You bought a heat pump — but it turned out to be louder than expected? The solution is a soundproof enclosure (also called acoustic enclosure). But which one should you choose: with rear or side air intake? In this article, we’ll explain the difference and help you pick the right enclosure for your unit.
Types of air intake in soundproof enclosures
In acoustic housings for heat pumps and HVAC units, two types of air intake are used.
- Rear Air Intake (RA) — the airflow enters through the rear panel of the housing and always exits forward through the front louvers.
- Side Air Intake (SD) — the airflow enters through the side grilles and then exits forward through the front louvers.
These abbreviations (RA and SD) will be used further in the text for clarity.
Rear vs Side Air Intake: Visual difference
When to choose RA vs SD acoustic housing
- RA (Rear Air Intake) – the best choice if the unit is installed in an open area with at least 0.5 m of free space behind the enclosure. This ensures proper air intake and stable performance.
- SD (Side Air Intake) – recommended if your heat pump or HVAC system is placed close to a wall, fence, or other obstacle, where rear air intake is not possible.
Any Difference in Noise Reduction?
There is no difference in noise reduction between RA and SD models of a soundproof enclosure. Both types are designed to deliver the same acoustic performance, reducing heat pump noise by 12, 15 or even 18 dB(A) depending on customer requirements. The only distinction is the airflow direction. Your choice depends on installation space, not on the soundproofing efficiency.
Which Acoustic Enclosure Fits My Equipment?
When choosing an acoustic housing, focus on a few key factors:
- Check the size of your unit. The enclosure must be larger than your heat pump or AC. Follow the manufacturer’s installation table. Keep at least 200 mm in height, 200 mm in width, and 500–550 mm in depth for proper airflow.
- Consider noise regulations. In residential areas, the noise limit is usually around 40–45 dB(A). Since every heat pump produces a different noise level, you should choose a soundproof enclosure that brings it down to the required norm. Most models on the market provide noise reduction of 12, 15, or 18 dB(A).
- Look at the installation space. If your heat pump or HVAC system is installed in an open area with at least 0.5 m of free space behind it, choose a RA (Rear Air Intake) housing. If the unit is placed close to something or in a confined spot, choose a SD (Side Air Intake) unit.
- Pay attention to durability and protection. Choose enclosures made of weather-resistant materials that can withstand rain, snow, and sunlight. A good soundproof enclosure should also offer mechanical strength against physical damage and include protective features against rodents, ensuring long-term safety for your equipment.
Need Expert Consultation About Soundproof Enclosures?
If you are not sure which acoustic enclosure fits your equipment best, our experts are ready to help. As a manufacturer, we can select the right model based on your unit’s dimensions, installation site, and noise reduction needs. We work with both wholesale and retail customers. Contact us today for a free consultation.