Those magical days when the HVAC is off

I fully understand and appreciate the HVAC sound issue you have raised. Here are some tips I offer, after having 11 new home constructions in Southern California, Northern Virginia, and the South Carolina Low Country. (1) During construction, specify your preferred location for the air handler, intake and output vents, and thermostat. (2) During construction, insist on knowing the wall, floor, and ceiling insulation grade. (3) For a second floor, insist on a sealed wood floor with “glue and screw” versus a nail gun. (4) Investigate carpet padding, material and method of installation before choosing the flooring. (5) In an existing room, ensure that the HVAC access points to the attic or side walls have an insulation blanket affixed to the door/crawl space. (6) Select HVAC filters that balance your need for purified air and the noise generated by air flowing through the intake vent. (7) Have your HVAC system professionally checked for air output flow and balance.  (8) Ensure your windows are well insulated to minimize outside noise and your neighbor’s HVAC systems. (9) Have your roof treated with an environmentally safe sticky substance to deter pigeons and ravens from cooing, squawking, and bouncing off windows and metal exhaust vents. (10) If all else fails, put on your best headphones and enjoy the music.   

As a lighthearted note regarding home music rooms and protecting against external noise, even the best plans go awry. I had carefully reviewed the blueprints being used by the prime and subcontractor team. Since the architectural design, construction, and amenities were largely inflexible and I was unable to be on site, I was compelled to restrict my personal inspection to designated phases. The bottom line is that the construction manager took it upon himself to change location of attic and wall access points, air ducts, and electrical power outlets. He also decided it would be easier to locate the bi-level HVAC unit adjacent to the only long wall and place the air compressor right under the listening room window. He also informed me that the parent construction company did not authorize glue and screw for upstairs composite flooring and only used nail guns. And by the way, the high grade padding and bur-bur carpeting was no longer available, since negotiations with their supplier had broken down. [NOTE: The cautionary statement: "We reserve the right to change specifications and construction materials... " is there for a reason.]

So my wife and I moved into our new "dream" home in Summerville, SC. Shortly thereafter, I noticed a high level of humidity and musty odor in the upstairs music and collectibles room. "Whoops!" The window and room vent exhaust contractors forgot to seal the units and the incessant rain and humidity quickly saturated the wall and ceiling board. And the upstairs floor creaked and squeaked with every step, which the contractor remedied by pulling up the cheap pad and carpeting and yanking out the nails with a crowbar.

However, there is good news. When the house was hit by lightning, the strike was largely diffused by running to ground. Unfortunately, I had failed to unplug my audio equipment from the wall and the amps went into protective mode. But that's another story.