How Much Noise Does a Commercial CHP Unit Make?

Many business owners considering a combined heat and power (CHP) system may wonder: “How much noise will a system like this actually make?” If you have sensitive customers, tenants, or neighbors nearby, the answer matters a great deal. Luckily, modern packaged CHP units, especially those around 75 kW, are engineered to be significantly quieter than older models, often operating so quietly that they blend into the normal background noise.

What to Expect: CHP Noise Levels

Traditional CHP units, especially older models, could sometimes produce noticeable sound from engine movement and internal vibration. Owners and tenants may hear a steady hum or the sound of mechanical components rubbing together, especially if the system was installed inside a building or without modern noise control measures. Typical noise levels for these legacy units can range around    100 decibels (dBA), which is about as loud as a garbage disposal, a hair dryer, a blender, or a passing motorcycle.

Today’s packaged CHP units (sized around 75 kW), however, are designed with:

• Dedicated concrete pads that prevent vibrations from transferring into a building’s structure.
• Sound-insulated enclosures, keeping operational noise contained.
• More compact and modern designs that eliminate many of the small, friction-generating components responsible for hums and rattles.

In many cases, new CHP systems operate well below the thresholds set by local ordinances, which is comparable to normal conversation or background office noise. In most commercial and multifamily buildings, the CHP unit operates quietly enough that tenants or customers are unlikely to notice it.

Local noise ordinances can easily be found by searching online for your town, city, or county.

Best Practices for Limiting CHP Noise

Whether retrofitting or installing a new unit, it pays to be proactive about managing sound levels. Here are practical tips businesses should consider:

• Sound-attenuating enclosures: Request modules with acoustic housing that dampens noise directly at the source. This one feature eliminates most airborne sound and can be customized for particularly sensitive locations.​ All CHP systems from Catalyst Power^® come standard with this feature, whether it's enclosures, mufflers, or vibration isolation on the frame sitting on a floor, or a concrete pad.
  
  
• Vibration isolation: Modern CHP units typically sit on their own dedicated concrete pad and utilize vibration dampers or isolators installed under the equipment to prevent mechanical noise from traveling into building walls or floors.
  
  
• Routine maintenance: Well-maintained systems operate more smoothly and quietly; friction and rattle are most often signs of aging components needing attention.
  
  
• Professional installation: Work with experienced energy professionals who factor acoustic performance into site design, especially if your building has residential units or public-facing areas nearby that you don’t want to disturb.

Modern CHP systems are engineered not only for efficiency but also for quieter operation compared to older, more traditional mechanical systems. For instance:

• Traditional boilers with pumps and fans: These systems often generate noise levels equivalent to a busy restaurant or city traffic, due to constant combustion, water circulation pumps, and ventilation fans.
• Backup generators: These systems typically produce loud noise during power outages or testing, like motorcycles or construction equipment.

The New Standard: Quiet Performance

The era of noisy CHP equipment is quietly fading into the background. If you’re considering a cogeneration upgrade from your traditional boiler, don’t let sound concerns stand in your way. Today’s systems are designed for a quiet footprint, and with the proper installation, most building users won’t even notice when the unit is operating, keeping your energy solutions discreet yet reliable.

If you’d like guidance selecting a CHP unit with minimal noise for your business, Catalyst Power is here to help you navigate options and best practices for a peaceful, high-performance installation.