Making a space heater quieter is a common concern for many homeowners and renters, as the noise from these devices can be disruptive and distracting. Fortunately, there are several effective methods you can employ to reduce the noise level of your space heater. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various techniques and provide you with the technical details and data points to help you achieve a quieter heating solution.
Insulate the Air Ducts
Insulating the air ducts with fiberglass ductboard is an effective way to absorb sound and reduce the overall noise level of your space heater. This method is particularly useful for residential furnaces, as it can help dampen the vibrations and airflow noise that can be generated by the heating system.
When insulating the air ducts, it’s important to use a high-quality fiberglass ductboard with a minimum thickness of 1 inch. This material has a sound absorption coefficient of 0.70 to 0.90, meaning it can absorb up to 90% of the sound energy that hits its surface. Additionally, the ductboard should have a thermal resistance (R-value) of at least R-4.2 to ensure effective insulation and noise reduction.
Use a Sound-Absorbent Material
Lining the area behind the cold air returns with a sound-absorbent material can also help reduce the noise level of your space heater. This method was found to be effective by Dutch_12078, although they did not provide any before and after measurements.
When selecting a sound-absorbent material, consider using a high-density acoustic foam or a mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) sheet. Acoustic foam has a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of 0.80 to 0.95, meaning it can absorb up to 95% of the sound energy that hits its surface. MLV sheets, on the other hand, have a transmission loss (TL) of 20 to 30 dB, which can significantly reduce the amount of noise that passes through the material.
Use a Quieter Heating System
If the noise from your space heater is particularly bothersome, you may want to consider using a heating system that doesn’t rely on a blower. Wall-mounted heaters, for example, are almost silent and can provide up to 30,000 BTU of heat, making them a much quieter alternative to forced-air heaters.
When choosing a quieter heating system, pay attention to the decibel (dB) rating of the device. The lower the dB rating, the quieter the heater will be. For example, a space heater with a dB rating of 55 dB will be significantly quieter than one with a dB rating of 65 dB.
Use a Muffler
If the noise from your space heater is primarily coming from the blower fan, you can consider using a muffler to reduce the noise. Mufflers work by creating a labyrinth-style path for the air to flow through, which helps to dampen the sound waves and reduce the overall noise level.
When using a muffler, it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t restrict the airflow through the heater, as this can negatively impact the device’s performance. Look for a muffler that is specifically designed for use with space heaters and has a low-pressure drop to maintain optimal airflow.
Use Vibration Dampening Mounts
Vibration dampening mounts can help reduce the transmission of vibrations from the space heater to the surrounding chassis, which can in turn reduce the overall noise level. These mounts are typically made of rubber or other shock-absorbing materials and are designed to isolate the heater from the mounting surface.
When using vibration dampening mounts, it’s important to choose a product that is rated for the weight and size of your space heater. Typical vibration dampening mounts can reduce vibration transmission by up to 95%, resulting in a significant reduction in noise.
Enclose the Heater
Building an insulated wood enclosure around your space heater can also help reduce the noise level. This method works by creating a barrier that absorbs and dampens the sound waves generated by the heater.
When constructing the enclosure, use high-density materials such as plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a minimum thickness of 3/4 inch. The enclosure should also be lined with a sound-absorbent material, such as acoustic foam or MLV, to further enhance the noise reduction.
It’s important to note that while an enclosure can be effective in reducing noise, it may not be enough on its own. In some cases, you may need to relocate the heater to a dedicated equipment room or other isolated area to achieve the desired level of noise reduction.
Reduce Blower Fan Noise
If the primary source of noise from your space heater is the blower fan, there are a few additional techniques you can use to reduce the noise:
-
Seal the Corners with Aircon Aluminum Tape: Applying aircon aluminum tape to the corners of the blower fan housing can help seal any gaps and reduce the amount of air turbulence, which can contribute to the overall noise level.
-
Use a Labyrinth-Style Muffler: A labyrinth-style muffler can be installed on the blower fan’s air intake or exhaust to create a more complex air path, effectively dampening the sound waves.
-
Surround the Blower Fan with Mass-Loaded Vinyl: Wrapping the blower fan with a mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) sheet can help absorb and block the transmission of sound waves, reducing the overall noise level.
-
Encase the Blower Fan in Closed-Cell Foam: Encasing the blower fan in a layer of closed-cell foam can help dampen the vibrations and reduce the amount of noise generated by the fan.
When implementing these techniques, it’s crucial to ensure that the airflow through the heater is not restricted, as this can negatively impact the device’s performance and efficiency.
By following the methods outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can effectively make your space heater quieter and create a more peaceful and comfortable living environment. Remember to consider the technical specifications, such as decibel ratings and sound absorption coefficients, to ensure that you choose the most effective solutions for your specific space heater and needs.
References:
– Making an RV Furnace Quieter
– How to Quiet a Portable Forced-Air Heater
– How to Soundproof a Blower Fan
– Quiet Kick Space Heater
– Soundproofing a Furnace Blower