How to Make Your Home Quieter Without Any Major Changes

Before making any changes, it’s important to determine what’s causing the noise in your home. While some disturbances are obvious, using a decibel meter or a mobile app can give a clearer picture of where the loudest spots are.

A typical room registers between 30 and 50 decibels (dB), while anything above 70dB can be harmful. Noise sensitivity varies from person to person, so walking around and noting areas where sound spikes can help pinpoint the sources that need attention.

2. Minimize appliance noise

Household appliances contribute heavily to indoor noise levels. Washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers typically operate within the 50-70 dB range, and when multiple appliances run simultaneously, the noise can be overwhelming.

Here’s how to keep them quieter:

1. Opt for quieter models. Some appliances have lower decibel ratings. Checking product specifications or looking for Quiet Mark-certified options can make a difference.
2. Ensure proper balance. Machines with moving parts, like washers, need to be level. Adjusting their feet can prevent unnecessary vibrations and excess noise.
3. Use anti-vibration pads. These absorb movement and minimize the sound produced by appliances.
4. Add wall cladding. Sound-absorbing materials or thick fabrics around appliances can reduce noise transmission through walls.

3. Reduce furnace and ductwork noise

A noisy furnace can be disruptive, but there are a few ways to quiet it down:

• Lower the fan speed. This simple adjustment may eliminate whining or howling sounds.
• Clean the system. Dust buildup in the furnace, filters, or vents can cause unnecessary noise. Regular cleaning can help.
• Inspect ductwork. Loose connections or gaps can create whistling sounds. Sealing them with foil tape can reduce unwanted noise.

​4. Thick rug pads for soundproofing

For those looking to dampen sound, a dense rug pad made of felt or acoustic foam can be highly effective. Felt pads are particularly useful for absorbing speech and music vibrations.

For an extra layer of soundproofing, cut pieces of an old rug pad and place them beneath heavy furniture like sofas and beds. When selecting rugs, aim for a high knots-per-square-inch (KPSI) count—100 KPSI is decent, while 300+ KPSI is excellent for reducing sound transmission.

Related: 5 Things You Can Do When You Sleep with Someone Who Snores

5. Soundproofing wall plates

Walls, especially uninsulated ones, act as sound conductors. Electrical outlets and light switches often have gaps that allow noise to pass through. Installing noise-absorbing gaskets behind wall plates can reduce this problem. For an added barrier, applying putty around electrical boxes helps keep sound from traveling between rooms.

6. Effective window treatments

Basic curtains won’t do much for noise reduction. Instead, focus on heavy, dense fabrics. The ideal material weight is between 12 oz and 18 oz per yard.

Installation matters, too:

• Use full-length curtains with at least 100% fullness (double the width of the window).
• Extend the curtain rod 3 to 4 inches from the wall for better coverage.
• Choose a French-return rod, which wraps around the wall to block both light and noise.

​7. Securing noisy pipes

If loud pipes are a problem, especially when running hot water or when the heating system kicks in, consider these fixes:

• Secure loose pipes. Pipes rattling inside walls might just need bracing. This may require opening up a section of the wall, but a plumber can also help.
• Install a water hammer arrester. This device absorbs pressure changes and stops pipes from banging.
• Use pressure-reducing valves (PRVs). These regulate water and air pressure, helping to eliminate knocking sounds. While professional installation can be costly, it’s a long-term solution for noisy plumbing.

8. Fix those squeaky floors 

Got noisy floorboards? Try these quick fixes:

• Sprinkle some dry lubricant (like powdered graphite or talcum powder) into squeaky seams between floorboards. Place a cloth over the area and walk on it until the noise stops. You might need to repeat this process a few times.
• If you can access the floor from below, look for gaps between the subfloor and joists. Adding shims can stop the movement causing the noise. Another option is installing screws from above or below - just make sure they won't poke through the other side. When screwing from above, use trim screws and fill the holes with wood filler.
• For bigger gaps, cut a 2x4 to fit between joists. Install it slightly higher than the joists to fill the gap and stop the movement.
• For squeaky tile floors, check that all tiles are properly stuck down and reattach any loose ones. Fill gaps around the edges with caulk to prevent movement.

​9. Mitigate noises from settling

Those mysterious creaks and groans in your house? They're usually just normal settling as your home adjusts to its foundation. But temperature and humidity changes can also make materials expand and contract, creating those spooky sounds. Managing your home's climate can help reduce these noises.

10. Smart use of background noise

Different types of ambient noise can help mask unwanted sounds. White noise works well for general noise coverage, while brown noise (which sounds like distant thunder) is better for low-frequency sounds like snoring or idling vehicles. You might also find pink or green noise more pleasant - everyone's ears respond differently.

11. Quiet down your heating system 

Steam radiators can be noisy, but there are easy fixes:

• Tilt radiators slightly toward the boiler to prevent water pooling. A simple shim can do the trick. For whistling radiators, try replacing the air vent - it's an inexpensive DIY job.

For noisy forced-air systems:

• Install fiberglass duct liners to reduce vibration
• Place anti-vibration pads under the furnace
• Keep filters clean to prevent strain on the system
• Make sure all supply vents are open

If these steps don't help, you might need a pro to check the motor.

Related: Is All This Noise Making Our Lives Shorter

12. Place pads under furniture

Furniture can also contribute to noise by transmitting sounds through bare floors. Placing rugs or pads under large pieces like sofas or beds adds an extra layer of soundproofing. This simple step can help reduce noise traveling to other areas of your home.

13. Upgrade your doors

Hollow interior doors are poor sound barriers, allowing noise to travel easily. Replacing them with solid-core doors can make a big difference. Additionally, adding a door sweep to the bottom of the door can block gaps that let sound seep through.