Vent trapdoor solution

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Pez

Vent trapdoor solution
« on: 20 Mar 2013, 11:57 pm »
Having finished my dedicated room I quickly discovered how any noise source can be a major problem. Although I had my HVAC guy put in an oversized vent hole to reduce the amount of air turbulence the vent can be heard from the listening position. With a little DIY magic I was able to come up with the perfect solution.  :thumb:

This is my vent cover solution. Feel free to use it yourself.  :thumb:
Materials: 3/8" plywood or equivalent
cabinet hinge with spring hinge style action
Knob
door/cabinet latch
Molly style screws for drywall attaching.
self adhesive weather stripping.

It's pretty self explanatory from the pictures so instead of doing a step by step if you have any questions just ask.


When closed there is zero air sound. You don't hear anything.


Note the overlapping gaskets- Make sure that the weather strip gaskets overlaps as any gap can cause whistling or air turbulence noise.

Here's a close up of the gasket for reference.


The reason for the spring hinge is not to hold the door shut as the spring hinge is no where near strong enough to do this effectively. However with a spring hinge you can control airflow by shutting the cover at different angles.




So if you're getting too much air you can adjust accordingly with the spring hinge. If balanced correctly it won't move on it's own.

Would love to see someone else give this a shot and tell me if the results were any good. In my setup this is a perfect solution.

mcgsxr

Re: Vent trapdoor solution
« Reply #1 on: 21 Mar 2013, 02:04 pm »
Interesting. 

To clarify, this is a vent that brings air to the room, not a cold air return?

You close it off or reduce the opening during times of listening, and then leave it open at other times?

Pez

Re: Vent trapdoor solution
« Reply #2 on: 21 Mar 2013, 04:48 pm »
You are correct this is bringing air into the room.
When I am listening seriously I close the vent off.

rollo

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Re: Vent trapdoor solution
« Reply #3 on: 21 Mar 2013, 04:56 pm »
  VG solution. However if the HVAC system was balanced correctly there should be no need. However all is moot if your happy with result. ENJOY !!!!


charles

Pez

Re: Vent trapdoor solution
« Reply #4 on: 21 Mar 2013, 05:43 pm »
Charles,
It's not just about airflow it's about eliminating a source of noise. If your room is quiet enough you'll realize the single biggest source of noise pollution is probably your vents.