Ideally, your air conditioner should provide silent and efficient cooling without disturbing your peace and quiet. The noise rating on a good unit should be less than 50 decibels of sound. If you’ve purchased a window air conditioner that is too loud, then there’s something wrong. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to quiet the unit down without having to replace it. Before we discuss the solutions, let’s see the possible causes below:
Causes of a Noisy Window Air Conditioner
There’s a whole range of possible causes that can make your window air conditioner noisy. Let’s take a look at some of them:
- Poor insulation: Insufficient or inadequate insulation around the unit can lead to noise levels rising unnecessarily and sounding much louder.
- Fan blades: Fan blades may be bent due to poor installation, causing greater turbulence during operation and more noise.
- Motor wear: Motors can start to wear out over time, resulting in more noise.
- Old compressors: Compressors can become worn or lose their lubrication, causing additional noise during operation.
- Loose parts: If your unit is not properly secured, then it’s likely that parts may become loose, resulting in more noise.
Now that you know the possible causes of your noisy window air conditioner, let’s look at some solutions:
Close the Gaps
At the top of your priorities should be to make sure the unit is properly installed. You’ll need to check if any gaps on the sides could be contributing to a draft or, worse, allowing your cool air to escape outside. Your unit could be rattling against nearby surfaces due to vibration. You can also add insulation around the unit to reduce external noise.
Install a Sound Blanket
An appropriate sound blanket can reduce the noise of your air conditioner significantly. You can find these for sale online or in many home improvement stores. These are specially designed-foams that absorb vibration and sound, and some even have insulation benefits. Make sure the blanket is rated for outdoor use so it will be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. Your sound blanket should fit snugly around the unit and be secured with ties or straps.
Clean Your AC Right Away
The noise problem could be caused by dust build-up on the fan blades and coils. To make sure your AC is running correctly, clean it out regularly. Just use a vacuum cleaner or brush to get rid of any debris in the interior and exterior parts of your air conditioner. Doing this will help you maintain its cooling performance and keep it running quietly for years to come.
Check Your Ductwork
If your ductwork is not properly sealed, the noise may be coming from outside. You should check the seals around the windows, vents, and other areas where the ductwork enters and exits the building. Make sure these seals are tight and secure, as any gaps can cause air to leak out and create noise.
Replace or Repair Worn Out Parts
If your air conditioner has been around for a while, the fan blades or other components may need to be replaced. Listen closely to identify which parts are making noise and then contact an HVAC professional to have them inspected to repair or replace them.
Call For Maintenance
If all else fails and your AC is still making too much noise, it may be time to call a professional. A licensed technician can diagnose the hidden issues and recommend the best solution for quieting down your window air conditioner. They may be able to identify any issues with the compressor or fan motor that need to be addressed or suggest other solutions to help reduce the noise.
Replace The AC Unit
If all else fails, the only thing left to do is replace the noisy window air conditioner. Investing in a new unit can be expensive but will ultimately make your life much easier and quieter. Newer models are more energy-efficient and have better noise reduction technology, so you won’t have to worry about hearing any disruptive sounds coming from your AC.
Tips For Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
As you’ve noticed, the biggest problem with noisy window air conditioners is the lack of or minimal maintenance. To keep your AC running quietly for years to come, you should make sure to:
- Clean it regularly so dirt and debris don’t affect its performance
- Check the seals around the ductwork
- Replace the filter once per season
- Install a programmable thermostat that allows your unit to work when you’re around
- Insulate your home so your unit doesn’t need to work too hard
- Schedule regular inspections and service by experts at least once a year
Avoid DIY and Call In AC Pros
No matter what the cause of the noise is, it’s important to take steps to quiet a noisy window air conditioner as soon as possible. However, we recommend that you call in a professional so they can help with your AC situation. Some people have made the problem bigger by trying to fix it on their own, when they’d have the help of a technician at a small charge.
If you’re not comfortable with DIY repair or replacement, it’s best to call in an experienced technician as soon as possible. With a pro technician, you’ll get help to troubleshoot the issue and make sure your AC is running smoothly and quietly again.
Contact Carney and Son 72 Degrees For Air Conditioner Repairs and Installation in South Carolina
A noisy window air conditioner can be an annoyance that ruins your peace of mind. If you’re in need of repair or replacement, contact our experienced technicians at Carney and Son 72 Degrees. We can diagnose the problem with your air conditioner and provide you with reliable solutions. Call us today for a free estimate on AC repairs and installation!
