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  3. 190920-9721

Those magical days when the HVAC is off

I'm reminded these last few days when after 90 days straight with the AC running, the weather broke and the temps dropped, and with no AC running (or likewise in winter when no heat is cranking) my rig sounds easily 20% better - like I had added a new component- more clarity, overtones/timbre, sparkle - the standard sonic improvement adjectives - so how does one accomplish this year 'round? Which power related component is the one that allows your audio rig to operate unimpeded by air conditioning, the furnace, an overloaded electrical grid? I have separate dedicated lines to my components, but my rig really flows in a magical way when these climate conditioning appliances are not running. Is it power conditioning, or power regeneration that could possibly allow me to enjoy this increased audio performance more frequently or permanently? Any personal experiences of successfully solving this dilemma would be welcomed. Cheers, and thank you in advance.

ostemo8
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 

To the OP..make sure ( if possible  ) those “ multiple dedicated lines “ are on tge same phase of the panel ANd opposite the big motor loads…

A high end Mitsubishi mini split is 42 db…. 

mswale
75 posts
 

Don't think it's a power issue at all, but noise floor issue.  In the cooler mornings, I open all the windows, and doors. Trying to air out the house to cool it down for the hotter days. With my from door open, I have to turn up my system, with the door closed I turn it down to get the same sound level to my ears. I live on a dead end street, with almost no ambient noise. 

In my HT room, the HVAC is on the other side of the wall, with a big air return in the ceiling. In there, the HVAC does affect the sound, but as above, it's a noise floor issue, and not a power issue. 

Good call out, with adding damping material to the heater ducts. Think I'll give that a try.

czarivey
5,946 posts
 

When it's 100+ outside, I ain't turning AC off for even a second, but lately the mornings were cool and nights too in Ohio!

moonwatcher
443 posts
 

Ah, we all just try to tune out the noise from HVAC systems, but I was taken aback last year when I tried some noise cancelling Sony Bluetooth headphones a friend had brought to work. Wow, such a calming reduction in ambient noise was amazing.

Hearing all this noise all day long working in an office adds to stress and yes, affects our perception of how "good" music sounds. While I never bought any noise cancelling headphones, at least I know they can be a benefit. I just didn’t want to pop $349 for them.

I live in NC. Fortunately, there are about four months out of the year that no HVAC running is needed for heating or cooling at home. Ah, peace and quiet.

limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,426 posts
 

Everything that is plugged into an electrical wall outlet,is drawing electrical power....whether it's turn on or not...it's drawing power,check you elect bill...then start unplugging devices.People have,coffeemaker, toasters,blenders,Stereos Receivers ,amps,turn tables,cd players,vcrs,cassette decks,all your audio equipment, TVs,Microwaves,they have clocks in every rooms Unplugging will reduce your electric bill by alot.Also reduce watts used.

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