Sound dampening apparatus for hvac air filters and methods of use

A sound dampening apparatus for dampening or otherwise preventing impact noises between an HVAC air filter and a cavity of an air duct in which the air filter is positioned, the cavity defined by perimeter side walls extending between a base wall and an opposing air vent, the apparatus comprising:

• a base portion engagable with a lower end of the cavity;
• an opposing support portion configured for selectively contacting a lower face of the air filter and supporting the air filter thereon;
• and
• an at least one selectively compressible spring member extending between and interconnecting the base portion and the support portion, the at least one spring member having a maximum height sufficient for causing the air filter to be sandwiched between an upper end of the cavity and the support portion, regardless of a thickness of the air filter;
• whereby, with the air filter sandwiched between the support portion and an upper end of the cavity, and air flowing through the cavity in a substantially upward direction, the support portion prevents the air filter from impacting the lower end of the cavity upon cessation of said air flow, thereby preventing the air filter from creating any impact noises.

A method for dampening or otherwise preventing impact noises between an HVAC air filter and a cavity of an air duct in which the air filter is positioned, the cavity defined by perimeter side walls extending between a base wall and an opposing air vent, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning an at least one sound dampening apparatus within the cavity, the at least one sound dampening apparatus providing a base portion and an opposing support portion interconnected by an at least one selectively compressible spring member;
• engaging the base portion of the at least one apparatus with a lower end of the cavity;
• and
• positioning the air filter between the support portion of the at least one apparatus and an upper end of the cavity, such that a lower face of the air filter is in contact with the support portion of the at least one apparatus;
• whereby, as air flows through the cavity in a substantially upward direction, the support portion prevents the air filter from impacting the lower end of the cavity upon cessation of said air flow, thereby dampening or otherwise preventing the air filter from creating any impact noises.