But first, it’s essential to understand some basic truisms about air conditioners:
- Older systems are noisier than newer ones.
- Contrary to what many people may think, it’s usually the compressor, more than the fan, that is the source of noise.
- Fan blades can be noisy, however, if they become loaded with dirt and grime.
So, put first things first. If your A/C is making more racket than usual, it might be time to call Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning and schedule a maintenance check. We’ll clean the blades and the compressor to ensure they operate at peak efficiency – as well as any other component that could benefit from a thorough cleaning.
If air conditioner noise is still a problem, two other remedies might help:
- Wrap a sound blanket around the compressor. This may sound like an aggressive measure, but sound blankets actually insulate the compressor and help maintain a more consistent temperature, thereby prolonging the life span of the bearings. Another fringe benefit? Sound blankets prevent condensate from forming on the compressor on hot, humid days. A sound blanket will not muffle all of the noise from the A/C, but you can expect a noise level drop of at least 30 percent.
- Build a fence at least 3 feet away from the A/C unit that allows for proper airflow.
A more permanent idea -- relocating the A/C to another area near your home -- is a job best left for the professionals at Rodenhiser. Such a move is not as uncommon as you might think, especially if the A/C was installed near the master bedroom suite and is a particular nuisance to the primary tenants.
The point is, you have choices, so call Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning so that we can discuss your options if you're tired of air conditioner noise. And we'll help keep your A/C humming, not roaring, all summer long.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.
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