The last thing you want to hear in your utility closet is sounds from outside blasting into the room.
Some home equipment such as HVAC systems and air conditioners are sometimes tucked away from view in the closets.
To enjoy your little moments, soundproofing your closet can help dampen the offending noise.
But, How Do You Soundproof A Utility Closet?
Thankfully, there are various ways you can soundproof your utility closet. So, to continue enjoying your beautiful closet without disturbing noise, here are ways to affordably and efficiently soundproof your utility closet:
1. Attach Acoustic Panels To The Closet Walls
Acoustic panels are fantastic options to soundproof your closet.
First, they do a perfect job in buffering undesirable noise, and secondly, acoustic panels are easy to install.
You will be amazed at how acoustic panels can improve the quality of sound inside your closet without having to insulate the entire room.
Besides, acoustic panels come in a variety of colors which you can turn into a decoration material in your closet.
So, if you are interested in installing acoustic panels, you can hire an experienced installation team, or you can DIY by following the guiding steps below:
Modifications To The Acoustic Panel
Because the panels will block your utility closet walls, you need to cut out spaces in the acoustic panel for wall switches, electric outlets, or any other utility output on the wall you need to preserve.
To make accurate cutouts, you need to take correct measurements using a tape measure.
Measure the wall where you need to conserve and transfer the measurements to the panel you need to cut.
After making the correct markings on the panel, make the necessary back panel cuts.
Installation Procedure
- First, attach the impaling clips to make the installation smooth, with the flat side facing the wall. Then attach the fiberglass to the pin projections on the back of the panel to aid the sheer weight of the fiberglass while the sticking glue dries.
- Make markings on the wall where you will place the acoustic panel. Then tighten the impaling clips to the wall to mount the panel.
- Place adhesive next to each clip.
- Now, attach each panel on top of the clips on the wall and press steadfastly on the spots where the fiberglass meets the impaling clips until the pin penetrates the fiberglass wholly. And with that, you are done. You can do the finishing and cleaning to remove any mess left around.
Z-clip Option
You can also mount the acoustic panels using z-clips.
This method requires a more meticulous approach to plan and install the panels.
It involves two parts.
The one part of the z-clips fasteners are installed at the manufacturing stage on the back of the panels.
The other z-clips with the panel are installed on the wall with assigned fasteners.
From there, you can attach the acoustic panel to the wall clips.
The z-clip method is an ideal choice if you want to preserve the wall structure after you remove the panels.
2. Install Bass Trap Foam
The advantage of studio foam bass traps is that they work in rooms of any size.
They are usually installed in recording studios, home theatres, and other places that require less noise.
This is a suitable absorptive device to install if your utility closet has bass issues.
The advantage of bass trap foams is that you can place them anywhere in the room, so you won’t have to redesign your space.
3. Seal Off Cracks
Cracks and openings could be the reason the unwanted sounds make their way to your closet.
Therefore, you have to perambulate your closet for any cracks that let the sound through.
Inspect the ceiling, flooring, and walls for cracks or openings. And if you find any cracks or openings on the walls or ceiling, apply acoustic sealant.
If there are gaps or openings in the closet door, apply weather-stripping.
4. Hang A Moving Blanket On The Door
If your closet door is made with light or amorphous materials, it will still let in many sounds even after you have sealed cracks and openings.
You will need material to block the sound on the door.
You can hang a moving blanket on the outside or inside the door closet to absorb unwanted sounds.
With the moving blanket in place, you can now enjoy the quietness in your closet or make noise without worrying about sound disturbing your neighbors.
5. Lay Down A Large Rug
A hard surface cannot absorb sound frequencies.
When sound hits the hard floor, it bounces back, creating a lot of interference and echo, which is very annoying.
To solve sound interference issues, you need to carpet the floor or lay a rug large enough to cover the entire floor.
The carpet should be thick enough for extra absorption of sound.
It also absorbs sound from without, and thus you won’t have to put up with irritating vibrations from outside your closet.
Three Methods Of Soundproofing A HVAC Closet
You don’t have to put up with annoying noise from the HVAC utility closet, primarily if it is situated close to your bedroom.
Instead of sound-insulating your entire bedroom, you can simply soundproof your HVAC utility closet, utilizing three methods:
1. Add More Layers Of Drywall
The best place to begin is by adding mass to the existing space.
And the simplest way to do it is to add additional drywall to the closet.
You can go about this in two ways:
- You can install a drywall box around the HVAC system
- or add drywall onto the present walls within the utility closet.
Suppose you choose to install a drywall box around the HVAC system.
In that case, you must follow the manufacturer’s guide to avoid blocking the ventilation and accessibility of the system.
2. Soundproof The HVAC Closet Door
When it comes to soundproofing a utility closet, the door is a common weak link that lets out most noise.
It would be best to devote more time and attention to sealing off any openings on the closet door.
You can opt for weather-stripping material or insulating sealants.
Acoustic sealant tape is an excellent choice.
Find the cracks and openings on the door and apply the sealants.
You can also acquire weather-stripping adhesives in different forms depending on the size of the space below the door.
Weather seals are made of heavy rubber, making them suitable sound insulators.
3. Install Vibration Mounts
Installing vibration mounts can significantly reduce vibrations from the HVAC system to the walls.
This is quite a technical job.
You will have to take down the HVAC system to mount new vibration pads.
You can DIY it or hire a professional.
Properly installed vibration mounts can make a massive difference by dampening vibration noise from the HVAC system.
Final Thoughts
Soundproofing your utility closet doesn’t have to be an uphill task for you.
You can achieve peaceful time in your room away from the outside noise by simply following what we have highlighted on how to soundproof a utility closet.
Whatever method you decide to apply, remember that it should not hamper the functionality of your closet.
