How to Keep Your Cannabis Grow Room Silent

Such is the world of growing cannabis indoors — you want to create the perfect environment for your plants, but while doing that, you end up with a problem on your hands: so much noise. 

Have you ever even thought about it? The incessant whirring of fans, the humming of pumps, and the rustling of ducting can quickly turn your sanctuary into a cacophony, which can get annoying slowly. This noise not only disrupts your peace but can also attract unwanted attention from nosy neighbors or even authorities. 

That's why keeping your grow room silent is more than just a luxury — it's a necessity. In this article, we'll explore some effective ways you can minimize noise levels in your growing space. This will ensure you can grow your cannabis discreetly and comfortably. 

Importance of a Quiet Cannabis Grow Room

Sure, you love your grow setup, but does it really need to sound like a small factory churning away 24/7? The constant whirring, humming, and buzzing may seem like a necessary evil to us, but it can quickly turn from background noise to serious annoyance. 

Whether you're trying to relax, work, or just watch TV, that noise can really mess with your peace of mind. And let's not forget the bigger issue: suspicion. If your neighbors start hearing strange, mechanical sounds coming from your place day in and day out, it could raise a few eyebrows. 

In fact, the constant drone of fans, pumps, and other equipment might even have them wondering what's going on behind closed doors. Worst-case scenario? The authorities get curious. And that's not a situation you want to be in.

That's why keeping your grow room as silent as possible should be at the top of your list. While a lucky few growers might live in areas where they don't have to worry about noise, most of us aren't in that boat. 

For the majority, a quiet grow room is a happy grow room. Not only will it keep your environment more comfortable, but it will also help you avoid any unwanted attention because when it comes to growing cannabis in peace, less noise means fewer questions. And that's exactly what you want.

The Noisiest Parts of the Cannabis Grow Room

So, what's making all that noise? Most of it comes from your equipment. Here are the common ways your grow room sings.

1. Exhaust Fans

These are one of the main culprits. Big, industrial-sized fans that can move serious amounts of air — like 1300 m3/h — can crank out up to 55 decibels. That's pretty loud. Heck, even regular exhaust fans can make a lot of noise, which may drown out during the day but can be pretty audible if you live in a quiet neighborhood. 

2. Ducting

Believe it or not, the sound of air rushing through your ducts can add to the noise pollution. When you first set up your grow, all the equipment buzzing at once can feel overwhelming.

There are several reasons why ducting may make noise, including:

• Air Movement: When air is forced through ductwork, it can sometimes make a loud rushing noise. The ventilation systems that make these noises probably have ducts that are too small for the amount of air that is trying to move through them. Larger and more powerful fans that move larger volumes of air can make this sound worse with a continuous whooshing or hissing sound.
• Rattling: Ducts that aren't secured or fitted properly will rattle as air pushes through it which may disturb you significantly. This is especially worse in metal ducting which can amplify the noise a lot more if you haven't installed it properly. Also, flex ducts can droop and twist, creating an airflow inefficiency and a loud noise as air cannot move easily through these restricted areas. 
• Bends and Turns: An abrupt turn or bend in ducting creates turbulence in the airflow causing additional noise levels. The more the bends and restrictions in the ducting layout, the more noise. 
• Backdraft dampers: These can be found in many ventilation systems to ensure that the air doesn't flow in the wrong direction when you switch off the fans. While they will work fine for air control, they sometimes produce noise when they open and close as well.

3. Fans

Your 9 to 12-inch oscillating fans, especially at full speed, can be surprisingly noisy, particularly if they're clipped to tent poles or sitting on the floor. This is why mounting your fans properly can make a world of difference in reducing that constant hum.

Grow rooms typically rely on high-powered fans to help move air in and out of the room. Fans can be small oscillating fans, large inline ducting fans, or any other fan you've chosen. Regardless, they are always running in the grow room to help maintain a steady environment. Without them, it's very difficult to maintain proper airflow; however, they almost always have a steady whirring nose. Over time, this noise can increase due to various factors such as:

• Wear and tear: As fans age, the internal components get worn out, causing them to vibrate or operate less smoothly which increases the noise output.
• Dust: Dust and debris can build up on fan blades and motors, affecting the fan's balance and functioning. This may cause the rotors to spin unevenly, which sounds like it's rattling. 
• Improper Installation: If fans are not securely installed or if you mount them on surfaces that easily transmit vibration, the fan can create a lot of noise. Also, if your walls are thin and if you mount the fans on them or uninsulated surfaces, it can amplify vibrations.

The strength of a fan can affect how loud it is. Fans that run on high power are noisier. You can dial the speed down, but they will be less effective, especially when the grow lights and other equipment create considerable heat.

One option is to go for low-power fans, but, then again, they will be less effective if you have a large grown room with multiple plants and intense grow lights. 

4. Hydroponic Pumps

If you're growing cannabis hydroponically, the pumps used to circulate nutrient solutions can add to the chaos. Air pumps, in particular, are notorious for their loud humming, which only gets worse with time. And since they're on 24/7, that sound can really grate on your nerves.

Water pumps help to circulate water to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the cannabis plants in a hydroponic system. Setups such as nutrient film technique (NFT), deep water culture (DWC), aeroponics, and drip systems are included in these systems. Even though hydroponics has so many benefits for plants, one downside is the noise of the pumps and other parts that move the water or aerate it. A quieter grow room starts with an understanding of where noise comes from and how to reduce it.

Different Kinds of Water Pumps and Their Noise Output

The two main kinds of water pumps for hydroponic systems are submersible and inline ones. Both types are associated with noise production, so they each will have a downside.

Using water to muffle noise, a submersible pump sits with its motor underwater. It requires outer piping through which fluid is sucked in and released at the surface level. Submersible pumps usually make a noticeable humming noise, especially in systems where they are on all the time. Over time, the internal parts of the pump will wear out and may become noisier. Also, if the pump is not attached firmly or placed on a stable surface, it can vibrate against the bottom of the reservoir or grow tray and make noises.

Inline pumps, unlike submersible pumps, are put outside the water reservoir and push water through the tubing into the hydroponic system. These pumps are more powerful and efficient for larger loads but are noisier than smaller pumps at their maximum capacity. Motor and pump vibration noise while running can be louder than submersible types because they are not underwater. Also, there is less water absorption of sound from non-submersible types. 

5. Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

It's crucial to control cannabis humidity as excessive moisture and low humidity can create problems like mold, and powdery mildew, and stunt the growth of the plant. As a result, many growers depend on humidifiers to add moisture to the air and dehumidifiers to eliminate moisture to maintain the correct humidity levels a plant requires. But, despite being very important, they tend to be a big source of noise in a grow room. However, if you understand how they work and the source of the noise, you can curb it down significantly. 

How Humidifiers Generate Noise

A humidifier can add moisture to the air from water vapor or by using ultrasound for misting. Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to send air through a water-soaked wick. The water evaporates and enters the air. This type of humidifier might sound like a fan running at full power. 

In fact, the sounds you hear from a humidifier mainly come from the fan inside the device that forces air through the humidifier. The bigger the fan, the greater the noise, especially when the fan is racing at a high speed to meet the humid needs of a big grow room. Over time, dust particles can accumulate on the fan blades. The blades can become unbalanced and the fan can become louder.

On the other hand, ultrasonic humidifiers work by creating high-frequency sound vibrations to transform water into mist that sprays out into the air. They're not loud like evaporative humidifiers but aren't completely quiet either. The ultrasonic plate inside the coupling might emit a low humming sound, while cheaper versions tend to make a high-pitched whine. If the humidifier has an internal fan to help distribute the mist, that fan can also make noise.

The internal vibration of a humidifier or the noise of the water pumping or flowing through the device can make noises in an evaporative humidifier and ultrasonic humidifier. This is seen in both evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers, particularly in humidifiers with a larger tank or ones that use water pumps to internally circulate water.

How Dehumidifiers Generate Noise

Dehumidifiers work by drawing moist air over coils that are cold, causing condensation. These machines can be noisy due to a few reasons, including:

• Compressor noise: Most dehumidifiers use compressors that cool coils and condense the moisture. When operating, compressors emit a low-frequency hum or vibration, making them one of the loudest parts of a dehumidifier. Bigger compressors in larger dehumidifiers used in larger grow rooms are even more noisy.
• Fan noise: The fan in a dehumidifier draws air into the machine and circulates it over the coils. Just like a humidifier, the fan's constant whir can become fairly loud, especially when it's at a high speed. With time, the bearings on the fan can wear down or dust can collect on the fan's blades which create noise.
• Water collection: The water that a dehumidifier collects either drains on its own, or it needs to be emptied from a reservoir. In automatic drain systems, the noise of water pumping out can contribute to the overall sound. If dripping sounds make you go crazy, beware that the water dripping into the container can get annoying after a while. 

Factors that contribute to Noise from Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers 

• Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers cycle on and off throughout the day to control the humidity range. This cycling can create an abrupt noise when it starts and stops, especially for compressor dehumidifiers. The noise that comes from a compressor or fan that suddenly starts can be disturbing, especially in a quiet grow room.
• Older or low-quality humidifiers and dehumidifiers have worn-out parts, which causes them to make more noise. As internal components break down, older fans can make rattling noises and compressors get louder. The lower-end models tend to be noisier right away due to the cheaper components used to build them. 
• The location of your humidifier or dehumidifier in the grow room affects its noise level too. If you place them against walls, it can amplify the sound. 

When shopping for a new humidifier or dehumidifier make sure to choose one that is ‘low-noise' and designed for use in bedrooms or indoors. Choose models equipped with noise-reducing features such as insulated compressors, quieter fans, or a technology that reduces vibrations. 

In addition, maintenance is very important. Taking care of your humidifier or dehumidifier regularly can help reduce noise. From cleaning it regularly to replacing worn-out parts, maintain it frequently to get the most value for your money. 

In addition, place your humidifier or dehumidifier on foam mats or rubber pads to dampen the sounds of vibration. This is particularly effective for dehumidifiers whose compressors vibrate more than those in other products.

Now that you know the culprits behind your noisy grow room, it's time to learn how to silence them. 

How to Make Your Grow Room Quieter?

Now, let's dive into the best ways to keep your growing space as quiet as possible. Whether you're working with a grow tent or a full-blown grow room, these tips will help you reduce noise without sacrificing your yield. Follow these tips.

1. Use Silent Hydro Setups

If you're aiming for a stealthy growing operation with impressive yields, consider switching to hydroponic systems that don't rely on noisy air pumps, like Deep Water Culture (DWC). You can also opt for quieter setups such as drip systems or Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). 

Dripper systems are a solid choice because they run continuously or in 15-minute cycles and only generate noise when active. NFT systems also use small, quiet water flows, meaning they don't disrupt your space with loud, constant noise. 

By opting for these methods, you'll maintain a silent operation while still making the most of your space and maximizing your plant's potential.

Once you've got a few grows under your belt and are familiar with things like feeding schedules, pH levels, and nutrient management, hydroponics can take your cultivation game to the next level. Seriously, once you start growing with hydro, there's no turning back — it quickly becomes an obsession!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While quieting your grow room is the goal, there are a few mistakes that can lead to unwanted noise or other issues. Here are some to watch out for:

• Loud air pumps can be a nightmare, especially if you're growing in a room where you also sleep.
• Vibrating water pumps can cause floorboards to shake, sending vibrations through the whole house — definitely not ideal for keeping things discreet.
• Oversized reservoirs might sound like a good idea, but they often use more nutrients than necessary and take up valuable space.
• Not using enough air stones — more on this below.

By steering clear of these common mistakes, you'll not only keep your grow room quieter but also run a more efficient and productive setup.

2. Mount Your Extractor Fan Inside the Tent

First things first — get everything inside the tent. The fabric itself acts as a natural sound insulator, helping to keep the noise down. But, if you take a few extra steps, you can make it even quieter.

Your extractor fan is likely big and bulky, and you might be tempted to mount it outside the tent for convenience. Resist that urge! The extractor is one of the noisiest pieces of equipment, so placing it inside the tent can make a world of difference.

The best spot? The ceiling bars of your tent. Use clips and bungee cords to suspend the fan. Bungee cords are lifesavers when it comes to noise reduction — they absorb vibrations, keeping the tent from turning into a soundbox. Plus, they help maintain the structure of your tent by reducing the constant shaking caused by the equipment running.

3. Jerry Rig the Fans on Your Grow Light

If you're feeling confident in your DIY skills, this tip can take your grow space's noise reduction up a notch. 

LED grow lights, known for running cool, come with fans similar to the ones in computers. While they're generally quiet, they can still let out that annoying whir when they heat up — like a gaming laptop struggling to keep up.

Here's the good news: you can swap out the standard fans for ultra-quiet ones. The process varies depending on the model you're using but typically involves removing the outer casing and replacing the fans — not too complicated if you know your way around basic tools.

Now, if your LEDs are already fairly quiet, this might seem unnecessary. But if your grow tent is in a room where you spend a lot of time, it's worth the effort to make things as silent as possible. After all, a little peace and quiet can go a long way!

4. Or Simply Switch to Passive-Cooled LED Lights 

The world of gardening lighting is evolving, and right now, LEDs are leading the charge. With new companies offering top-notch lights excelling in spectrum and PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation), many growers are making the switch from traditional HPS lights to LEDs. 

Not only do LEDs help save on your electricity bill, but they also produce high-quality buds. However, finding the right lights that are both effective and quiet can be a bit of a challenge.

One standout option is passive-cooled light cases. These innovative designs use passive cooling technology, which allows excess heat generated by the lights to dissipate through the metal casing and into the surrounding air. 

This is a significant upgrade for anyone who has dealt with LED lights featuring internal fans. Over time, those fans can accumulate dust, create annoying whirring sounds, or even fail completely — leaving you in the dark (literally)!

Top Tip: LEDs can be a bit of an investment, so it's crucial to do your homework before diving in. Look for brands that provide the best solutions in terms of passive cooling technology.

5. Install Plug Fan Controllers 

Speaking of fans, have you ever seen those small devices with a dial that plug into an outlet and wondered what they're for? 

They're called plug fan controllers, and they're a great tool for controlling the power of your exhaust fan. By plugging in your fan and adjusting the dial, you can reduce how hard the fan is working, which directly cuts down on the noise created by the airflow.

If you're using a larger exhaust fan, lowering its output by 25% to 30% can make a noticeable difference in the noise without significantly affecting the air exchange rate in your grow tent. 

Top Tip: If you go for an exhaust fan that's bigger than what your tent needs, and then use a plug fan controller to reduce its power, you'll still get great airflow while keeping things quieter. Plus, these controllers are affordable and can be used with household appliances to save electricity and even shrink your carbon footprint.

6. Consider Using TT Fans 

When it comes to indoor cannabis growing, RVK fans are the go-to choice for many growers due to their powerful extraction capabilities. However, they come with a downside: they can get pretty loud when running at full speed, making them less than ideal for stealthy setups. 

That's where TT fans come into play.

These compact extractors are lightweight, easy to install, and operate quietly, even when running 24/7 at full power. Their low noise levels make them perfect for stealth grow boxes, allowing you to keep your growing hobby under the radar.

However, there are a few things you need to watch out for, such as the following:

• Be careful when wiring your TT fans; a wrong connection can blow a fuse, which is an easy mistake to make but can be annoying.
• Don't skimp on quality; avoid low-powered commercial bathroom exhaust fans that won't get the job done effectively.
• Make sure your plug wire is at least 2 meters long to give you flexibility in placement.
• Don't forget to replace your TT fan after every second harvest as this will ensure optimal performance and quieter operation.

Switching to TT fans can greatly improve your grow room experience by keeping noise levels down while maintaining efficient airflow. 

7. You Can Also Use Acoustic Wooden Boxes 

You might have come across these intriguing wooden boxes in your local grow shop or online and thought, "What are those?" 

Well, these acoustic wooden boxes are your secret weapon for keeping your growing space quiet. Designed specifically to house an RVK fan, they feature soundproof foam lining that dampens the noise from moving parts. Pair one with a plug dimmer, and you'll notice a significant reduction in noise levels.

One of the things you'll love about acoustic wooden boxes is their solid design, which allows you to place them directly on the floor. This setup makes it easy to connect ducting through the top of the box, giving you extra space inside your grow tent. Plus, it keeps your equipment organized and out of the way.

Just avoid the following mistakes:

• Avoid hanging the heavy wooden box inside the tent using chains and metal hooks as this can lead to unwanted vibrations and noise, defeating the purpose of soundproofing.
• If you're considering making your own acoustic box, be cautious; a poorly constructed version might not effectively reduce noise, so it's worth investing in a quality product.

By using acoustic wooden boxes, you can enjoy a quieter growing experience while maximizing space in your grow tent. 

8. Seal All the Openings 

When it comes to your grow tent, it's not just light that can sneak through the cracks — any noise can wiggle its way out too! To keep your setup as quiet as possible, sealing those openings is a must.

A soundproof grow tent can significantly reduce noise levels, making your grow room a more discreet operation. Your grow tent probably came equipped with various openings to allow wires, hoses, ducts, and equipment to enter and exit. They can be a source of unwanted noise when left unsealed.

Fortunately, sealing these openings is a straightforward task. For smaller gaps, a roll of duct tape will do wonders. For larger openings, try using cable ties to fasten a piece of cloth over the gap. Not only will this absorb much of the noise, but it also acts as an effective barrier against sound leakage.

Plus, sealing openings is essential for the health of your plants, especially if you're growing photoperiod varieties. Light leaks can stunt growth, cause plants to revert to the vegetative stage, and lead to a host of other issues — talk about a double win!

9. You Can Also Soundproof the Grow Room

If you're serious about keeping your cannabis grow room quiet, soundproofing the entire room is your best strategy. Depending on how much effort you want to invest — and how permanently you're willing to alter the space — there are several options to consider.

One of the simplest and most reversible solutions is to hang vinyl curtains or sound-dampening panels on the walls. These can significantly absorb sound, preventing it from vibrating through the walls and escaping into the rest of your home. 

Another easy fix is to add soundproof underlay to the floor. While it's designed to go under the carpet, you can lay it right on top of your existing flooring for a quick noise reduction boost.

And if you are ready to go all in, covering the walls with soundproof plasterboard is the most effective (but permanent) solution. This specialized boarding is designed to absorb noise, and if you're really committed, you can even use a double-board technique — layering the plasterboard — to drastically reduce any sound escaping from the room.

And don't forget about your ducting and fans! Just like in your grow tent, suspending them with bungee cords will help absorb vibrations and prevent them from transferring to the room's structure.

10. Install a Ventilated Muffler

To silence the noise from your cannabis grow room's exhaust duct, consider adding a ventilated muffler. While some systems include mufflers, making your own is a fun and cost-effective solution.

You'll need a 200-liter plastic trash bin, metal netting (like chicken wire), a silicone gun, duct tape, and insulation (Rockwool or quilt batting). 

Start by creating a tube from the netting that matches the diameter of your ducting. Cut holes in the bin for the tube to fit snugly, then secure it with silicone and duct tape. Fill the gaps between the tube and bin with insulation, making sure to wear gloves and a mask to avoid irritation.

Seal the bin and the holes, then attach your new muffler to the exhaust ducting. This DIY muffler will help reduce noise in your grow room, creating a quieter environment for your plants and you!

11. Place Air Stones and Water Pumps on Yoga Mats

If you don't want to go overboard, you can simply place your air stones and water pumps on yoga mats. These mats are great at absorbing vibrations, which can be a lifesaver in keeping your growing operation discreet.

Air stones and pumps can create vibrations that travel through your floors and become a nuisance. By placing them on a high-density foam mat, you can effectively dampen those vibrations and minimize noise. It's a simple solution that can make a noticeable difference.

While yoga mats are a convenient option, don't feel limited to them! Other soundproofing materials, like duct wrap, rubber mats, or even a thick carpet, can also do the trick. Just make sure to steer clear of anything flammable to avoid any serious hazards.

12. Use Extra Air Stones

In a hydro setup, air stones can play a crucial role in determining how much noise your pump generates. If your air stones are clogged or aging, your pump will have to work overtime, leading to unwanted noise. To keep things running smoothly and quietly, make it a habit to replace your air stones regularly.

If you want to take it a step further, consider adding extra air stones to your setup. This helps distribute the workload across multiple stones, reducing the effort required by your pump. A quieter pump means a cooler operation and improved energy efficiency — who doesn't want that?

13. Try Insulated Ducting

While metallic ducting might have a sleek look, it's also the loudest option around. Metal resonates sound, which can lead to annoying rattling noises. Instead, opt for noise-reducing ducting materials that can help minimize that constant hum.

If you're set on using metal ducting, insulating it is a straightforward and effective solution. You can either build an insulated wooden or plastic casing around the ducting or wrap it in insulation materials like rockwool. 

Summary: How to Keep Your Cannabis Grow Room Silent

Like we said earlier, a quiet grow room is a happy (and safe) grow room, allowing you to focus on what truly matters — your plants. By using these noise-reduction strategies, you can enjoy a more peaceful environment while ensuring optimal growth conditions for your cannabis. 

Whether it's switching to silent hydro setups, using acoustic wooden boxes, or simply sealing openings, every little change can make a significant difference in reducing noise. As you create a serene atmosphere for your plants, you'll also protect your privacy and enhance your overall growing experience.