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Dealing with HVAC vent air flow noise?

We've just replaced our split HVAC system with upgraded capacity and higher quality/efficiency components. One aspect of the upgrade is a 1/2 ton higher capacity air handler with a multiple speed blower. While the system is much quieter overall than the previous one, during the heat of the day when the air flow is ramped up to it's greatest arflow, I notice more air noise than before coming from the vents. It seems that if a larger outlet or an additional outlet were installed, resulting lower air volume/friction/turbulence would reduce noise in the listening area. Have any of you dealt with a similar problem? What worked for you?
photon46

Showing 1 response by nsgarch

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nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
The problem is you likely have standard registers (diffusers) on the vents. What you want is something called an Opposed Blade Damper (OBD) type diffuser which has a set of airflow control blades just behind the directional vanes. These (vertical blades) rotate in opposite directions to control airflow without causing a wooshing sound. They are about ten times the cost of standard stamped metal (around $40), but not as costly as adding or enlarging the vents (which would help, but may still require OBS's.)
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