How To Reduce Noise From Return Air
Simplest and Easy DIY Hacks
We all know cold air return vents can be a source of noise in the home. But did you know there are things you can do to reduce the sound? Let’s take a look at some different ways to reduce cold air return vent noise.
Below is an A-List of simplest and Easy DIY hacks on How to Reduce Noise from Return Air.
Let’s get started.
Open the Closed Vents:
Open the cold air return vent (return air vent) and allow cold air to flow out. This will reduce the temperature difference between it and other room vents, which could otherwise create a pressure differential that causes noise.
You may also open windows or doors to achieve this result as well.
Make sure the grill or vent is adjustable. If it can be adjusted, move to the most open position so that maximum airflow is permitted.
Clean the air ducts/ filters
If you can’t hear anything while the vents are open, it may be because cold air return ducts are dirty or clogged with dust.
One way to tell is if you see cold air blowing out of the vents when they’re closed. If this happens, it means cold air isn’t properly circulating through your system and can cause serious problems like mold growth in some cases!
To clean the cold air return filter:
Remove any screws holding on the cover plate (usually behind a nearby knee wall). Place an old towel over top to protect from debris falling into the room below.
Remove the filter by pulling up gently with both hands — do not use fingers as they could damage paper; dispose of old filter inappropriate containers lined with newspaper.
Replace new pre-filters that come packaged together so one person can hold both with one hand. Slide the new cold-air return filter into place and replace screws to secure the cover plate.
Get the Right Grills and Vents
Before figuring out how to cut down on the noise from the return air, you should first make sure that vents and grills are in the right shapes.
You should get grills that are rounded and a return vent with an angle of 45 degrees.
This will reduce the noise since cold air is less likely to make loud noises when it blows against them.
Hire a professional to check and replace any outdated grills or vents with ones that are the latest technology. A home that is quieter is more likely to save energy, too!
Upgrade and get a variable speed blower
Cold air return vents are known to generate a considerable amount of noise. One way to reduce the sound is by installing an upgraded and variable-speed blower, which can help balance out the cold air coming into your home.
This upgrade will also reduce energy costs as it keeps temperatures steady in your living space. With this upgrade, you may not need that noisy cold air return vent anymore!
The quiet operation saves money on both high utility bills from using too much energy and possible repairs for tenants who are disturbed by excessive noise levels.
Final Words:
There are many ways to reduce the noise from cold air returns.
If you have a problem with cold air returning, it’s possible that your ductwork is in need of repair or new vents and grills may be necessary for better flow.
A sound baffle can also help block out any extra noises so you won’t hear as much coming into a room when you turn on the fan.
Finally, opening up vents will make cold air more accessible while not having to listen to such loud sounds every time there’s an exchange of hot and cold airflow within your home.
The best way to find which solution works for you is by trying different ones out until one works.
