11 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioner Noise
Having an AC that is not functioning optimally during summer is what every Texas resident would like to avoid. Loud noises are a sign that your AC is malfunctioning. A noisy AC may annoy you and also be a source of distraction. Fortunately, regardless of whether the noise is a loud screeching, a low humming, or a periodic banging, you can reduce the noise. Here are 11 ways you can quiet your noisy air conditioner.
1. Tighten Any Loose Screws
If your AC suddenly started to produce a loud noise, check to see if there are any loose screws. At times, the screws holding your condenser may loosen up and cause the other parts of the AC or the condenser itself to shake or to rattle. This results in a loud whining noise, which is why maintenance is vital. During maintenance, the experts can point out such things and fix them before they cause any serious damage.
2. Check the Condenser and the Compressor
The AC compressor refers to the part that circulates your refrigerant, and the condenser is the part that releases or collects the heat. These two parts are the main culprits of loud noises produced by your AC, particularly if the AC is over 10 years old. One major sign of your motor wearing out is noise production, and this might also signal it’s time to get a new AC unit.
3. Install a Fence Around Your AC
If your AC unit does not require replacement because it is not old or dirty, you might have gotten a loud AC unit by default. In this case, you can solve this issue by constructing a fence around your cooling system. Installing a small fence or planting a bush will create a sound barrier between the AC unit and your home. Consider building a 3-foot fence using plywood. This will act as a tester for whether the fence will help in reducing the sound. If this technique is effective, you can then construct a permanent fence.
It is essential to leave a 3-foot gap around your air conditioner’s perimeter. This is because the AC unit needs to obtain fresh air from the surroundings to keep it from overheating. Overheating is dangerous since it can damage the AC and reduce the cooling performance.
4. Clean the Fan Blades
If the motor is not the noise source, you can perform other maintenance actions to minimize the noise. For instance, consider cleaning the fan blades. Dust may increase your unit’s volume, leading to noise production.
One of the best tools to use when cleaning the blades is the vacuum. You will attach your brush to the vacuum hose and vacuum the blades gently. Be very cautious not to bend or push them. This might also be a great time to perform air filter replacement. These maintenance tips will play a role in ensuring that your AC runs efficiently throughout the summer.
5. Install a Smaller AC Unit
Some homeowners choose AC units that are too large for their home’s square footage, thinking they are increasing efficiency. However, installing a very powerful condenser may result in AC damage because it is cooling your home very quickly. Apart from creating so much noise, the constant cycling also causes premature damage to the AC components, resulting in loud noise. To determine the right size of AC for your home, ensure that you talk to our technicians.
6. Replace Your AC Unit
If your AC is over 10 years and if you have tried some of the above ways to minimize the noise and none of it seems not to work, it is time to replace your AC with a new one. Contact our certified technicians. We’ll come out check your system, after which we will advise you about which model to install.
Getting a new AC will solve all your noise issues since newer models are quiet and energy-efficient. Currently, there are modern AC units that come with specialized fans that are meant to minimize noise. The new unit might also come with an insulated compressor or a mount that is designed for condenser noise prevention.
7. Get a Sound-Absorbing Blanket
For you to soundproof your AC, you will need to add something between it and the world. It is easy to add a layer of soundproof material to your AC. Sound-absorbing blankets are cheap and easy to use. The blankets tend to reduce compressor noise by 40%. When buying the blanket, consider the size of your AC unit and the make or model. Consider performing an online search to find out which kind of blanket is most appropriate for y our air conditioner.
8. Construct a Suitable Surface for the AC
If your AC has unsteady contact with the ground or the wall, it might produce noise due to vibration. Position it on the steady ground. This will keep the unit from vibrating and make the noise level go down. Consider using a type of foam. Once you position it properly, the AC won’t produce any disquieting sounds. If the noise is due to other reasons, consider other techniques.
9. Eliminate the Noises From Water Drips
If your exterior AC unit is on a wall, it is possible to experience water drip noises. During summer nights, you find yourself opening all the windows to enjoy the fresh air as you sleep. However, if the outside AC is close to your bedroom window, dripping water noise might be an issue. However, this is an easily manageable problem. To nullify this sound, attach one end of a hose to the air conditioner’s hose, and attach the other end to the bottle’s opening.
10. Position Your AC Unit in the Right Position
If you can choose where your AC unit will be located, try to keep it away from rooms that you frequent the most. Keeping it farther away will create less trouble even if it produces noise. However, you will also need to consider your living room, bedrooms, dining room, and proximity to your neighbor’s house. Consider placing it at the back of your house.
11. Soundproof Your House
Another way of dealing with a noisy AC unit is by soundproofing your home. Since the AC is outside the house, consider soundproofing the critical areas, which will help you ignore the AC noise. Consider soundproofing the windows, walls, and doors. This will prevent the noise produced by your AC from penetrating your house.
Contact the Experts
If your AC unit in Texas has been producing so much noise, consider contacting us. We have well-trained and certified technicians who will diagnose the noise source and provide you with the right solution. At Custom Comfort Air, we also offer other services, including HVAC installations, maintenance, repairs, and air quality services to the residents in and around Houston, Sugar Land, Bellaire, Richmond, Katy, and Rosenberg. If you need any air conditioner and heating services, please contact us today.