Watch the video on Reducing Vent Noise.
Meditation CDs might offer relaxing titles like "Whispering Winds" or "Gentle Breezes" to help calm the mind, but the persistent rush of wind through HVAC ducts is likely to put a homeowner on edge. Traditional sheet metal ducts can regenerate or amplify the noises generated by the furnace blower and turbulence created from the movement of air through the ductwork. These unwanted sounds are then effectively distributed throughout the home.
Once installed, a conventional HVAC system can be difficult and expensive to quiet down.
Using insulated ducts will reduce this unwanted noise from the home and provide the homeowner with a quiet, comfortable living environment. The best practice for reducing HVAC and furnace noise is to use internal acoustical duct board.
Acoustical duct board can be used to create a duct system that has built-in insulation. In addition to their insulated core, they have a vapor retarder layer on the exterior surface. The edges of the board have grooves, to allow the boards to be joined to build straight ducts of any size or length. Duct system components such as tees, offsets, elbows, and transitions may be fabricated from flat duct board. Note that duct board is used to fabricate rectangular duct systems. For round duct systems, the best practice is to use insulated flex duct.
Fibrous glass duct board is rigid, which allows the ducts to hold their shape and be suspended much like a metal duct system. Ducts made of duct board can be easily configured into a system of main trunks and run-outs.
Here are a few more facts about internal acoustical duct board:
- It's available in various densities, allowing the builder to pick the appropriate thickness for the duct's insulating and noise reduction needs.
- Install the same as standard metal ducts.
- No more popping or booming due to expansion and contraction.
The oldest method of reducing noise from the HVAC system is to wrap sheet metal ducts with conventional batt insulation. This method won't offer the same level of acoustic noise reduction as internal acoustical duct board.
When looking for ways to reduce unwanted noise within the home, acoustical duct board is a practical, effective best practice. When you use an insulated duct system, like those fabricated with duct board or insulated flex duct, it's critical to ensure correct assembly and quality assurance. North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has installation recommendations available for download by clicking here.
For more information on the benefits of acoustic duct board, check out this information from the Department of Energy's Building Technologies section.
| 
