The loud and distracting racket created by normal A/C compressor noise bouncing off your exterior walls can make spending time outdoors less enjoyable. You can quiet the clamor by having a sound-insulating condenser blanket and/or vibration-dampening mounts installed.
The fan motor and compression are the most likely culprits of screeching noises from an outdoor AC unit. For example, a failing fan may squeal or screech loudly and consistently and needs replacement. A compressor may typically let out a brief screech if too much pressure builds up in it when the AC starts up.
Sound Blankets will not completely eliminate all of the noise from your air conditioner. They are designed as a cost-effective solution as compared to moving or replacing your air conditioner. In general terms you should expect the noise level to drop by 30% to 50%.
If you hear a loud bang or slam while your AC is running, your fan could be loose. You should turn off your unit to prevent any further damage and call for service. If you only hear this sound when your AC turns on or off, the springs within the unit's compressor may need to be replaced.
There also is no industry standard that manufacturers must meet. Some manufacturers, however, are striving to make units as quiet as they can be. Ritz says a typical low-end unit might have a noise level of about 78 to 82 decibels, but the best units are about 72 to 78 decibels.
Wrap the unit with sound damping materials
If you want to achieve a high level of soundproofing, it's a good idea to wrap the unit itself with sound damping materials. Many HVAC sound dampening materials are very easy to work with, and you most likely won't need to hire anyone to install it if you don't want to.
Compressor sound blankets are cleverly designed to drastically reduce the noise still being emitted. These noise suppression blankets wrap the compressors with acoustic jacketing to contain the noise. The acoustic blankets can also be manufactured to cover the piping and oil separator for added sound reduction.
Common causes of air conditioner noise include loose parts, dirty filters, improperly mounted units, debris around the unit, and bent or damaged fins. You can fix most noises by tightening screws and bolts, cleaning or replacing filters, securing unit mounts, clearing debris, and straightening fins.
Noisy outdoor AC unit: Most common sounds and what they could mean. Given that the outdoor unit is exposed to the weather and outdoor elements, there is more chance of disconcerting noises developing. Some sounds, like the hum of the fan, are normal, while others, such as banging or screeching, could signal a problem.
Tighten any loose parts. Have your ductwork inspected for leaks or damage. Install sound blankets around your compressor or the entire outdoor unit. Consider installing a noise-reducing fence or shrubbery around your outdoor unit.
Sound absorbing blankets: Thick and porous, these blankets allow sound waves to make their way into the fabric. The fabric then absorbs the noise, much like a sponge absorbs water. These are a great choice if you want to reduce echo and reverb in a noisy warehouse or loft area.
Place Sound Barriers Around the AC Unit
A sound blanket can reduce noise by up to 40%. These blankets wrap around the compressor (typically the loudest component), where the rubber and glass insulation absorbs the noise, trapping it inside the blanket.
The duct silencers enable maintaining proper acoustic parameters in the rooms – even reducing noise in the rooms which require a high degree of acoustic comforts, such as e.g. sleeping rooms or reading rooms. The noise can be generated not only by the flow of air through the ducts.
Dust, dirt, and debris around the coil fins, air ducts, and outdoor condenser unit are common causes of noise. Loose or misaligned parts like the fan blades or belt, lack of lubricant, blockage in the drain pipe, copper lines, or vents, and a malfunctioning thermostat can also lead to a noisy air conditioner.
To neutralize this noise, you can place your outdoor air conditioner on Silent Bloc or even install an anti-vibration base . Anti-vibration pads are designed to prevent this transmission vibration by isolating the device .
Ductless 'mini split' systems like Mitsubishi home air conditioning systems are the quietest air conditioners on the market today.
If your air conditioner makes whooshing a noise, that's also not a problem. You will always hear light and gentle whooshing noises when your AC is on. There's air moving through there that makes a sound. This will get louder as you walk under vents.
Experts recommend that this distance should not exceed 15 meters. AVS Heating and Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted HVAC contractors in McLean, VA.