Cost considerations aside, I was wondering if anyone knows about how each option compares strictly in terms of effectiveness. For my manufactured option I would be looking at Fantech's 6" silencer;
http://www.electricsuppliesonline.com/6siforroduld.html
For DIY option I would build the 'zig-zag' box design lined with 1" duct liner. The image I've attached is an overhead view (from the attic) of what I would likely build.
I guess I'm wondering if the DIY option is a compromise on effectiveness or if they can perform as well or even better than the manufactured silencers?
DIY versus manufactured duct silencers
Originally posted at johnlsayers.com, topic 11883.
Bump! :)
A DIY solution is a good plan. There's plenty of examples on this forum on this topic which will guide you through.
Well, its certainly been on this forum that I learned of both options and I think I've been through every post on the topic. Most people probably only have experience with one or the other so perhaps I'm hoping for too much in seeking a performance comparison......? I thought it would be worth asking/discussing anyway. Each is going to have its benefits of course - DIY will be cheaper, manufactured requires less space..... For my application I'll need to go directly up through both leafs of my ceiling to get to the flexduct running in the attic. I just haven't been able to determine which system would best minimize coupling, transmission, etc. How about this - does anyone have any post-installation thoughts on either type? Has anyone actually installed a manufactured silencer? Has anyone built a straight-line DIY silencer (rather than the zig-zag box design)?A DIY solution is a good plan. There's plenty of examples on this forum on this topic which will guide you through.