As a homeowner, few things are more frustrating than a low hum from your neighbours.
A constant humming noise from your neighbour’s house can be incredibly disruptive whether you’re trying to relax at home, work on a project, or enjoy peace and quiet.
In this article, I will cover the best 10 ways to deal with a low hum from your neighbours, including free and premium options.
To stop low hum from your neighbours you can rearrange your furniture, soundproof your home, and talk to your neighbour about the issue. You will find a solution that works for both of you to reduce the impact of the low hum from your neighbour’s property.
Soundproof: How to Block High Frequency Sounds for Free
Table of Contents
4 Sources of Low Hum From Neighbours
Neighbours do not usually make low-hum noises intentionally.
In most cases, the noise results from the normal operation of household appliances.
However, there are some instances where neighbours may make noise deliberately to disrupt or annoy their neighbours. If this is the case, speaking with your neighbour and respectfully discussing the issue is important.
The most common cause of low hum from neighbours is the use of household appliances. These appliances tend to produce a low-frequency humming noise that can be heard in other parts of the house or even outside.
Sometimes, this noise can be so loud that it can be heard in other rooms or outside the house.
Regardless of the cause, addressing the issue as soon as possible is important to prevent any potential health effects.
There are a variety of potential causes for a low hum from neighbours. Some of the most common include:
HVAC systems
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can create a low hum when running, particularly if they are older or not well-maintained.
HVAC systems make a low hum because of their motor and fan components. The motor is responsible for creating the vibration heard as a low hum, while the fan helps to amplify the sound. As the engine runs, it vibrates and produces a low-frequency humming sound that can be heard in other parts of the house or even outside.
Electrical wiring
Faulty or damaged electrical wiring can also cause a low hum, particularly if it is located near a wall or ceiling. This is because the wiring can vibrate and create a low-frequency sound that can be heard in other parts of the house.
If the wiring connecting the appliances is faulty or damaged, it can vibrate and create a low-frequency sound that can be heard in other parts of the house.
Additionally, if the motor of an appliance is malfunctioning or not running properly, it can also produce a low hum.
Appliances
Sometimes household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers can produce low-frequency hum. This is due to their motors and fans, which create vibrations that result in the humming noise.
The motor is responsible for creating a vibration that is heard as a low hum, while the fan helps to amplify the sound.
As the motor runs, it vibrates at a low frequency which causes sound waves to be emitted in other parts of the house or outside.
These sound waves travel through the air until they reach our ears, where they are perceived as a humming noise.
Industrial noise
The low hum may sometimes result from industrial noise from nearby factories or other facilities.
A variety of sources can cause industrial noise. For example, large machineries such as generators, compressors, and industrial fans can produce a low-frequency hum that can be heard in other parts of the house or outside. Additionally, some factories use high-powered motors that can make loud humming noises when running.
Other industrial noise sources may include construction sites, truck traffic, and vehicles passing by. These noises are usually louder and more pronounced than the low hums produced by household appliances.
4 Effects of Low Hum From Neighbours
Constant Low hum from neighbours can negatively affect your health and well-being. Some of the most common include:
- Headaches: Frequent exposure to low hum can cause headaches, particularly if the sound is constant or if you are exposed to it for extended periods of time.
- Sleep disturbances: Low hum can also interfere with your ability to sleep, leading to various health problems over time.
- Stress: Constant exposure to low hum can also lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on your mental health.
- Fatigue: If exposed to low hum for extended periods, you may also experience increased fatigue or exhaustion.
How to Measure Low Hum From Neighbours
If you suspect you may be experiencing low hum from your neighbours, there are a few ways to measure the sound frequency.
Measuring the sound frequency is important to help identify the cause of the source.
One way to measure is using a decibel meter, a device that can detect sound in a specific frequency range.
You can also take readings with an app like Sound Meter, which uses your phone’s microphone to take readings from different frequencies.
These readings can help you pinpoint what type of noise you are dealing with and whether it comes from your neighbours or another source.
A qualified sound technician can help you determine the frequency, and whether it falls within safe levels.
5 Free Ways to Deal with Low Hum From Neighbours
You can use a few strategies to reduce low-hum noise for free. The first is to use soundproofing materials like blackout curtains, weatherstripping, and door sweepers. These materials trap and dissipate sound waves before they reach your home.
If you’re looking for a low-cost solution to deal with low hum from neighbours, there are a few options you can try:
Move furniture
One of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of noise that enters your home is to rearrange your furniture. Move your couch or bed to a different location to absorb sound.
Moving furniture can reduce low hum because the thick material absorbs sound waves and prevents them from entering your home. The materials act as a sound barrier, blocking unwanted noise. Additionally, moving your furniture around can change the angle at which sound waves reach your home, reducing the noise’s intensity.
Add curtains or blinds.
Heavy curtains or blinds can also absorb sound and reduce the noise entering your home.
The thicker the curtains, the dense they are, which is important when it comes to noise reduction.
Thicker materials absorb sound energy and dissipate it, which reduces the intensity of sound waves and prevents them from entering your home.
Installing thicker curtains will help reduce noise from neighbours and fatigue and exhaustion caused by a low hum.
Add rugs or carpeting.
Adding rugs or carpeting to your home can also help to absorb sound and reduce the amount of noise that enters your home.
The science behind rugs or carpeting blocking low hum is by absorbing and dissipating sound waves.
When sound waves reach the rug or carpet, the material absorbs some of them, dissipating the sound energy and reducing its intensity.
The more material a rug or carpet is made up of, the more it can absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels.
This can be especially helpful in reducing low hum from neighbours, as these frequencies are harder to block than higher-pitched noises.
Use white noise
White noise machines can effectively drown out low hum from neighbours, particularly if you are trying to sleep or work.
White noise machines generate randomly distributed audio frequencies, which blend to form a sound that is not disruptive to humans. This means that it acts as a background noise covering other sounds in the environment, such as the low hum from neighbours.
When the white noise is generated, the loudness level is set to be consistent and continuous, making it difficult for low hum to break through. Moreover, this blockage results in low hum not reaching your home or living space and reducing its intensity.
Talk to your neighbour.
If you are comfortable doing so, talking to your neighbour about the issue may be an effective way to resolve the problem without spending any money.
5 Premium Options to Deal with Low Hum From Neighbours
The more expensive ways are more effective than the free ones. Premium approaches include:
- Using acoustic foam panels or sound traps to absorb sound.
- Installing double-paned windows.
- Adding additional insulation in your walls and ceilings.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more money to deal with low hum from neighbours, there are a few more options you can try:
- Soundproofing: Soundproofing your home can be an effective way to reduce the amount of noise that enters your home. You can install soundproof curtains, acoustic panels, or other sound-absorbing materials to reduce the amount of noise that enters your home.
- Double-glazed windows: Double-glazed windows can also help to reduce the amount of noise that enters your home, particularly if the noise is coming from outside.
- Insulate walls: Insulating your walls can also help to reduce the amount of noise that enters your home, particularly if the noise is coming from a neighbouring fence.
- Install a white noise machine: If you don’t want to use a free-standing white noise machine, you can also have one installed in your home.
- Install noise-cancelling headphones: If you’re struggling with low hum from neighbours, investing in a good pair of headphones may be a good solution.
5 Soundproofing Solutions for a Low Hum From Neighbours
Soundproofing is a process of reducing sound levels by either absorbing or blocking sound waves. It can reduce the noise entering or exiting a room or structure.
Soundproofing materials absorb sound waves rather than reflect them and can be used to reduce the amount of low-hum noise from neighbours. These materials can include acoustic foam panels, heavy drapes, carpet underlayment, and resilient channel systems.
Using these materials in combination makes it possible to create an effective barrier that will block out low-hum noise from neighbours and reduce overall noise levels in any given space.
Soundproofing is an effective solution for a low hum from neighbours. There are many ways to soundproof your home, including:
Installing acoustic panels
Acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound and reduce low hum from neighbours.
The technology behind acoustic panels is usually a combination of materials which absorb sound waves. This can reduce the amount of low-hum noise from neighbours. The best acoustic panels are designed with multiple layers, which help to trap sound in its material and absorb the sound instead of reflecting it.
Adding mass-loaded vinyl
Mass-loaded vinyl is a heavy-duty material that is designed to reduce noise transmission through walls and ceilings.
Mass-loaded vinyl is an engineered material with a highly efficient soundproofing capability. The material comprises two layers: a top layer of flexible vinyl and a core layer containing millions of tiny droplets that move independently to reduce noise transmission.
Each droplet acts as an acoustic barrier, blocking the sound’s pressure by absorbing it rather than reflecting it into the environment.
Moreover, the droplets are connected to form an even more effective barrier against the low hums from neighbours. This makes mass-loaded vinyl one of the most effective materials when it comes to soundproofing against lower frequencies, such as soft humming noises coming from neighbours.
Installing soundproof curtains
Soundproof curtains are a great way to reduce noise from neighbours and can be hung over windows or doorways.
Soundproof curtains use a combination of materials, such as a quilted two-ply interlining layer, fiberglass panels, heavy drapery fabrics and noise blockers, that work in synergy to act as a barrier against lower-frequency sounds coming from outside.
The soundproof curtains absorb the sound waves by diverting them through their multi-layered design and the different materials used. The acoustic batting is designed to absorb most of the incoming noise and vibration. At the same time, layers of fibreglass help to add weight to block out low hums further.
Moreover, special acoustic curtains come equipped with an additional layer of acoustically absorbing foam on one side designed to reduce low humming noises like those from neighbours. This is able to absorb and dissipate certain frequencies in order to create an even quieter living environment.
Sealing gaps and cracks
Sealing gaps and cracks in walls, windows, and doors can help to reduce noise transmission.
You can block low hums filling in gaps, crevices, or openings in the walls, windows, doors, and even floor. This is done using a specialized acoustic sealant to effectively fill these small openings. The sealant is also intended to be highly flexible to ensure a perfect seal every time. Additionally, it comes with a strong adhesive that helps keep the sealant in place while providing additional soundproofing protection.
The acoustic sealant acts like a barrier by blocking any sound that tries to pass through the gap or crack and diverting it back into the environment. This happens when sound vibrations hit the sealant and get trapped within its molecules which helps reduce transmission levels of low humming noises coming from neighbours.
Installing double-glazed windows
Double-glazed windows are another great way to reduce noise transmission through windows.
In a double-glazed window, the two layers of glass are separated by an air-filled space. The air gap acts as an additional layer of insulation which helps to reduce the volume of low hum coming from neighbours.
Additionally, the window frames consist of special materials that regulate noise levels and block low frequency sounds.
Finally, special seals fit around the edges of these windows to help absorb soundwaves and prevent them from entering your home. This system works together to create an effective barrier against sounds from outside, making it one of the most effective and reliable ways to reduce noise pollution from neighbours.
Legal Options for Dealing With Low Hum From Neighbours
Consider legal action if you’ve tried talking to your neighbour and have exhausted all other options.
In the United States, states have different laws for dealing with noise from neighbours.
In California, for example, the state has the “Reasonable Use Doctrine”, which requires that individuals should not be unreasonably disturbed by noises from their neighbours. The doctrine outlines what may constitute an unreasonable amount of noise and sets fines and penalties for those violating this law. Additionally, some California cities also have local rules regarding noise from neighbours.
States like Arizona, on the other hand, have the “Noise Law Statute”, which outlines any noise restriction for the whole state. This law states that noise levels should not exceed 65 decibels during the day or 55 decibels at night.
In summary, different US states have other laws regarding noise from neighbours, and it is important to research your state’s specific regulations before taking any legal action.
How to Approach Your Neighbour about the Low Hum
Approaching your neighbour is often the best option when dealing with loud noises or low humming sounds from their property. It can be a difficult discussion, but doing so can help ensure that a respectful and mutually beneficial agreement can be reached.
As well as this, approaching your neighbour to discuss the issue shows that you acknowledge that you are both part of the same community and tackling the problem together will benefit everyone in the long run.
By having an open and honest conversation, you can better understand each other’s perspectives and develop strategies for reducing the noise.
A mature and level-headed approach to these noisy issues is often far more effective than engaging in legal proceedings.
If you’re comfortable talking to your neighbour about the low hum, there are a few things you can do to make the conversation go more smoothly:
- Be polite: Approach your neighbour politely and calmly. Avoid using accusatory language or being confrontational.
- Explain the problem: Explain the problem to your neighbour and let them know how it affects you.
- Offer solutions: Offer potential solutions that they can try to reduce the noise, such as turning down their music or insulating their walls.
- Be open to compromise: Be willing to compromise and work together to find a solution that works for both of you.
- Follow up: Follow up with your neighbour to make sure that the problem has been resolved.
Conclusion on Low Hum From Neighbours
If you are experiencing low hum from neighbours, there are various options you can try to reduce the noise. There are solutions for every budget, from free options like rearranging your furniture to premium options like soundproofing your home. If you’ve exhausted all other options, legal action may be necessary. Ultimately, the key to resolving the issue is to communicate openly and calmly with your neighbour and work together to find a solution that works for both of you.
When dealing with a low hum from neighbours, it is important to consider the frequency, doctor’s advice, and potential health effects. Before trying new solutions, consult with scientists and sound technicians to understand the side effects, benefits, and price. Write an SEO-optimized article for your website to help others dealing with low hum from neighbours.
9 FAQs About Low Hum From Neighbours
Q1: Can low hum from neighbouring properties affect my health or well-being?
Ans: Prolonged exposure to low hum from neighbouring properties can affect your health and well-being. It is recommended to consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing any negative symptoms due to the noise.
Q2: What could be causing the low hum from my neighbor’s property?
Ans: Low hum from neighboring properties can be caused by various factors, including air conditioners, fans, refrigerators, and other appliances. In some cases, the sound may be coming from a nearby road or construction site.
Q3: How can I approach my neighbour about the low hum from their property?
Ans: The best way to approach your neighbour about the low hum from their property is to communicate openly and calmly. Let them know that you are experiencing the noise and would like to work together to find a solution.
Q4: Can I file a complaint with local authorities about the low hum from my neighbor’s property?
Ans: Depending on the severity of the issue, you may be able to file a complaint with local authorities about the low hum from your neighbor’s property. Check with your local laws and regulations before taking any legal action.
Q5: What effective soundproofing methods can reduce the impact of low hum on my neighbor’s property?
Ans: Some effective soundproofing methods that can be used to reduce the impact of low hum from your neighbour’s property include installing soundproofing material on windows and walls, sealing cracks and gaps in walls, using acoustic foam, and using mass-loaded vinyl.
Q6: Are there any specialized companies or professionals that can help me mitigate the impact of low hum from my neighbor’s property?
Ans: Yes, specialized companies and professionals can help you mitigate the impact of low hum on your neighbor’s property. They can provide soundproofing solutions, such as acoustic insulation and sound barriers, as well as advice on how to approach your neighbour about the issue.
Q7: Is it possible to determine the source of the low hum from my neighbor’s property?
Ans: It is possible to determine the source of the low hum from your neighbor’s property. Specialized soundproofing companies can use sound-measuring equipment to identify the source of the noise. You can also inspect your neighbor’s property for noise sources, such as air conditioners, fans, and other appliances.
Q8: Can low hum from my neighbor’s property be considered noise pollution?
Ans: A low hum from your neighbor’s property can be considered noise pollution.
Q9: Are there any laws or regulations regarding low hum from neighboring properties?
Ans: Yes, there are laws and regulations regarding low hum from neighboring properties. These laws vary from state to state, so checking with your local authorities for specific information is important.
