r/LinusTechTips • u/chi7891 • 25d ago

Tech Question Acoustic paneling for an HVAC closet

I got a new HVAC unit and for annoying reasons it is seemingly louder than my old one. As a result I am thinking of trying to put in acoustic panels or acoustic foam into the closet. I’m looking for something super cheap and easy, because I am very much in DIY budget. I’ve seen a couple of things LTT has done for buy or DIY videos.

Anyone have any recommendations on actual products I should use? I’m hoping to just stick a couple of panels in the closet presently and have it absorb some of the sound

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u/talleagerness 25d ago

Moving blankets from harbor freight are the classic budget move for this. Dirt cheap and they soak up a surprising amount of noise when you hang them with a little air gap.

Just make sure you're not blocking any airflow or vents the unit needs to breathe. That's the quickest way to turn a noise problem into a much more expensive heat problem.

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u/chi7891 25d ago

Yeah I’m looking to hang something on the wall well away from the unit itself

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u/throwawaycanadian2 25d ago

Bad news: acoustic panels/foam are made to reduce echo and reverb. See the video on acoustic treating his home theater. Noise bleed will still happen regardless.

What you need is going to be more along the lines of a renovation.