How To Quiet A Noisy Air Conditioner

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Updated February 3, 2023

Even the best air conditioners on the market have issues now and then and knowing what to do will save you a lot of time and trouble. If your AC unit is making more noise than usual or is simply too loud in general, learning how to reduce the noise of an air conditioner will help preserve the peace in your home, so keep reading.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Excessive noise can signal a serious problem with multiple AC unit parts.
  • There are several different methods for lowering noise in an air conditioner, such as using sound blankets and giving your AC a tune-up.
  • The best way to avoid excessive noise is to perform regular maintenance on the unit.

How to Solve the Problem of a Noisy Air Conditioner

A noisy air conditioner can be a nuisance that leaves you scratching your head in search of a solution. For example, you might be experiencing a sound that has you wondering, “Why does my AC unit make a buzzing noise?” No matter what, dealing with the noise can be aggravating. Fortunately, you have a few options to help minimize its impact, like a sound-dampening blanket, proper maintenance, and the location of the unit.

Insider Tip

You can purchase a quiet air conditioner model if you’re concerned about noise levels.

Use Air Conditioner Sound Blankets

If you want to go all out, you can have an air conditioner sound blanket, also known as a compressor blanket, installed around your AC compressor. This is a great way to muffle compressor noise, a huge source of unwanted sound from your AC.

Warning

Excessive noise can signify that your air conditioner compressor is on the fritz.

Provide Regular Maintenance

The biggest benefit of regular maintenance is avoiding problems that can lead to airflow issues, which can be a source of excess noise from your AC.

There are multiple benefits to understanding your AC unit and how to take care of it properly. Basic preventative maintenance might include knowing how to remove mold from air conditioner coils. Along the way, you’ll likely learn fun new tricks, like how to make a window AC colder.

STAT: It is projected that the revenue of steam and air conditioning supply in France will amount to approximately $8,942.75 million U.S. by 2025. (source)

Avoid Narrow Hallways

This is a strange one, but it makes sense. Narrow hallways tend to amplify the noise of your air conditioner because they are usually devoid of furniture and other objects that would otherwise dampen the sound. It is recommended that you do not install your AC in any space that is hollow enough to amplify noises. It’s also better for air circulation.

Of course, these solutions will only dampen the noise, so if your unit is running louder than usual, it’s important to determine why you’re experiencing excessive noise in the first place. In this case, checking into basic troubleshooting, like how to find a leak in a central air conditioner, might be helpful.

How to Reduce Noise of an Air Conditioner FAQs

Why is my central air conditioner so loud?

There are a few reasons why your central air conditioner might be loud, including:

  • It requires a regular maintenance check.
  • There might be a bad part.
  • The unit might just be old.

Is it normal for an air conditioning unit to be loud?

Some noise is to be expected, especially with a cheaper model. However, excessive noise can be a sign of a serious problem. As a general rule of thumb, your AC should be no louder than an idling car.

How loud should a window air conditioner be?

The average noise level for air conditioners ranges between 30 to 80 decibels. However, there are multiple units out there that have been made specifically for noiseless operation if you want something quieter.

Is air conditioner noise bad for you?

While it might be a huge nuisance, it can also cause headaches or damage your hearing, depending on how loud it is.
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