Air conditioners have become an important part of our lives, but if your air conditioner makes too much noise, that can make your life miserable.
A loud humming noise from an air conditioner can disturb your sleep and life.
Not getting a proper night’s sleep will make it unable for your to concentrate at work in the daytime.
But don’t worry; a few things can be done to make your noisy air conditioner quiet.
Strategies to quiet a noisy air conditioner
Obviously, if your noisy air conditioner is disturbing you day and night, you cannot leave it that way.
You must do something to solve this problem to make your life peaceful.
As air conditioners have become a necessity for everyday life, you cannot stop using them just because they’re noisy.
The first thing you can do is deep clean your air conditioner.
Sometimes dirt, dust and debris accumulate on the coils and other components of the air conditioner, causing it to vibrate more and make a loud humming noise.
Simply deep cleaning your air conditioner can make it work more efficiently and reduce significant noise.
Another good option is to buy a new AC unit that produces less noise.
There are AC units these days that are designed to produce less noise, but they are more expensive.
You should go for these less noisy AC units if your budget allows it.
Don’t worry; you’ll be satisfied because they will be worth the investment in the long run.
Air conditioner silencer
You’ll be surprised to know that different types of air conditioner silencers are available in the market these days.
So you don’t have to bear with noise all the time now.
Just go and buy an air conditioner silencer for your air conditioner and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.
These silencers are attached to the outer unit of your air conditioner and help muffle the sound produced by the compressor.
You will find some models in the market with a built-in fan that helps to reduce the noise further.
If you’re serious about reducing your air conditioner’s noise, you should consider investing in the air conditioner silencer.
Along with being affordable, it also works very efficiently.
It will make a big difference in reducing the noise spreading around in your house because of the noisy air conditioner.
If a good air conditioner silencer is installed with the correct technique, it will help reduce about 8-10 decibels.
So, no worries now.
Have a peaceful night’s sleep and enjoy a productive day with all the calmness.
Soundproofing blankets
Soundproofing blankets are specially designed blankets that help reduce noise.
They are made of heavy and thick material that helps dampen sound and absorb it.
Also, they are used in various settings like homes, offices, studios and other commercial spaces to block out noise.
There are many different types of soundproofing blankets available in the market nowadays that vary in terms of price, quality and features.
Most of them are not very expensive, and they work very efficiently.
Some of these blankets are designed for specific purposes, like blocking out the noise from the AC units.
Those designed for a specific purpose tend to be slightly more expensive than usual.
You’ll be amazed that these soundproofing blankets designed for a specific purpose can reduce up to 40% of the noise.
I would recommend Brinmar’s sound blanket wrap, which helps dampen the noise from the air conditioner compressor.
It can fit on different models and sizes and has loop closures and hooks that help in easy installation.
Because the air conditioners are constantly working and prone to heat up very quickly, this Brinmar’s sound blanket is best for allowing sufficient air circulation for maximum air supply.
Location of air conditioner
It’s very important to choose the correct location for your air conditioner.
Location can be another factor contributing to making your air conditioner noisy.
When installing a new air conditioner, try to install its outer unit away from bedrooms and places used more frequently for sitting in your house.
Also, avoid installing the air conditioner where the ducts in your house are narrow.
Narrow places make you feel more noise, even if the noise is not too much.
Narrow corridors amplify sounds.
And installing your air conditioner in a corner will make it feel noisier because multiple surfaces deflect the sound.
Installing a fence
Another useful idea is to build a fence around your AC unit.
Ensure the fence is as high as fully covering the AC unit and blocking most of the noise.
Building a fence will help in blocking, dampening and absorbing the noise.
Depending on the material of the fence, it can work very efficiently to reduce noise.
Adding a fence of bushes and shrubs around the AC unit will help absorb more noise, as plants and trees work very effectively in reducing the noise.
You can also use a bamboo fence to cover your AC unit.
To work effectively, ensure the fence has four sides and covers the entire AC unit.
Noise barriers
Noise barriers are very effective in blocking, reflecting and absorbing noise.
They are structures specially designed for this purpose.
To make them work more efficiently, you need to make sure that they cover the entire AC unit and should be ideally taller than the AC unit.
They are made of materials like concrete, metal, glass and wood.
These materials reflect most of the noise and sometimes absorb it.
However, you cannot fully rely on noise barriers to make your air conditioner quieter; you will need to adopt other methods to reduce the noise pollution your AC unit creates.
Create a surface for your AC unit
If your AC unit is poorly Installed on the wall or the ground, it will make more noise.
Ensure that your AC unit is installed sturdier on the wall or ground so that the vibrations produced while it works should not travel along the walls.
When not installed properly, it will keep vibrating while it works.
This way, the vibrations will travel in the walls, and the noise will travel in the structure of your house through the walls.
This will be the worst kind of noise that will affect most of the rooms in your house.
When the AC unit is installed properly, this will help in dealing with the vibrations hence reducing impact noise.
Lubricating moving parts
Lubricating air conditioner moving parts can help a great deal in reducing the noise.
An air conditioner has a lot of moving parts inside it.
Because of the constant usage, these moving parts become dry over time, and the friction in them increases.
This can lead to premature wear and tear as well as severe damage.
If you lubricate the moving parts of your AC unit on time every few months, it will help reduce the amount of noise it produces and prolong its life.
When the air conditioner runs smoothly, there will be no sound produced.
So be generous in lubrication, and also be sure to use the correct type of lubricant.
You must consult a qualified technician before you buy the lubricant for your air conditioner’s moving parts because if the correct type of lubricant is not used, it may cause harm to the air conditioner.
Most air conditioners require special synthetic oil specifically designed for their moving parts.
It’s fairly easy to lubricate the moving parts only if you know their location.
All moving parts are located near the compressor, fan and other mechanical components.
First, try applying a few drops and then see if they need more lubrication.
Be careful not to damage any delicate components in the process.
After you’re done with lubrication, turn the AC on and see if there are any signs of leakage.
If the unit works fine, you’re all done with the process.
Buy a quiet air conditioner
Did you know about quiet air conditioners?
Most people get surprised when they know that quiet air conditioners are available in the market, specially designed to emit noises in the lowest decibels possible.
If you need to maintain your mental health by living in a peaceful, noise-free environment, you should invest in these air conditioners.
They might be a bit more experience than usual, but it will be worth spending on them.
So if your budget allows, I recommend you not to hesitate to spend on a quiet air conditioner.
You will find some models cheaper, but they might be outdated and fixing them might cost you way more than buying a new one.
So you should invest in a new one.
Conclusion
Air conditioners have become an important part of our lives and exist in almost every house.
They keep us cool on hot summer days and nights.
But if they make too much noise, they will become a source of irritation for us instead of providing a peaceful environment.
We have discussed some basic strategies for quieting a noisy air conditioner.
Most of these strategies will not require you to be a technician or an expert, but you can do them yourself.
See which of the above strategy works best for you.
Happy soundproofing!
FAQs
Q: Why is my air conditioner making so much noise?
A: There could be several reasons for a noisy air conditioner, such as loose components, worn-out fan blades, or a malfunctioning motor.
Q: Can I fix a noisy air conditioner myself?
A: Yes, there are DIY solutions to quiet a noisy air conditioner, such as tightening loose screws, lubricating fan blades, or installing vibration pads to reduce vibrations.
Q: Is there a quick fix for a noisy air conditioner?
A: One quick fix is to check if the unit is installed on a level surface. Uneven installation can cause vibrations and noise. Adjusting the unit’s leveling can help reduce the noise.
Q: Can I use soundproofing materials to quiet my air conditioner?
A: Yes, you can use soundproofing materials, such as acoustic foam or mass-loaded vinyl, to reduce noise from an air conditioner. These materials can be installed around the unit or in the ductwork.
Q: Should I hire a professional to quiet my air conditioner?
A: If you are not confident in your DIY skills, it’s recommended to hire a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the issue. They can identify the root cause of the noise and provide appropriate solutions.
Q: Can regular maintenance help reduce air conditioner noise?
A: Yes, regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing dirty filters, tightening loose components, and lubricating moving parts, can help reduce air conditioner noise and ensure its smooth operation.
Q: Is it normal for an air conditioner to make some noise?
A: Some noise from an air conditioner is normal, especially during startup or when the compressor is running. However, excessively loud or unusual noises may indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.