Imagine it’s a quiet afternoon and you want to relax after a long, busy day at work. You slump down into your living room sofa and put on your favorite TV show or open that new book you’ve been meaning to read for a while now. But as soon as you settle in, you immediately hear that annoying sound that instantly disrupts your self-care time—your air conditioner. Although it is normal for ACs to make some noise, it can be really frustrating if the noise is too high, strange, or unpleasant.
In general, there are several causes of noisy air conditioners. Some of the most common ones are due to age, loose parts, and worn-out compressor. Fortunately, no matter what the cause of your loud AC is, there are things you can do to dampen the disruptive sounds. In this article, we share four tips to help you reduce air conditioner noise.
Upgrade to a quieter AC unit
If the main cause for your loud AC is age, then it may be time to upgrade to a new and quieter air conditioning unit. Nowadays, there are models that have noise-reduction technology and feature multi-stage or variable-speed cooling systems which provide whisper-quiet performance. For example, if you are looking to get a new AC for your Canadian home, be sure to consult with experts regarding what is the right AC unit for you. If you live in Ottawa or the surrounding areas, you should look for the best air conditioner installation Ottawa has to offer so you can get the most efficient air conditioning model for your home.
Schedule an HVAC inspection
If you aren’t ready to purchase a new air conditioning unit, then your next best option is to schedule an HVAC inspection. A specialist will come in and do a thorough inspection of your system, ensuring all parts remain in the best possible condition. For example, they may check the compressor and condenser to see whether they are working properly. These two parts are often considered the main culprits of loud noises coming from an air conditioner, especially if the AC unit is ten years or older. Also, they may take a closer look at the screws holding the condenser in place. Sometimes they come loose, causing the condenser and other parts to create a loud humming noise.
Place sound barriers around your AC
Another helpful way to reduce loud noises in your air conditioner is to place sound barriers around it. Depending on where your AC unit is located, there are several types of noise barriers you can consider. For example, if your air conditioner is outdoors, then you could install a fence. This will help you reduce the noisiness of your unit and also increase the aesthetic appeal of your home’s exterior. When installing your fence, be sure to select materials that are known to be good for dampening sounds such as wood or vinyl. A sound blanket is another commonly used noise barrier, which not only will reduce noise but will also help with air circulation.
Practice regular maintenance
The importance of maintaining your AC unit on a regular basis can never be overlooked. Like other house appliances, the air conditioner’s efficiency can decline as a result of improper care and cleaning which will further cause loud and annoying noises. For example, one maintenance thing you can do is to clean the fan blades. Sometimes, they have built up dust on them, which increases the volume of your AC. An effective way of cleaning them is with a vacuum. All you have to do is attach the brush attachment to your vacuum and gently clean off the blades. Also, consider replacing the air filters on your AC unit to improve its efficiency.
Final thoughts
The air conditioner is one of the most important electric appliances in a household. It offers plenty of benefits, including keeping the home’s ideal temperature, improving the quality of the air, and reducing humidity levels. Unfortunately, an AC unit’s efficiency can decline over time due to a variety of reasons, causing it to produce annoying, disruptive, and unpleasant sounds. The good news is there are some things you can do to reduce the noise and return your unit to this proper working condition. For more information, refer to our post and read how to block air conditioner noise.
