How do you muffle return air vents?

High static pressure makes airflow more audible

  1. Adjust the fan speed. Your blower or furnace fan should be set to deliver the proper airflow per ton. …
  2. Add ductwork. …
  3. Add a bypass duct. …
  4. Add or expand grilles and registers. …
  5. Replace existing registers and grilles with high velocity models.





How do you soundproof a cold air return?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So Tamarack technologies have a product called an interior baffle the interior baffle is a honeycomb shaped section you insert between the two grilles to reduce light and noise transfer between rooms.

Can you soundproof a return air vent?

It is impossible to soundproof your vents without impeding airflow. As such, you really cannot cover your vent with any soundproof material. Most air vents are loud because they are not made of sound-absorbent material. For example, metal is not a great choice of material for sound dampening.

How can I make my airflow quieter?

How to Soundproof Ductwork and Vents in Your Home

  1. Make Repairs to the vent or ductwork. …
  2. Choose Sound Absorbing or Soundproofing Materials For Your Vents or Ductwork. …
  3. Insulate the Ducts With Liners & Vents With Acoustic Foam. …
  4. Cover Unused Vents to Dampen Sound.

Why is my cold air return so loud?





If the usual noise volume increases, or you start to hear flapping, rattling or high-pitched sounds from the supply vents, return grilles or ceiling diffusers, it’s likely due to an increase in pressure caused by airflow restrictions somewhere in the HVAC system.

What is a duct silencer?

An HVAC duct silencer is specifically engineered to reduce airborne noise carried along ducts or produced by enclosures. You’ll also find these silencers described as sound attenuators when they are used in industrial settings.

Can I cover my return air vent?

While you should have a filter on your air return vent to prevent too much dust or moisture from entering your air system and recirculating back to you, you should never actually cover a return air vent. Keep furniture and even curtains at least 10” away from the vent opening in order to allow for proper air flow.

How do you reduce sound traveling through the vents?

How to Soundproof an Air Vent (6 Ways to Reduce Noise)

  1. Block Off the Air Vent Entirely With Drywall.
  2. Fill the Opening With an Acoustic Sealant.
  3. Cover the Vent With Soundproof Curtains or Blankets.
  4. Make a Sound Maze Inside of the Vent.
  5. Stuff the Vent With Acoustic Foam.
  6. Plug the Vent Grate.



Why does my return air vent whistle?

Whistling noises are the most common problem with return vents, and these are often caused by dirty, clogged filters. Sometimes you might also hear loud knocking and banging noises, which usually indicate a small component has become loose within the machine.

What is that sound coming from my vent?

A whistling or roaring sound from a supply air vent could mean either the vent has too much air flowing through it or the volume damper inside the vent is partially closed, restricting the normal airflow. Homeowners often close vents in empty rooms so they don’t spend money to heat or cool unoccupied space.

Why does my cold air intake whistle?



If it sounds like it’s coming from deeper in the system, you may have some bigger problems with your HVAC system. If the whistling sound is coming from a blower vent (the vents where cool air comes out, rather than in), you may have a problem with a larger obstruction in your air duct.

How do I stop my HVAC from whistling?

Blocked Return Vent: When debris or dust block a return vent, you might start to hear a whistling noise in your home. To solve the problem, clean the vent off to allow for better airflow.

Why is my blower motor whistling?

The blower in your furnace is powered by a motor, which has bearings that can wear out because of age or overheating. Overheating is usually caused by dirt buildup or a bad capacitor. On the other hand, a high-pitched whistling sound is usually the result of a low airflow problem.

What does it mean when the pipes make a high pitch sound?

Whistling or squealing water pipes results from water being forced through a smaller opening than the plumbing components were designed for. This is often due to: water pressure too high, wear & tear on plumbing components, water mineral build-up from the water, or other types of degradations.

What do return air vents look like?



You can identify return vents by turning on the system fan and holding your hand or a piece of paper up. If the paper is pulled toward the vent or you feel a suction effect, it’s a return vent.

Where should a return air vent be located?

They must be correctly placed and unobstructed —Return ducts are usually placed in hallways, under stairwells, or in larger open areas of your home. This placement ensures that they will be able to pull in enough air to take back to the HVAC equipment.

Should a return vent have a filter?

In general, it is recommended to have an air filter in every return vent (as long as you choose the one of the right size and thickness). The filters will improve the air quality in your house and will protect the HVAC equipment from dust, pollen, pet dander, and hair.