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Assume it’s a quiet afternoon, and you have the entire house to yourself. You sink into the couch. You’re going to put on some soothing music and unwind. You finally get around to reading that new book you’ve meant to read. But as soon as you start the music or open your book, whoosh! The air conditioner kicks on.
You can’t hear your music now. You’ll have to increase the volume. And, as much as you want to focus on your book, you can’t. You’re concerned that if the doorbell rings, you won’t hear it. If your phone vibrates on the counter, you won’t be able to listen to it. Everything seemed to be fine until the air Conditioner kicked on. Now those obnoxious air ducts are invading your peace.
Make sure that this is the issue before trying to resolve it. Your opponent could be creating a flanking noise. It is sound that travels through the HVAC system. You can hear it a long distance away from its source. Heat ducts, blower motors, loose vents, or Lego pieces moving around in a chimney can all cause this. If so, your return air vents are making noise- you might be able to hear it coming from the outlets. This article focuses on how to quiet a noisy air return.
Before we begin, what exactly is Return Air?
Return air is the air that has completed its circulation through a building’s air ducts. It starts as supplying air from the furnace or air conditioning unit. Then it returns to the HVAC system through return air ducts. Finally, it is for more conditioning and re-circulation.
Sources of Return Air Noise?
When you turn in your HVAC system or A/C, hearing some noise from your air vents is normal. But if you notice that the volume of this sound has increased. Also, see that it has become more bothersome with rattling or any other unusual noise.
It could show that there is a problem somewhere in the system.
It is most likely due to increased pressure caused by an obstruction in the airflow. Before causing damage to your HVAC system, you must check the source of noisy supply or return vents. If there is poor airflow, an HVAC system works twice as hard. As a result, it eats more energy and becomes more vulnerable to damage and breakdown.
Airflow restrictions cause a variety of factors, including:
- Dirty air filter
- Closed or obstructed registers
- Closed duct dampers
- Debris in the ductwork
Return ducts that are leaking
Leaky return duct also causes unusual noises. It draws outside air into the ductwork rather than leaking it. As a result, systems introduce more air volume, tipping the air balance in the house.
When should you seal your duct?
Neutral pressure would provide positive pressure by small cracks forces from the rooms. In this case, you must seal your duct.
If the noise level is higher than usual
If you do not have expected or louder sounds from your return vents, you should first resolve your problems.
How can I reduce the return air vent making noise?
Below are some methods we can use to reduce return air
Allow the vent to open
Two or more closed vents may put extra strain on your HVAC system and increase noise. Thus checking them and ensuring they are open is the simplest thing to do and should be your first step.
Remove and clean the filters
If all the vents are open and the noise bothers you, you may need to inspect the ducts and filters. The air draws into the return vents. Because of this, dust and other particles may have become trapped in the filter. These particles may cause clogging, forcing your equipment to work harder. The more complicated your system works, the more noise it produces. Let’s go over what you have to do.
As a result, make it your routine to clean and replace your filters regularly. Remove your vacuum and suck dust and other debris from your filter for a quick and easy clean. You can also remove the grill and clean it. You can also hire someone to clean your Air Duct Cleaning in Cumming, GA.
Resolve the Ductwork problems
The ductwork that is poorly installed forces much air into a small space. It results in a whooshing or whistling sound. So, you should hire an Air Duct Repair and Replacement in Cumming GA, to inspect your ductwork. They can also make some necessary repairs or replacements.
Change the size and shape of vents and grills
The second easiest thing to check is whether your return vents and grills are the correct shapes and sizes. Vents should have a large enough opening to allow air to enter and should not close as. If the vents and grills aren’t the right size and shape, hire an Air Duct Cleaning in Cumming GA, to replace them.
Hire the professionals
If you can’t figure out what’s causing your return air vents to be noisy, hire an HVAC professional to fix it. You can hire any of them for Air Duct cleaning in cumming GA or air duct repair and replacement in cumming GA. An experienced HVAC technician can fix any issue. For example, professionals can handle excessive static pressure, an outdated variable-speed blower. They can also resolve the problem in the central return, a lack of return vents, or any other issues.
Soundproof Air ducts
Install a soundproof return air grille if your return air vent makes noise and there is nothing unusual about the sound or volume. In other words, make a sound baffle for the return air. It is impossible to soundproof your vents without interfering with airflow. As a result, You can use soundproof material to cover your vent.
Because they are not made of sound-absorbing material, most air vents are loud. Metal, for example, is not an ideal material for sound absorption. As a result, you may want to add a sound-dampening layer inside. You can have it done by your Air duct cleaning in cumming GA.
Soundproof curtains
You can use soundproof curtains to cover wall vents. These fabrics are woven and thicker than standard curtains. Fix a curtain rod on the wall above the vent, hang the curtain, and make sure it reaches the floor. You can also use acoustic foam to plug your air vents or create a good maze inside the ducts.
Conclusion
The return air vent makes noise when your air heating or cooling system is standard and expected. Nonetheless, you must always pay attention when this noise becomes louder. Also, notice when unusual sounds mix in, as this shows that something is wrong with your air vents or ducts.There is a simple problem-solving step for people without experience in HVAC. But it is a good idea to hire an air duct repair and replacement to Cumming GA for inspection. As sometimes, it turns out to be more complicated than closed or dirty sales.
You do not have much to do to make the vents soundproof without affecting airflow if you want to reduce your otherwise normal air return noise.
The simplest way to reduce noise is to hang thick or soundproof curtains over wall vents. More complex soundproofing solutions are possible. But the best way is to contact Air Duct cleaning in cumming GA.
