When it’s time to relax in your Las Vegas home, is the peace and quiet disrupted by noises from your heating and cooling system? The experts at Polar Air & Heating, Inc. work with homeowners to diagnose common noises from HVAC systems. Some sounds indicate that the system needs repairs and maintenance. Like any machine, though, heating and cooling units do make noise. Fortunately, there are ways that you can make the sounds less noticeable. Let’s take a look at the main parts of your heating and cooling system and what you can do to make the entire system run quieter.
Main Components of Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is comprised of numerous parts that work together to heat and cool the air. There are, though, five main components – exterior unit, drain pipes, furnace, ductwork, and vents. The main unit is installed in your yard close to your house. It may rest on a dirt or concrete pad. This unit feeds air into your home through a series of aluminum ducts. The unit may also have pipes for condensation and water. You may also have a furnace inside your home, typically in a utility room or basement. The air is distributed into each room through air vents that are typically close to the ceiling. Some Las Vegas homes have floor registers. You also have a larger return vent that is located on a wall close to the floor. Normal noise can originate from the exterior unit, interior equipment, ductwork, or vents.
HVAC Noises That You Shouldn’t Ignore
Before we talk about how to soundproof your HVAC system, we want to familiarize you with noises that shouldn’t be ignored. These particular sounds indicate that the heating and cooling system needs professional attention. If you hear any of these sounds, call the experts at Polar Air & Heating, Inc. to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians.
- Thumping
- Squealing
- Hissing
- Banging
- Buzzing
- Clicking
- Rattling
- Screeching
- Clanking
- Whistling
Can You Soundproof an HVAC System?
HVAC systems can be soundproofed to soften the normal sounds of the mechanical components. The key is to use special materials that are designed for this purpose, and the materials need to be installed properly. You can soundproof the exterior unit, interior equipment, ductwork, and vents.
When it comes to soundproofing your HVAC system, the job requires adding sound-dampening materials to each component. Some of the work can be done on your own, but it is best to have an expert from Polar Air & Heating, Inc. do the job for you. We understand where the most common noises from an HVAC system originate, and we can quickly and efficiently dampen the sounds.
How to Soundproof Exterior HVAC Equipment
Noises from the exterior unit of an HVAC system are not noticeable unless you have a window near the unit or have an outdoor space, such as a patio or swimming pool. Outdoor equipment needs to have good airflow to work properly, so you can’t simply cover the units. A better solution is to build a frame around the unit and install soundproofing blankets. The structure can be permanent or temporary. Not only do the blankets dampen the sound, but they also help to protect your equipment from the elements.
Do Drain Pipes Need to Be Soundproofed?
Your main air conditioning unit has a drain pipe to remove condensation. Noise from a drain pipe is minimal, but it can be annoying if the pipe is close to a common area in the yard. Drain pipes can be soundproofed with an insulating wrap that is put on the outside of the pipe. The wrap may also help prevent freezing when Las Vegas winters are unusually cold.
Can You Soundproof a Furnace?
Furnaces are located inside Las Vegas homes, and the space may be shared with a finished basement, laundry room, or other livable space. Noise from the furnace makes the space less comfortable, so soundproofing is a good option. Soundproofing a furnace requires some special attention because you are dealing with equipment that produces heat. The materials need to be flameproof. The best approach is to build a separate room for the furnace equipment and soundproof the room. This involves using special insulation in the walls and ceiling. If you are building a new room for your furnace, you can use batted insulation. If the furnace is already enclosed, use soundproofing and fireproof blankets.
Soundproof Your Ducts
Insulating wraps are also useful for the ductwork in your Las Vegas home. The professionals at Polar Air & Heating, Inc. recommend this approach because it is much easier to soundproof the exterior of the ducts rather than the interior. The wraps also help with any small air leaks in the ducts, so you may see a small decrease in your energy costs.
Eliminate Noisy Air Vents
Noisy air vents present a unique problem when it comes to your HVAC system. The vents need to stay open. Closed vents make your heating and cooling equipment work harder. As a result, the units may not last as long as expected, and you may have higher energy bills.
If you have a noisy air vent, first check to see if something is stuck in the duct behind the vent. A stray piece of debris can cause a lot of sounds. If the duct is clear, check for gaps around the vent. If the vent cover is not flush with the wall, the gaps may cause a whooshing, whistling, or hissing sound. If the vent cover is flush against the wall, we recommend that you replace the vent cover. Rust, dents, and other types of damage may be causing the noise that you hear.
Does Soundproofing Make an HVAC System Less Energy-Efficient?
As long as the airflow is preserved, soundproofing does not make your HVAC system less energy-efficient. We caution our customers in the Las Vegas area that certain materials can affect airflow. This includes soundproofing insulation that is installed inside the ducts, as well as materials that are installed over the vent covers. Placing furniture in front of the return vent may also cause some unusual and bothersome noises. Return vents need at least 10 inches of open space to work properly.
Ultra-Quiet Heating and Cooling Systems
Older HVAC systems tend to produce more noise than newer models. The experts at Polar Air & Heating, Inc. can help you find an affordable, ultra-quiet heating and cooling system for your Las Vegas home. Ultra-quiet systems rate at below 60 decibels, which is the same level as a gentle rain. Two options to consider are a variable-speed AC or a heat pump.
Learn More About Soundproofing Your HVAC System
At Polar Air & Heating, Inc., we love helping Las Vega homeowners get the most from their HVAC systems. We have been serving the area since 1998 and hold an A+ rating from the BBB. We are also proud recipients of the 2019 Expertise Best HVAC Pros in Las Vegas award.
Give us a call to learn more about soundproofing your HVAC system. We can troubleshoot those irritating noises. Be sure to ask about our heating and cooling installation, repair, maintenance, and new construction services.
