Vacuum cleaners are a common household appliance that has made cleaning and maintaining the home easier than ever before. These machines work by creating a negative pressure in the chamber, which sucks up dust, dirt, and debris into the bag or canister. While vacuum cleaners are effective at cleaning, they also create a lot of noise. If you’ve ever used a vacuum cleaner, you know firsthand that they can be quite loud, but have you ever wondered what type of noise vacuums make? Let’s take a closer look.
The Types of Vacuum Cleaner Noise
There are two types of noise that a vacuum cleaner makes: airborne noise and structure-borne noise.
Airborne Noise
Airborne noise is the sound waves created by the movement of air molecules. This is the most common type of noise that vacuum cleaners produce. When a vacuum cleaner is in use, the sound waves are created by the movement of the fan and the airflow. The fan moves the air in the chamber, creating the suction that sucks up the dirt and debris. This movement of the air molecules is what creates the loud sound that we hear.
Structure-borne Noise
Structure-borne noise is the vibration or resonance that occurs within the vacuum cleaner. This type of noise is caused by the movement of the motor and other components inside the vacuum cleaner. The vibration of these components creates a resonance that can be transmitted to the floor or other objects in the room. This type of noise is usually lower in frequency than airborne noise and can be felt more than heard.
The Decibel Scale
The loudness of a vacuum cleaner is measured in decibels (dB). The decibel scale is logarithmic, which means that every 10 dB increase in sound level represents a tenfold increase in loudness. For example, a vacuum cleaner that produces 80 dB of sound is ten times louder than one that produces 70 dB.
To put this into perspective, a typical conversation between two people is around 60 dB, while a vacuum cleaner can produce anywhere from 70 to 80 dB of sound. Some of the quieter vacuum cleaners on the market produce around 65 dB of sound, while some of the louder ones can produce up to 90 dB of sound.
Noise Reduction Techniques
Vacuum cleaner manufacturers are aware of the noise issue and have implemented various techniques to reduce the sound levels produced by their machines. Some of these techniques include:
- Using insulation materials to reduce airborne noise
- Anti-vibration mounts to reduce structure-borne noise
- Designing fan blades that are quieter
- Using power controls to reduce the noise level when using low power settings
While these techniques can help reduce the noise level of the vacuum cleaner, they cannot eliminate it completely. However, as technology advances, we may see even more effective noise reduction techniques implemented in future vacuum cleaner designs.
The Bottom Line
Vacuum cleaners produce both airborne and structure-borne noise. Airborne noise is created by the movement of air molecules, while structure-borne noise is caused by the vibration of the motor and other components. The loudness of a vacuum cleaner is measured in decibels (dB), with some of the quieter models producing around 65 dB and some of the louder ones producing up to 90 dB of sound. While some noise reduction techniques have been implemented by vacuum cleaner manufacturers, these machines will likely always be somewhat noisy. However, the benefits of a clean home far outweigh the temporary inconvenience of the noise produced by a vacuum cleaner.
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Frequently Asked Questions About What Type Of Noise Is Vacuum Cleaner?
What is the main noise produced by vacuum cleaners?
Generally, vacuum cleaners produce two types of noise: the motor noise and the airflow noise. The motor noise is produced by the motor while the airflow noise is produced by the air movement in the vacuum cleaner.
What causes the motor noise in vacuum cleaners?
The motor noise in vacuum cleaners is caused by the motion of the motor’s rotating parts. The noise can vary depending on the type of motor, the number of motors, and the level of maintenance of the vacuum cleaner.
How can I reduce the noise produced by my vacuum cleaner?
You can reduce the noise produced by your vacuum cleaner by investing in a vacuum cleaner with a low decibel rating. You can also choose a vacuum cleaner with noise-reducing features such as sound insulation, rubber wheels, and vortex chambers. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your vacuum cleaner can also help reduce noise.
Is the noise produced by vacuum cleaners harmful to health?
The noise produced by vacuum cleaners can be harmful to health if exposure is prolonged or excessive. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing damage, stress, and sleep disturbance. It is, therefore, important to choose a vacuum cleaner with low noise levels and take measures to reduce noise.
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