as a standard.
Acoustical Measures in the Guide Specifications
Section 01450 Test and Balance, Article 3.02 E and F:
E. Verification: The Test and Balance Agency shall recheck ten percent
(minimum ten) of the measurements listed in the report. The locations shall
be selected by the IOR/OAR. The recheck will be witnessed by the IOR/OAR.
If twenty percent of the measurements that are retested differ from the report
and are also out of the specified range, an additional ten percent will be
tested. If twenty percent fall outside the specified range, the report will be
considered invalid and all test and balance work shall be repeated.
F. Due to more stringent acoustical requirements in the educational

environment, the Test and Balance Agency shall recheck the air systems
where the sound level is higher than the design intent or district standard and
demonstrate compliance with the methodology specified in this document with
emphasis on fan speed adjustment and balancing for optimum acoustical
performance. The recheck will be witnessed by the IOR/OAR. When there are
multiple air systems, a system selected by the IOR/OAR shall be rechecked.
If this system is found to be not in compliance, a second system shall be
checked. If the second system if also found to be not in compliance, the report
will be considered invalid and all test and balance work shall be repeated.
52
Section 01450 Test and Balance, Article 3.06 Q and R:
Q. The following sound test data is required:

1. Area or location
2. Sound level in dB(A) as specified in Section 3.20
3. Sound level at the center band frequencies of eight non-weighted
octaves with equipment on and off for 5 rooms selected by the
OAR/IOR.
4. Plot corrected sound-level reading on Noise Criteria (NC) curve for the
measurements in Q 3 above.
R. The following vibration test data is required:
1. Equipment identification number
2. Vibration levels at all accessible bearings, motors, fans, pumps,
casings, and isolators
3. Measurements in mils defection and velocity in inches per second as
specified per section XIV of this document
4. Each measurement taken in horizontal, vertical, and axial planes as
accessible.
Section 01450 Test and Balance, Article 3.09 (k 1 5):
k. Fan speed adjustments and balancing for optimum acoustical

performance:
1) As the very first step, the speed of all fans (supply,
return, exhaust, inside packaged equipment or air
handling units) shall be adjusted to deliver the required
fan total air quantity with all volume dampers and other
flow rate control devices fully open. Adjustments shall be
made with the outdoor air intake dampers, return air
dampers and relief air dampers in the minimum outdoor
air position. The adjustments shall be made again in
the100% outdoor air position in systems with 100%
outdoor air economizers.
2) The above adjustment shall be done with wet cooling
coils where cooling coils are provided.
53
3) The airflow rates at each branch duct shall be adjusted
as the second step with air with all volume dampers and
other flow rate control devices fully open.
4) The airflow rates at each air inlet and outlet shall be
adjusted as the final step. The volume damper in the
branch duct shall be used for balancing. Opposed blade
dampers at air inlets and outlets where provided shall
only be used for fine adjustments and shall not be closed
beyond 60% open or when the dampers start to generate
audible noise.
5) Contractor shall provide the labor and materials for all

dampers, pulleys and belt changes required for
balancing. The design documents indicate the worst-
case scenario with safety factors in fan static pressures
for contingency. Properly coordinated and installed air
systems may require a lower static pressure and a
reduction in fan speed.
Section 01450 Test and Balance, Article 3.18, 3.19:
3.18. VIBRATION TESTING

A. Furnish instruments and perform vibration measurements if specified in
Division 15. Provide measurements for all rotating HVAC equipment half
horsepower and larger, including reciprocating/centrifugal/screw/scroll
compressors, pumps, fans and motors.
B. Record initial and final measurements for each unit of equipment on test forms.
Where vibration readings exceed allowable tolerance and efforts to make
corrections have proved unsuccessful, forward a separate report to Architect.
3.19 SOUND TESTING

A. Perform and record sound measurements as specified in this section and if
specified in Section 15240: Sound Vibration and Seismic Control. Take
additional readings if required by Architect.
B. Take measurements with a calibrated Type 1 sound level meter and octave
band analyzer.
54
C. Sound reference levels, formulae and coefficients shall be according to
ASHRAE handbook, Current Systems Volume; Chapter: Sound and Vibration
Control.
D. Determine compliance with the Contract Documents as follows:
1. Where sound pressure levels are specified as noise criteria or room
criteria in Section 15070: Sound, Vibration and Seismic Control.
a. Reduce background noise as much as possible by shutting off
unrelated audible equipment.
b. Measure octave band sound pressure levels with specified
equipment "off".
c. Measure octave band sound pressure levels with specified
equipment "on".
d. Use difference in corresponding readings to determine sound
pressure due to equipment.
DIFF.: 0 1 2 3 4 5 9-10 or More
FACTOR: 10 7 4 3 2 1 0
Sound pressure level, due to equipment, equals sound pressure level
with equipment "on" minus factor.
e. Plot octave bands of sound pressure level due to equipment for
typical rooms, on a graph, which also shows, noise criteria (NC)
curves.
2. When sound power levels are specified:
a. Perform steps in Section 3.20, D, 1.a. through 1.d.
b. For indoor equipment: Determine room attenuating effect; i.e.,
difference between sound power level and sound pressure level.
Determine sound power level will be sum of sound pressure level
due to equipment, plus room attenuating effect.
c. For outdoor equipment: Use directivity factor and distance from
noise source to determine distance factor, i.e., difference
between sound power level and sound pressure level. Measured
sound power level will be sum of sound pressure level due to
equipment, plus distance factor.
3. Where sound pressure levels are specified in terms of dBA, measure
sound levels using the "A" scale of meter. Single value readings will be
used instead of octave band analysis.
55
E. Where measured sound levels exceed specified level, Contractor shall take all
remedial action and necessary sound tests shall be repeated.
F. Measure and record sound levels in decibels at each diffuser, grille or register
in occupied areas. Sound levels shall be measured approximately 5'-0" above
floor on a line approximately 45 degrees to center of opening, on the "A" and
"C" scales of a General Radio Company sound level meter, or similar
instrument.
E. G. Report shall also include ambient sound levels of rooms in which above
openings are located, taken without air-handling equipment operating. A
report shall also be made of any noise caused by mechanical vibration.
Section 15010 Basic Mechanical Requirements, Article 1.01 M:
M. Noise and Vibration Reduction

1. Correct noise or vibration problems caused by failure to install work in
accordance with Contract Documents. Include all labor and materials
required as a result of such failure. Pay for re-testing of corrected noise
or vibration problems by the project acoustical consultant including
travel, lodging, test equipment expenses, etc.
Section 15070 Mechanical Sound, Vibration, and Seismic Control:
Entire Section
Section 15700 Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Equipment, Article 2.02
A (1. c and d):
2.02 AIR CONDITIONING UNITS

A. AC-1a (2.5 Tons-20 Tons): (Specify when higher energy efficiency, higher
air filtration efficiency or lower sound levels are required) Furnish
packaged air conditioning unit with gas heating for roof top
installation. Unit shall be self-contained, completely factory
assembled, with complete internal wiring and controls. Unit shall also
be provided with a fully piped refrigerant circuit, fully charged with an
environmentally friendly refrigerant that is not scheduled for phase
out. Unit shall be field configurable for down-flow or horizontal
discharge. Cooling and heating capacities, electrical characteristics,
indoor sound levels, outdoor sound levels and operating conditions
shall be as indicated on Drawings.
56
1. Quality Assurance:
c. Unit outdoor sound levels shall also be rated in accordance with
ARI sound standards 270 and 370.
d. Unit indoor sound levels shall also be rated in accordance with
ARI sound standards 260.
Section 15800 Air Distribution, Article 1.03 :
1.03 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Installer's and Manufacturer's Qualifications: Comply with provisions stated
under Section 15010: Basic Mechanical Requirements.
B. All sound power level measurements and Manufacturers' NC value
calculations shall be conducted in complete accordance with the latest
version of ASHRAE Standard 70 and ADC Standard 1062: GRD-84.
Equivalent test and calculation procedures may be substituted for the above
procedures if approved in advance by the Architect.
Section 15800 Air Distribution, Article 2.01 E and H 4 and 5:
E. Galvanized steel ducts gage thickness and permissible joints and seams of
concealed ductwork shall conform to requirements in HVAC Duct Construction
Standards of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National
Association (SMACNA) and the California Mechanical Code (CMC) unless
noted otherwise on the drawings. The more stringent requirements shall
prevail. Galvanized steel ducts gage thickness and permissible joints and
seams of exposed ductwork shall conform to requirements in Table 2,
Minimum Metal Gages, of this section. When more stringent requirements are
noted on the drawings the most stringent requirement shall prevail.
H. Round and Oval Galvanized Steel and Aluminum Ducts:

4. Minimum duct wall thickness for concealed flat oval duct construction
shall conform to requirements in HVAC Duct Construction Standards of
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association
(SMACNA) and the California Mechanical Code (CMC). The more
stringent requirements shall prevail. Gage thickness and permissible
joints and seams of exposed ductwork shall conform to requirements in
Table 1, of this section.
57
5. Flexible duct shall be non-metallic, insulated for conditioned air supply
and return. The flexible ducts shall be factory fabricated with exterior
reinforced laminated vapor barrier, 1-1/2 inch thick fiber glass insulation
(K=0.25 @ 75 degrees F.), encapsulated zinc-coated spring steel wire
helix and impervious, smooth, non-perforated interior vinyl liner and
factory fabricated steel connection collars. For the composite assembly,
including insulation and vapor barrier, comply with NFPA Standard 90 A
or 90 B and tested in accordance with UL Standard, UL-181. Non-
insulated metallic ducts shall be provided for exhaust only.
Section 15800 Air Distribution, Article 2.03 A , 2.05 A (1 3) , 2.06 :
2.03 ACOUSTICAL DUCT AND PLENUM LINERS
A. Duct liners shall conform to requirements of Section 15080: Mechanical

Insulation.
2.05 AIR DISTRIBUTION DEVICES
A. General:
1. Grilles, registers, diffusers and appurtenances shall conform to
requirements specified herein and shall be of type and sizes as
specified and indicated on Drawings. Performance shall be in
accordance with Air Diffusion Council Test Code 1602R2 including
airflow velocity, pressure, temperature, and sound measurements.
2. Sponge neoprene, rubber, vinyl or felt border gaskets shall be provided
for surface-mounted registers, grilles or diffusers.
3. The noise generating characteristics of all specified grilles, registers,
and diffusers shall be tested to, and comply with, all requirements of this
specification. Representative samples shall be subjected to tests in
accordance with applicable standards and procedures in order to
demonstrate such compliance. A special test for this project is not
required if the manufacturer has previous certified test results that can
be made applicable to this project. Maximum Sound Levels of diffusers,
grilles and registers shall be as follows:
58
Administrative office area: NC 30
Classrooms: NC 20
Libraries and other noise sensitive areas: NC 25
Gymnasiums, cafeterias, lockers areas: NC 30
2.06 SOUND ATTENUATING EQUIPMENT - DUCT SILENCERS

A. Provide factory fabricated duct silencers of tubular or rectangular type, for high
or low velocity service, with arrangements, sizes and capacities as indicated on
Drawings. Construct silencers of galvanized steel with casing seams sealed or
welded to be airtight at a pressure differential of 8 inches water gauge between
inside and outside of unit, and stiffen or brace as required to prevent structural
failure or deformation at same condition, or audible vibration during normal
operation. Filler material shall comply with the following:
Fire Safety Standards: NFPA 90A & B
Temperature: ASTM C 411
Air velocity: ASTM C 1071, UL 181
Fire Hazard Classification: ASTM E 84, UL 723-Class 1, NFPA 255
Corrosion Resistance: ASTM C 739, C 665
Fungi Resistance: ASTM G21
Bacteria Resistance: ASTM G22
Water Vapor Sorption: ASTM C 1104, less than 1% by weight
Formaldehyde, Phenoloc Resins or other Volatile Organic compounds: 0%
B. Select and provide silencers from acoustical and aerodynamic rating tables
based on actual test readings or interpolated values of such readings obtained
from tests made by recognized independent laboratories. Tests shall be in
accordance with ASTM E 477.
C. Select and provide silencers for air pressure drops not exceeding those
indicated on Drawings, and of types, sizes and models for which noise
reduction values, dynamic insertion loss, in decibels reference 10-12 watts, are
not less than indicated on Drawings.
Section 15800 Air Distribution, Article 3.02 F:
F. Construct and install ducts to be completely free from vibration under operating
conditions.
Section 15800 Air Distribution, Article 3.10 A:
59
3.10 FLEXIBLE CONNECTIONS
A. At points where sheet metal connections are installed to fans or air handling
units, or where ducts of dissimilar metals are connected, a flexible connection
of commercial grade, Duralon by Duro-Dyne Corporation, or equal, non-
combustible material shall be installed and securely fastened by zinc-coated
steel clinch-type bands or a flange type connection. Inlet and outlet openings
shall be axially in-line, maximum deviation of centerline shall be less than 5
percent of diameter or shortest dimension of a rectangular inlet of fan or air
handling unit, with system at rest. Duct end of connection shall be seismically
restrained if more than 4 feet from last support.
Section 15800 Air Distribution, Article 3.12 A:
3.12 DAMPERS
A. Manually operated dampers, gravity dampers, fire dampers, and motor
operated dampers shall be furnished and installed as specified and indicated.
Upon completion of installation, dampers shall be checked, lubricated, and
adjusted so that they operate freely, without binding. Dampers shall be of
standard commercial manufacture, complete with damper frame. Where
painting is required, they shall be shop finished unless otherwise noted.
1. Provide and install manual volume dampers per current SMACNA
standards to allow balancing per current AABC, NEBB or TABB
Procedures and Standards whether indicated on the drawings or not.
2. Balancing dampers shall be installed in main supply ducts from fan
discharge plenums, where 2 or more ducts are connected to each
plenum, although such balancing dampers may not be indicated. Each
zone shall be provided with a manual volume damper. Sheet metal
screws shall be installed through handles and into ducts to lock damper
in place after test and balance.
3. Each Supply, return, and exhaust branch shall be provided with manual
volume dampers.
4. Do not provide opposed blade dampers at air inlets and outlets.
5. Each supply, return, and exhaust inlet or outlet shall be provided with a
manual volume damper. This damper shall be a minimum of 5 feet
upstream of the air outlet/inlets. An acoustic flexible duct should be
provided between the outlet/inlet and the damper for concealed ducts.
60
6. Dampers installed in accessible locations shall be provided with locking
and indicating quadrants. Ventlock, Duro-Dyne, or equal.
7. Dampers installed in ductwork in furred ceiling spaces or in roof spaces
with less than 30 inches of clearance below beams, joists, or other
construction, and where access panels are not provided shall be
furnished with damper rods extended below ceiling and terminated with
a concealed damper regulation. Ventlock, Young, or equal.
8. Dampers not identified as splitter, extractor, or butterfly dampers shall
be of multi-louver type arranged for opposed blade operation. Damper
shall be same dimension as adjoining duct and be tight closing. Blades
shall not be greater than 9 inches. Dampers shall be not less than 18
gage steel.
9. Motor operated dampers shall be furnished by temperature control
manufacturer as part of temperature control equipment and shall
conform to requirements of Section 15900: HVAC Instrumentation and
Controls.
10. Dampers shall be provided with accessible operating mechanisms.
Where operators are exposed in finished portions of building, operators
shall be chromium-plated with exposed edges rounded. Splitter dampers
are not permitted unless specified and reviewed by the Architect.
11. Dampers shall not be installed in combustion air ducts.
12. Access panels shall be installed for access at each dampers operating
mechanism.
61
Acoustical Measures in the School Design Guide
Book 3 Technical Criteria, Section 3.6 HVAC SYSTEMS, Article C, HVAC System
Selection, 1. Criteria 14, page 5:
1. Criteria
14. Acoustically compatible with occupied spaces
Book 3 Technical Criteria, Section 3.6 HVAC SYSTEMS, Article E, Air Distribution,
page 11-12:
E Air Distribution
Ventilation and Outside Air
a. Provide outside air to each room through the HVAC system in
compliance with current CEC Standards and ASHRAE
recommendations. .
b. Clearly indicate outside-air provisions and flow rates for each HVAC
unit, and relief provisions to balance the fresh outside air make-up and
to relieve exhaust air in all operating cycles.
c. Fresh Air Intakes:
1. Locate fresh air intakes to prevent contamination from kitchen
exhaust, garage exhaust, or any process exhaust by locating
the intakes on the upstream (prevailing wind) side of exhaust
openings, as distant as possible.
2. Limit intake velocity to 750 FPM through net free louver area at
100 percent fresh air quantities to keep noise, pressure drop
and rain carryover to a minimum.
Ducts:
a. Comply with current code and SMACNA Guidelines for duct
construction. Thicker metal gages for ducts and hanger straps, as
specified in the Guide Specifications, must be used for exposed
ductwork and other special considerations.
b. Size ductwork for conditioned air on equal-friction method based on
0.08" WC per 100 feet with a high velocity limit of 1,000 FPM above
occupied areas and 1,500 FPM inside shafts, or as directed otherwise
by the Project Acoustical Consultant. Changes in sizes at every
62
branch or every interval are not warranted economically unless branch
represents a substantial percentage.
c. Size return-air and exhaust air ducts on equal-friction method based
on 0.08" WC per 100 feet with a high velocity limit of 1,000 FPM
above occupied areas and 1,500 FPM inside shafts or as directed
otherwise by the Project Acoustical Consultant..
d. Allowable air velocities for ducts above acoustically sensitive areas
shall be determined by an Acoustical Engineer.
e. Duct the return air. Ceiling plenum return is not allowed as a means to
improve indoor air quality.
f. Sound attenuators or lined ducts should be installed on inlet and outlet
side of fans, and between fans and ducts, to prevent fan noise
entering rooms through the duct system. Do not locate duct sound
attenuators inside the building above (the ceiling of) occupied spaces
where the breakout noise will increase indoor sound levels above
acceptable limits.
Fans
1. Select fans to minimize noise and to meet noise level criteria in
occupied spaces.
2. Commissioning Measures
1. Air Balance: Systems must be balanced for both the regular
and economizer modes.
Most unitary systems are specified with a safety factor in the static pressure.
The Contractor must be required by the specifications to replace the drive
sheaves and slow the fan down to achieve the required air balance and
prevent energy waste and noise. If this is not done, the air flow is left higher
creating higher static pressure and noise levels.
Cooling Towers:
a. Size cooling towers for 120% to 150% of required capacity, to
guarantee full capacity from chiller at any wet bulb conditions and to
allow for fouling of tower.
b. Provide a bleed-off system and a chemical feeder to prevent mineral
build-up and to maintain water quality.
c. Provide for make-up water to replace evaporation and bleed.
Locate cooling towers to avoid unsightly conditions and so that noise
generated by fan will not be objectionable in adjoining buildings. Provide
louvered screens, masonry walls, or planting for concealment.
63
Book 3 Technical Criteria, Section 3.6 HVAC SYSTEMS, Article I, Sound and
Vibration Control, page 22:
B SOUND AND VIBRATION CONTROL:

1. Criteria:
a. Because mechanical systems and equipment are a major source of
disturbing noise within buildings, sound and vibration control
measures must be incorporated to the maximum extent economically
practical. In general, refer to current ASHRAE guidelines, District
Guide Specifications, chapter 2.4 Environment and Sustainability
of this Guide, and the following recommendations.
b. Since the District desires to achieve noise levels from HVAC systems
better than 45 dBA, especially in instructional spaces, plan and
describe in the Basis of Design narrative how this improved
acoustical quality will be achieved together with the associated cost
impacts.
2. Equipment Sound Levels:
Schedule the sound level of the design base HVAC equipment on the
drawings. These sound levels must be at the design conditions and
tested per applicable current standards such as ARI Standards 260,
270, 370 and AMCA 300.
Duct and Fan Noise:

a. Ductwork:
1. Use ducts of thicker sheet metal gage and sound attenuators to
reduce fan and equipment noise. Lined ductwork may be used
when recommended by the Project Acoustical Engineer. Duct
lining, acoustical panels in ductwork and sound attenuator
media when used shall be of the type that inhibits the growth of
mold, mildew and fungi, contain harmful VOCs or contain glass
fiber.
2. Provide flexible connectors for ducts at fan connections
3. Do not locate sound attenuators above spaces where the self
generated noise of the attenuator will increase the space sound
level above requirements.
64
b. Fans:
1. Fan-noise in occupied spaces is typically caused by poorly
constructed roof fans, roof fans operating at too great a tip
speed, fan noise traveling through air intake louvers and then
into adjoining spaces, and fan noise traveling to occupied
spaces through inadequately treated return systems. Fan noise
also comes from rooms without sound-attenuating walls or from
roof-top units with inadequate sealing of roof openings and duct
chases.
2. Locate fan and equipment rooms away from classrooms and
other noise-sensitive spaces.
3. Make fan and equipment room walls of dense material, poured
concrete or concrete block with all voids filled where feasible
or sound-attenuating walls of studs and gypsum board.
4. Provide details to assure adequate sealing of duct penetrations
through roof or mechanical equipment room walls.
5. At roof fans exhausting from ceiling plenums over occupied
areas, provide a sound attenuator installed at fan inlet.
Equipment Mounting and Isolation:

a. For roof-top HVAC units, no roof penetrations are allowed except the
minimum necessary for ducts and electrical conduit. All such
openings shall be sealed with acoustical sealant. In addition, beneath
the units provide a sound-isolation barrier of a close-fitting layer of
waterproof plywood or cement board, sealed with acoustical tape to
the curb.
b. For fans over 24" provide inertia type concrete bases with spring
isolators. For smaller fans provide spring-type vibration isolator rails
under fan and motor.
c. Floor-mounted pumps shall be bolted directly to concrete bases and
shall have flexible pipe connections, except when located over or
under an occupied area where noise could be transmitted by piping or
building structure to occupied space. In this case, they shall be
mounted on inertia type concrete bases with spring-type vibration
isolators and shall have flexible connections rigidly anchored and
braced to prevent elongation of the flexible connections.
d. Air compressors shall be mounted on spring-type vibration isolators,
except larger sizes shall also have concrete inertia bases and flexible
pipe connections.
65
Pipe, Conduit and Duct Connections to HVAC Equipment
a. Pipe, duct and electrical conduit connections to HVAC equipment with
rotating or reciprocating components shall be provided with flexible
connectors.
b. Provide spring, neoprene or rubber in shear type hangers as required
for pipes and ducts near connections to HVAC equipment that are
located near or serve acoustically sensitive spaces as directed by an
acoustical engineer.
Classroom HVAC Sound Control:

a. To meet District standards, HVAC systems must be designed so that
noise from the system does not cause the ambient noise in a
classroom to exceed the level of 45 dBA as measured in accordance
with ANSI Standard 12-60. Make design recommendations to the
District to achieve a lower sound level, within reasonable economic
limits
b. ASHRAE recommended design criteria for classroom HVAC sound
control is Noise Criteria (NC) Curve NC-35. An HVAC system will
probably meet the District 45 dBA criteria when no portion of octave-
band spectrum of noise lies above NC-35 curve. (This is
approximately equivalent to a sound level of 45 dBA from a standard
sound level meter reading,)
c. Refer also to the Environment and Sustainability chapter of this
Design Guide for additional standards and reference to CHPS Best
Practices.
66
Different Perspectives
Two articles published in 2004 HVAC trade magazines stating two very different points of
view are also attached. An acoustical engineer thinks that the ANSI S12.6 is impractical
but a duct lining manufacturer strongly supports the standard.
67
68
69
ACOUSTICAL ENGINEERS
REPORT & CALCULATIONS
70
869 Via de La Paz, Suite A
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
tel 310-459-6463
fax 310-459-1406
mark@schaffer-acoustics.com
Mr. James Shwe

Maroko & Shwe
10200 Sepulveda Blvd., #380
Mission Hills, CA 91345 January 31, 2005
Subject: LAUSD HVAC Cost, Energy and Acoustical Study
James:
At your request, and with your assistance, Schaffer Acoustics Inc performed acoustical
calculations for several classroom HVAC system alternatives. This report summarizes the
calculation results for the following HVAC system designs:
System 1A Carrier 48HJ rooftop package unit
System 1B Trane Precedent rooftop package unit
System 2A Carrier FB4B DX split system fan coil unit in classroom ceiling plenum
System 2B Trane Odyssey DX split system fan coil unit in classroom ceiling plenum
System 3A Carrier 42BH 4-pipe fan coil unit in the classroom ceiling plenum
System 3B Trane BCHC 4-pipe fan coil unit in the classroom ceiling plenum
System 4A Remote central station air handling unit (Energy Labs custom unit) with a
1600 CFM VAV terminal unit in the classroom ceiling plenum
System 4B Remote central station air handling unit (Temtrol ITF-

RDHRE43) with a 1600 CFM VAV terminal unit in the classroom ceiling
plenum
System 5 Remote central station air handling unit (Temtrol ITF-RDH17)

constant air volume system (720 CFM per classroom) with radiant cooling
panels in the classroom this system was not analyzed but is discussed in
this report
All calculations assumed a 960 sq. ft. classroom with an acoustical tile ceiling at 9 feet
above the floor.
CRITERIA
LAUSD HVAC Acoustical Study Schaffer Acoustics Inc
January 31, 2005 Consulting, Testing & Design
Page 2 of 6
The new ANSI Classroom Acoustics Standard S12.60-2002 recommends maximum A-

weighted and C-weighted classroom sound levels of 35 dBA and 55 dBC, respectively.
The LAUSD currently uses a maximum sound level limit of 45 dBA for classrooms that are
served by ducted HVAC systems. The sound levels in many LAUSD classrooms are less
than the 45 dBA limit. This report analyzes the 5 basic systems to determine their
classroom sound levels, and to determine the most cost-effective sound attenuation
measures for reducing the classroom levels.
Comparing various systems A-weighted sound levels work best where the systems sound
energy is mostly above 250 hertz. However, since the highest sound levels from most
HVAC systems are usually at frequencies of 250 hertz or less, a rating system that considers
the octave bands with center frequencies from 63 to 4000 hertz is more useful for
estimating the acceptability of HVAC system designs. The 1957 Noise Criteria (NC) rating
system was the first popular system that looked at octave band sound levels, and it is still
the most popular among acoustical professionals; and we recommend using it for assessing
classroom system designs. Newer rating systems are being tested, and will be
recommended in the future if they prove to be more reliable than the NC system. For now,
we recommend that the classroom NC ratings not exceed the NC-35 curve, which is
equivalent to about 44 dBA, only 1 dBA less than LAUSDs current 45 dBA sound level limit.
We will notify the district in the future when cost-effective attenuation measures are
available.
As you will see from the calculation results summarized herein, there is not a direct
correlation between a sound spectrums dBA and NC values. In most cases the dBA value is
higher, but a spectrum that has a low frequency octave band that is especially out of balance
with the other octave bands can create the rare situation in which the NC value is higher.
One feature of a well-balanced spectrum is that its dBA value is 5 to 9 points higher than its
NC rating.
CALCULATION RESULTS SUMMARY
All of the calculations were done using Version 2.3 of the Trane Acoustics Program, which is
based on the algorithms published in the 1991 ASHRAE special publication titled
Algorithms for HVAC Acoustics. In some cases we used our field experience to modify a
calculation parameter to obtain a more reliable calculation result. We assumed the
following for all calculations:
1. The supply and return air sheet metal duct gauges were assumed to be the lowest
cost alternative per the SMACNA Duct Design Guide 26 gauge for Systems 1, 2 & 3;
24 gauge for the trunk ducts in Systems 4 & 5.
2. The systems delivered 1600 CFM to the classroom, except for the System 5, which
used radiant ceiling panels. This system needed only about 640 CFM per classroom.
3. The systems had ducted return air.

Page 3 of 6
4. All connections to ceiling grilles and diffusers were made with a 5 length of Casco
Silent-Flex II acoustical flex duct. Several other flex duct manufacturers make a
similar product that uses a spunbond nylon inner liner.
5. All grilles and diffusers are selected for a catalog Noise Criteria rating of NC-25 or
less.
6. All system components that are remote from the classroom (e.g., central plant for the
4-pipe systems and condensing units for the split systems) are installed and treated
so that they create insignificant sound exposures in the classrooms.
7. All equipment was mounted on the proper vibration isolators so that structure-borne
sound due transmission was not significant.
The attached Figures 1 through 8 compare the calculated classroom octave band sound level
spectra for each system alternative with the NC-35 octave band Noise Criteria curve, which
has an equivalent A-weighted sound level of 44 dBA.
Systems 1, 2 & 3 are similar in that each systems prime air mover is very close to the
classroom being served and their ductwork layouts are similar. We have, therefore,
summarized the calculation results for these systems in Table 1 below. The table refers to
the attached Figures 1 through 6, which show the octave band spectra associated with each
calculation.
TABLE 1 Summary of Classroom NC and dBA ratings for Systems 1, 2 & 3

Figure System 26 gauge ducts 18 gauge ducts
Equipment
# # NC dBA NC dBA
1 1A Carrier 48HJ rooftop unit 47 46 39 41
2 1B Trane Precedent rooftop unit 46 47 36 42
3 2A Carrier FB4B split system 35 42 35 41
4 2B Trane Odyssey split system 46 46 42 45
Carrier 42BH 4-pipe fan coil
5 3A 49 46 40 42
unit
Trane BCHC 4-pipe fan coil
6 3B 52 48 42 43
unit
Table 1 includes NC and dBA results for both 26 and 18 gauge ductwork. We included both
duct gauges because our initial calculations using 26 gauge sheet metal ductwork showed
that the acoustical ratings were controlled by excessive breakout sound at the lowest
Page 4 of 6
octave bands, and our experience has shown that increasing a ducts thickness (decreasing
its gauge number) is the most economical way to reduce breakout noise.
The table above shows that the school districts 45 dBA limit is exceeded for all of the
tabulated systems, except the Carrier FB4B split system, if 26 gauge ducts are used. The
table also shows that increasing the ductwall thickness to 18 gauge brings all of the systems
into compliance with the 45 dBA limit.
More noteworthy is the fact that none of the calculation results, except for the Carrier FB4B
split system, complies with our suggested NC-35 limit; a close review of Figures 1 through 6
shows that the excesses are comprised of residual 63 and 125 hertz band noise, even with
the 18 gauge ductwork. Controlling this residual low frequency noise will require one or
more of the following mitigation alternatives:
1. Require that the equipment sound power level (LW) values not exceed certain values
(each type of equipment would have its own set of LW value limits).
2. Move the equipment so that it is not directly over a classroom.
3. Insert duct silencers in the supply and return air ductwork.
Re the rooftop units (System Type #1) - We considered rooftop equipment from
manufacturers other than Carrier and Trane, but we did not carry out a complete
system analysis with them because the alternative manufacturers provided
estimated acoustical performance rather than measured performance. All of the
calculation results in this report are based on measured equipment performance in
accordance with ARI Standard 260-2001, which is the only test standard that is
accepted for determining the acoustical performance of air handling units, fan coil
units and other ducted air-moving equipment.
Figures 7 & 8 show the octave band sound spectra for central station variable air volume
systems that use Energy Labs and Temtrol air handling units, respectively. The solid curve
in each figure shows the acoustical spectrum in the corridor directly beneath the AHUs
large trunk ducts; the acoustical phenomenon here is called duct breakout noise. The dot-
dashed curve in each figure is the classroom spectrum due to the in-duct noise that is
generated by the AHU, the terminal unit and the diffusers & grilles. Table 2 below
summarizes the NC and dBA results for these units.
TABLE 2 Summary of NC and dBA Values for Systems 4A & 4B

Figure System Corridor Classroom
Equipment
# # NC dBA NC dBA
7 4A Energy Labs AHU 31 37 31 37
Page 5 of 6
8 4B Temtrol ITF-RDHRE43 AHU 46 44 31 37
The calculation results in Table 2 show that the classroom sound level with either system
will be much lower than the LAUSD 45 dBA limit, and will even approach the ANSI S12.60
limit of 35 dBA. The classroom noise exposures for both systems are identical because the
classroom sound levels are controlled not by the AHU, but by the low pressure air
distribution system that serves the room, and this part of the system is identical for the two
AHU alternatives that were analyzed. The corridor sound exposures for the Temtrol AHU
are higher than those for the Energy Labs AHU because the Energy Labs unit had internal
sound traps, which were not included in the Temtrol unit. However, the NC-46 and 44 dBA
noise exposures are not considered excessive for a corridor, so thickened duct gauges are
not needed for the supply and return air trunk ducts above the corridor.
System 5, which uses reduced airflow to each classroom along with radiant cooling panels,
will have classroom noise exposures that are very close to the NC-31 and 37 dBA values for
the 2 central station systems in Table 2 above if the relevant system design assumptions are
followed; that is, the diffusers and grilles are selected for a maximum catalog noise rating of
NC-25 and are connected to their ducts with 5 long sections of a flexible duct that uses a
spunbond nylon inner liner. The corridor noise ratings will fall midway between the ratings
for the 2 units tabulated in Table 2, even without the internal sound traps, so further
mitigation of this noise is not needed for the example of the Temtrol ITF-RDH17 air
handling unit.
General Comments
The calculation results in this report suggest that the systems with remote central station
air handling units will yield the quietest classroom sound levels. This is confirmed by our
field experience, as well. The results in Table 1 indicate that all of the systems that use a
single fan-based unit for each classroom will meet the school districts 45 dBA sound level
limit if 18 gauge supply and return trunk ducts are used.
Re our comment on measured versus estimated factory noise data all of the major
equipment manufacturers are continually improving their product lines, so the school
district can expect to see quieter equipment in the near future. Weve also just learned that
York has recently begun running acoustical tests on their Sunline rooftop product and will
be submitting measured sound power level data for consideration by the district in the very
near future.
Summary
No matter what type of system is used to condition classroom air, the following design steps
are important for controlling the classroom noise exposure:
1. Install 4-pipe and DX fan coil units in the ceiling plenums over corridors, work
areas, or other non-sensitive rooms. Do not install them over classrooms.
Page 6 of 6
2. Select the air-moving equipment for the lowest possible set of discharge and inlet
sound power levels, as measured per the latest revisions of ARI Standard 260. Do
not accept sound data obtained from any other test standard or estimation method.
It is beyond the scope of this report to present specific sound power level limits
because they will be different for each type of unit selection and installation, but a
general rule of thumb is that larger fans at lower RPM rates are quieter than smaller
fans at higher rotation speeds. Also, a unit whose fan is mounted on spring isolators
inside of the cabinet will produce less noise than a unit whose fan is either directly
bolted to the cabinet or installed with neoprene grommets or bushings.
3. Use 18 gauge sheet metal for all rectangular ducts that run directly over classrooms.
A thinner duct gauge is OK for circular ducts.
4. Select classroom diffusers and grilles for a catalog sound rating of NC-25 or less.
5. Use a 5-foot long section of Casco SilentFlex II or Toro-Aire Toroflex flex ductwork
to connect each diffuser and grille to its sheet metal ductwork.
6. Install all diffuser and grille balancing dampers at the metal/flex interface, not at the
connection of the flex duct to the diffuser or grille collar.
At your request we will provide the summary and detailed calculations sheets that we used
to develop the octave band spectra that are shown in Figures 1 through 8.
Please call if you have any questions.
Yours truly,
Mark E. Schaffer, P. E.
President
MES:bh
Encl.

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HVAC SYSTEMS ACOUSTICAL,

COST & ENERGY STUDY

Prepared for the

Los Angeles Unified School District

Maroko & Shwe, Inc., Professional Engineers

Executive Summary PAGE

Introduction & Methodology i

HVAC Systems Acoustical Cost & Energy Study

Basic Systems Description 1

Standard Design Measures for HVAC Sound Attenuation 2

Air Inlet / Outlet Connection Details Figure 0.1 4

Acoustical Improvement Measures 4

System 1 : Rooftop Packaged Air Conditioning with Gas Heating 7

System A : Water Source Heat Pump 37

Acoustical Requirements of LAUSD Design Guidelines 51

Acoustical Measures in the Guide Specifications 52

Acoustical Engineers Report & Calculations 70

Report of Schaffer Acoustics Inc

Introduction and Methodology

Conclusions for Basic Systems

Conclusions for Other Systems

Follow Standard Design Measures

1. Size diffusers and registers for NC 25 or less.

4. Provide an adequate number of manual volume dampers. Locate the dampers a

6. Provide turning vanes at all rectangular elbows.

16. Ensure that the systems are balanced properly.

17. Carefully consider the location of HVAC equipment.

Field Test the Effectiveness of the Increase in Duct Wall Thickness

1. Unitary Rooftop Packaged Air Conditioning System

Roof-mounted units installed directly above a classroom and serving one

2. Unitary Heat-Pump Split-System

3. Four Pipe Fan Coil Unit System

1. Diffusers and registers sized for NC 25 or less.

2. Proper duct connections at diffusers and registers as indicated in Figure 0.1.

3. Minimum 5-0 of flexible duct at all air inlets and outlets.

4. Proper placement of manual volume dampers. Minimum 3 duct diameters up

8. Vibration isolators for mounting units.

Acoustical Improvement Measures

Step-1: Add duct lining (1-inch and 2-inch were investigated).

Typical Roof Top Unit Air Distribution System

1. Duct lining 1-inch thick

2. Duct lining 2-inch

18 gauge Rect. Main Ducts &

Annual Energy Usage

1. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio

2. Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency

Indoor Air Quality

Air Filters: 2 thick air filters of MERV 8 (30%) efficiency

Indoor air circulation rate: 10 air changes per hour

100% outdoor air economizers: Provided

Indoor air circulation rate: 10 air changes per hour

Cost: $ 550.00 per classroom per year

Interface with operable windows

Typical Split System Heat Pump Unit Air Distribution System

Typical Vibration Isolator Rail for Outdoor Unit

18 gauge Rect. Main Ducts &

Annual Energy Usage

1. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio

2. Heating Seasonal Performance Factor

Indoor Air Quality

Air Filters: 2 thick air filters of MERV 8 (30%) efficiency is typically

Indoor air circulation rate: 10 air changes per hour

Cost: $ 650.00 per classroom per year

Interface with Operable Windows