5 Easy Ways to Silence a Noisy Air Conditioner
An Air Conditioner is a crucial piece of equipment that helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures on scorching summer days. Unfortunately, some air conditioners make very annoying sounds that can disrupt your peace. Prolonged noise exposure can also damage your hearing. So, some people choose to use noise-canceling earplugs to block the AC’s noise. Others opt to buy the sound blanket or build a fence around the unit to act as a sound barrier. Such solutions only work for naturally loud systems. The best way to fix AC noise is to address any underlying issues. Here are various tips that you can consider.
1. Improve Airflow
If your AC produces whistling noises, this is an indication of restricted airflow. You can solve this issue by cleaning or changing the air filters after every three months. If you reside in a dusty region or live with a shedding pet or someone with respiratory issues such as asthma, it’s recommended to change the filters every month. Keep appliances and furniture a few inches away and ensure that there are no obstructions near the vents.
Vacuum the fan blades of your unit, clean the coils using a coil cleaning solution, and comb the fins to straighten them. Whistling noise can also occur due to a leak in the ductwork. Call an HVAC technician from BELOMAN in Belleville to check and fix leaks within the ductwork that can let conditioned air seep out and allow entry of dust and other debris, limiting airflow.
2. Tighten Loose Screws
A humming sound from your AC signifies loose parts within your unit that causes vibrations. It can be due to loose electrical wiring or refrigerant line. Call a professional to fix such issues. If your AC makes chattering noises, check for loose screws and bolts in the unit casing and fasten them securely.
Buzzing noise means that the outdoor fan motor is about to fail or the fan blades are out of balance. Pay attention to clanking sound since it means that the compressor components like the connecting piston pin, rod, or crankshaft are loosening up. Unfortunately, you might need to replace the compressor when it fails or buy an entirely new unit.
3. Lubricate the Moving Parts
If your AC produces a loud squealing noise, the outdoor fan motor could be failing. Bad bearings in the indoor blower motor can also produce whirring sounds. When metal components touch each other, they can cause buzzing sounds. Have a technician lubricate your unit’s moving parts to keep the AC running smoothly.
4. Get the Right Size AC
An oversized AC installed to cool a smaller space can be pretty noisy. Since the compressor has a larger cooling capacity, such a unit creates a lot of noise while in operation. Consult a technician to help you properly size the AC based on your house needs. They will consider the number of heat-generating equipment, home occupants, room sizes, design, and the climatic conditions in your region.
5. Replace Your Old Unit
The lifespan of an AC ranges from 15 to 20 years. Beyond this limit, the unit begins to produce loud noise due to various components’ malfunction. Such a unit will require constant repair. The most common noise produced by an old AC is a high-pitched screaming noise. This indicates a refrigerant leak which results in inefficient cooling. Prolonged exposure to the refrigerant can cause adverse health effects. Note that the R410 refrigerant has now replaced the R22 present in older units. Trying to refill your AC with the old coolant is now very expensive. Instead of fixing an old AC, replace it with a newer model with some noise-canceling technology. You can likely find one that will be very energy efficient, saving you money in the long term.
Does Your AC produce Extremely Loud Noises? Seek Professional Assistance
If your unit produces loud noises, this indicates an underlying problem that needs immediate attention. In most cases, noise means failing components, and if you continue to use your unit in such a condition, it will eventually break down beyond repair. Scheduling regular maintenance can help eliminate the noise. During tune-ups, the technician will assess all the components and fix any damages to ensure that the unit works at optimum efficiency. An experienced technician can also spot early signs of malfunction and repair the system before the issue escalates into a more significant problem.
If you have tried most of the above solutions and your AC still produces annoying noise, seek professional help from BELOMAN. We offer reliable cooling, heating, duct cleaning, and indoor air quality services. Our company also provides commercial HVAC, plumbing, and custom sheet metal fabrication services in Belleville, IL, and the nearby regions. Get in touch with our team today and book an appointment.
