Advertisement
Help Keep Boards Alive. Support us by going ad free today. See here: https://subscriptions.boards.ie/.
If we do not hit our goal we will be forced to close the site.

Current status: https://keepboardsalive.com/

Annual subs are best for most impact. If you are still undecided on going Ad Free - you can also donate using the Paypal Donate option. All contribution helps. Thank you.
https://www.boards.ie/group/1878-subscribers-forum

Private Group for paid up members of Boards.ie. Join the club.
Hi all, please see this major site announcement: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058427594/boards-ie-2026

Using soundproof / noise cancelling panels to reduce noise of HVAC box unit in guest bedroom ?

  • 15-08-2025 12:56PM
    #1
    Clickclickboom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29 ✭


    Hello all,

    I have a new build house that came equipped with a HVAC system. When we moved in, the unit was located in the attic and we never accessed it (only for storage).

    Recently, we have done an attic conversion, and we now have a guest bedroom where the attic used to be. The guys who did the job liaised with the HVAC supplying company and they sent some people to move the unit in a corner of the room, and we placed a door to hide. "Cosmetically", it looks nice as the unit is now completely hidden.

    The problem that we face is that the unit constantly makes a "humming" noise, which is expected of course. The noise isn't that high but loud enough to be a bit annoying, especially when our guests are trying to sleep. In this context, I am looking at options to cover that noise.

    I have done a lot of research, including on Reddit, and found that one of the options are to use soundproof / noise cancelling panels, that are usually used for home recording studios. Still, I have some doubts, as I havent found feedback on whether they would really make a difference in the case of HVAC noises.

    Has someone faced a similar problem? Did noise cancelling panels make a real difference ?

    Any advice on best using those panels ? do they have to wrap the unit or only the walls ?
    Or...any other options I could consider?

    Thanks a lot.



Comments

  • #2
    10-10-20
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 9,699 ✭✭✭10-10-20


    Hi, so the unit is situated on roof joists with chipboard flooring over them, right? And in terms of structure directly below those joists, what walls are present? Are they solid or stud?



  • #3
    Clickclickboom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29 ✭Clickclickboom


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123725132#Comment_123725132

    Hello

    Unit used to be located on joist, but post attic conversion, they sticked it to a wall. See picture.

    Screenshot 2025-08-15 at 16.45.34.png

    Walls around are solid.



  • #4
    GreeBo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,518 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    You need to determine if the problem is humming or vibration.

    Humming you can block with various methods, vibration you really need to isolate.

    Since the unit appears free standing and with flexible piping, first thing I would do is stick some anti vibration matting underneath and see if that makes a difference
    Something like https://ie.rs-online.com/web/p/anti-vibration-pads/2035169 would be a cheap, easy quick fix to try out. It doesn't need to be the same size as the HVAC unit, just enough to get it off the ground (you might need one at each end, or possibly can cut a larger one)

    If that doesn't work then you are looking at acoustic panels on the wall of the converted attic space. (from the attic side would be much easier than doing it from room side!)



Advertisement