Blower noise is inevitable with their operation as research shows it starts at more than 0.75 m/s wind speed, reducing as wind speed slows.

Nuisance noise pollution doesn’t bode well and we always aim to minimize it in design. Thanks to advancement in technology, our success rate in curbing this pollution has increased.

But does choosing a blower that emits lesser noise automatically mean better performance?

Low noise is good but not if it hurts the wallet. Lower noise equals higher equipment cost; around a ten-decibel drop increases costs by double (not linear). Most blowers can’t dip below 35 dBA.

So, when selecting a blower, “good enough” noise level should be the goal, not necessarily the lowest.

For instance, if the area where the blower will operate is uninhabited, just ensure the noise doesn’t cross the “red line”.

If there are louder machines nearby, set the blower’s noise to “machine noise -6dBA”, which results in one decibel extra noise but an affordable cost. If it’s “machine noise -10dBA”, the resulting noise remains the same while the lower noise is lost.

If the blower machine provides soundproofing or sound absorption, only consider the transmission effect of noise produced.