Apartment Noise: What a Racket!
Windows facing a busy street, a close proximity to a bus or train stop, loud air conditioners and heaters, noisy neighbors who love to party — any of these things can make for a serious apartment noise. While apartment noise issues are certainly something you want to watch out for when you’re looking to rent an apartment, sometimes it’s worth dealing with apartment noise when the place is just plain awesome and you don’t want to pass it up. Other times, in cases of noisy air conditioners, appliances and rowdy neighbors, it’s a not-so-pleasant surprise when you move in.
Apartment Noise Abatement
So how do you go about reducing apartment noise? Wearing earplugs is one idea, though not everyone is a fan of wearing them when they go to bed or are at home. But there are some things you can do to reduce annoying apartment noise.
- If you’re not keen on hearing cars and buses drive by your apartment at all hours of the day and night, or if there’s a bar or restaurant close by that stays open late, consider putting up heavy drapes to help absorb the noise. Window treatments to reduce apartment noise – like heavy drapes, which can be paired with noise reduction shades for an even more effective result – can be a big help.
- Rugs are another idea, and like drapes, perform double-duty as decor and a way to reduce apartment noise.
- Line the walls with sound-absorbing material like eggcrate-shaped Styrofoam. With the right decor, this can actually look stylishly modern and minimalist.
- Is your air conditioner, heater or another appliance the source of the apartment noise? Call up your landlord or apartment management office and let them know that there’s an issue. In some cases, they may be willing to move you into a different, less-noisy unit, or they might just send a repairman out to take care of the problem.
- Get an air filter. For $75-$150, these machines not only clean and filter the air in a room, but they produce white noise that might help you sleep better.
- If the problem is noisy neighbors, try politely asking them to keep it down. If they don’t respond, speak with your apartment manager about it. They’ll likely be able to improve the situation.
If That Fails…
If you’ve tried everything to reduce apartment noise and you’re still not happy, just remember that you don’t have to stay there forever. Take a look at your lease, find out when you’re able to move out, and find an apartment for rent that’s as quiet as possible. Remember, it’s always easier to ask tenants about problems at a new apartment before moving in rather than finding out about apartment noise problems afterwards.
