Air conditioners that are well-maintained should not be excessively noisy, but older units do tend to cause a ruckus, which can be a problem for you and your neighbors. In fact, some residential areas have noise ordinances that specifically lay down requirements for air conditioning units.
There are ways to reduce the noise of your air conditioner, starting with regular maintenance. A well-maintained AC unit should hum along smoothly, while a problematic unit may exhibit rattling and extra-noisy operation.
External Air Conditioner Noise
Typically, the external unit of your air conditioner is the culprit when it comes to noise. Inside this unit is the compressor, which makes the most noise during operation. Many of today’s high-end air conditioners come with compressor blankets pre-installed, dampening the sound of normal operation. Your AC repair service may have similar blankets that match your unit and can be installed to provide some noise reduction.
Your air conditioner may strain if its coils are dirty, which prevents it from releasing heat during the natural refrigeration cycle. Regular maintenance can avoid this, as most annual air conditioner tunings and inspections include cleaning of the condenser coils. An excessively noisy air conditioner may be a candidate for replacement, especially if it’s more than 10 years old.
Internal Air Conditioner Noise
Inside your home, the blower motor may make noise if it is unbalanced. This motor consists of several moving parts, all of which should be lubricated during annual inspections. An air conditioner that hasn’t been maintained may rattle or produce other noises due to loosened components. You may also hear rattling from your registers or intake covers. Check these to ensure they are appropriately tightened to your wall, and consider replacing the rubber gaskets if there is a small gap between the metal and the wall.
The best way to avoid air conditioner noise is by scheduling regular maintenance and replacing the unit with a newer one when it becomes too old. Contact Besco Air, Inc. to learn more about maintaining your AC unit for quiet operation. You can visit us online to schedule an appointment, or call us at (773) 777‑0200.