Air conditioner noise can be a very frustrating experience. When your AC unit is turned on, it can produce a loud humming sound that can be quite annoying.
If the noise is constant, it can even cause headaches, keep you up at night, make it difficult to concentrate during the day, and just generally make your life more difficult.
If you’re dealing with noisy air conditioners, there are a few things you can do to minimize the noise and get some peace and quiet.
One of the first things you can do is to simply clean your air conditioner. A lot of times, dirt and dust can build up on the coils and other components, causing them to vibrate and produce noise. Simply cleaning the unit can often times reduce the noise significantly.
Another thing you can do is to purchase an AC unit that has been specifically designed to produce less noise. These units are usually more expensive, but they will be worth the investment in the long run.
About Air Conditioner Noise?
According to studies published on Purdue website, sound levels between 115-140 decibels are considered pain threshold for humans.
While most laws dictate that the HVAC system should have noise ratings 70 and 75- this level of noise can still cause disturbances.
So how do you make your HVAC system quieter?
One of the primary reasons why you go on vacation is to get away from your noisy city.
All you wish for is the peace and calmness of nature far from the city.
Unfortunately, a noisy RV air conditioner can make it impossible to enjoy your vacation. Below are quick fixes on how you can fix a RV air conditioner making pulsating noise or other noises.
How to Reduce Air Conditioner Noise?
Air Conditioner Silencer
Some models even come with a built-in fan that helps to circulate the air around the unit, which further reduces the noise.
So if you’re looking for a way to reduce the noise from your air conditioner, consider investing in an air conditioner silencer. It’s a simple and affordable solution that can make a big difference in the overall noise level in your home.
The best product for this purpose is Dometic RV AC silencer that takes less than 15 minutes to install.
If installed correctly, this AC silencer can reduce noise levels by 8-10 decibels.
A recycled cotton lining is installed inside the duct system to ensure that noise gets stopped before it gets inside your car.
After installing the silencer, you should be able to enjoy some little peace and calmness once again.
Use Soundproofing Blanket
Soundproof blankets are special types of blankets that are designed to help reduce noise. They are often made from thick, heavy materials that help to block out sound, and they can be used in a variety of settings where noise reduction is desired.
Besides soundproofing the AC, these blankets can be used in homes, offices, studios, and other commercial spaces to help reduce noise levels.
There are many different types of soundproof blankets on the market, and they vary in terms of price, quality, and features.
Some blankets are made specifically for use with AC units, while others can be used for a variety of purposes. Blankets that are designed for specific purposes tend to be more expensive than those that can be used for multiple purposes. .
These blankets are specially designed for soundproofing and can reduce up to 40% noise.
Brinmar’s sound blanket wrap will sound dampen the air conditioner compressor. It can fit different models and sizes.
It has loop closures and hooks to facilitate installation. It’s designed in such a way that it will allow sufficient air circulation for maximum air supply.
The sound blanket is designed with the concept in mind that air conditioners are continually running, and they are prone to overheating.
Select Location Carefully
It’s essential to choose the location of your heat pumps and air conditioners carefully before installing a new air conditioner.
Install your AC unit away from bedrooms and other rooms with frequent activity to help minimize noise disruption.
Additionally, when consulting with your contractor, it’s important to avoid installing the air conditioner where the ducts in your house are in narrow corridors.
The sound from your AC will reverberate off the walls, and the narrow corridors will amplify sound.
In addition also avoid installing your AC in corners where multiple surfaces can deflect the sound.
Install a fence
Another effective method of dealing with a noisy air conditioner is building a fence.
The concept behind this hack is making the fence as high as possible to cover your entire AC unit from all sides.
You can use bamboo wood or any other material at your disposal. For best results, build a four-sided fence to ensure that all the four sides block unwanted noise.
You can also add some bushes and shrubs around the air conditioner; this way, you will also achieve similar results.
Noise Barriers
Noise barriers are structures designed to absorb or reflect sound waves in order to reduce noise pollution. Common types of noise barriers include walls, screens, and doors.
These barriers can be made from a variety of materials including concrete, metal, glass, and wood.
You can plant vegetation to help absorb sound and also act as a buffer that will limit and block sound waves that travel between your AC and your home. Ideally, all noise barriers should be taller than the air conditioner.
However, noise barriers are not always practical or possible to use. In some cases, it may be more effective to use other methods of reducing noise pollution
Create the best surface for your AC unit
Poorly installed AC unit can have unsteady contact with the ground /floor, and as a result, it can cause vibrations that can be transferred through walls.
Attaching your AC unit sturdier on the walls or ground will help deal with vibrations hence reducing impact sound.
Lubricating Air conditioner moving parts
Air conditioners have a lot of moving parts that need to be well-lubricated in order to function properly and efficiently.
Over time, these parts can become dry and friction can increase, leading to premature wear and tear. Lubricating your air conditioner’s moving parts on a regular basis can help to prolong its life and keep it running smoothly.
When lubricating your air conditioner, be sure to use the correct type of lubricant. Many air conditioners require special synthetic oils that are designed specifically for their moving parts.
Using the wrong type of lubricant can actually do more harm than good, so it’s important to consult your air conditioner’s owner’s manual or a qualified technician to be sure you’re using the right product.
Applying lubricant to your air conditioner’s moving parts is a fairly simple process, but it’s important to do it carefully so that you don’t damage any of the delicate components.
First, find the locations of all the moving parts that need to be lubricated. These will typically be located near the compressor, fan, and other major mechanical components.
Once you’ve identified all of the moving parts, apply a few drops of lubricant to each one. Be sure not to use too much, as this can cause excessive wear and tear.
Finally, start up your air conditioner and check for any signs of leaks or other problems. If everything appears to be working properly, you’re all done.
Are there Quiet Air Conditioners
If your old AC is making unbearable noises, it’s time to replace it.
The best alternative would invest in a quiet air conditioner or RV air conditioner. These units have been designed with noise reduction in mind.
Some of these old models are way cheaper and outdated and fixing them might cost you more than investing in a new model
They are designed to ensure that they emit noises in the lowest decibels possible. One of the most recommended silent RV ACS are the Dometic rooftop and Coleman air conditioner.
Conclusion
Air conditioners are handy tools that keep us cool during the hot days and nights of summer.
Unfortunately, some models can be noisy and interfere with the quiet and calm living you’ve always wished for.
Fortunately, there are different ways you can quiet a noisy HVAC unit.
Most of the recommended hacks above are simple and can be implemented in minutes.
Building a fence is the only technical hack that will require technical skills. However, this hack is also the most rewarding as it reduces 98% noise.
Therefore, if you want a hack that will help you deal with all the unwanted noises, try building a fence for your AC.
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.
Sometimes the sound of the AC can make me sleepless, I’ll try using RV air conditioner silencer to fix the noise. Thank you for writing this!!
I’m glad you found this article helpful. Try the silencer and let me know how it works out for you.
I tried it as you say and it’s work, I’ll keep reading you website!
Thanks for great information. I think i will more comfortable when sleep by the advices you give.
Our AC is next to office room window. The sound is very annoying when I am in meetings. What is the best way to reduce the noise coming into the house
Your design is good as per my point of view, i will seek for your services or suggestions for sure.
Great post, thanks for sharing! It’s full of interesting facts and useful tips on reducing AC noise. The only thing that I guess might be missing is information about a lifespan of an HVAC unit. How long will it last? We tell about it in our article on the subject, hopefully, it will be helpful to your readers: https://happyhiller.com/blog/how-to-reduce-air-conditioner-noise/