If you live in Arizona, you know that regular AC maintenance is important. After all, the hot summer months can really take a toll on our air conditioners. But the transition into winter provides the perfect opportunity for air conditioning repairs and HVAC system replacements.
If your AC has been working overtime, it may be trying to get your attention! Loud noises like constant humming, intermittent scraping, and frequent banging can indicate a larger problem.
If your air conditioner has been keeping you up at night, here’s how to fix a loud AC.
7 Ways to Turn Your Loud AC Into a Quiet One
1. Pick a prime location for AC installation.
Location, location, location! It seems that when it comes to anything related to the home, location matters. So if your air conditioner is too loud, check that the unit is in an optimal location. You want to make sure that your AC is installed away from the most used spaces in your home, like bedrooms or living rooms. Air ducts and narrow hallways can also amplify the sound of your unit and lead to echoing. A licensed HVAC technician will be able to help you choose the best location to install your air conditioner.
2. Steady the condenser pad on your outdoor unit.
Your outdoor AC unit sits on a condenser pad. If the condenser pad is not level, the force of the air conditioner can cause the unit to vibrate or shake. These vibrations can be loud and abrasive and can contribute to unnecessary noise pollution. If your outdoor unit is rattling when you turn it on, make sure to steady your condenser pad and make the necessary adjustments so that it remains level throughout operation.
3. Fix a loud AC by using a sound blanket to reduce noise.
Sound blankets are great for reducing sound quickly! Choose a sound blanket that fits your condenser unit snugly. Although many brands recommend specific sound blankets for their AC units, a universal sound blanket is always an option.
Sound blankets have several benefits in addition to making a loud AC quieter. Rather than stifling airflow, sound blankets promote air circulation. And by insulating the condenser unit, sound blankets help to stabilize the unit’s temperature.
4. Create more sound barriers.
To fix a loud AC, try creating more sound barriers. Installing a fence around your outdoor condenser unit will help to muffle any sound. For effective protection against noise, make sure that the material is one that does not reverberate, like wood. When installing the fence, make sure to provide at least 24 inches of space around the unit for airflow. For another layer of sound protection, you can wrap the fence with plastic vinyl film or PVC.
5. Insulate ducts to fix a loud AC.
The air ducts in your home carry clean, conditioned air, but they carry sound, too! Insulating ducts are one of the most effective ways to soundproof your HVAC system and get rid of unwanted noise. Not only does the insulation absorb sound, but it protects against energy loss. Team Air-zona specializes in ductwork design and troubleshooting and can help you identify potential problems and reduce the noise coming from your heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.
6. Schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment.
Regular maintenance is required to keep your AC running smoothly– and quietly! Even the most everyday maintenance can result in your unit running more efficiently and without any loud or distracting noises. Since dusty fan blades or dirty air filters will result in more energy used and more sound produced, it’s a good idea to clean them regularly. A vacuum cleaner with an attachment does the job. Or you can schedule a maintenance appointment with your neighborhood Phoenix area HVAC experts!
7. Consider upgrading your AC unit.
Air conditioners can last up to 15 years if maintained properly. While new air conditioners are engineered to operate more efficiently and produce less noise, older AC units tend to operate at a higher noise level. It’s normal for AC units to make some noise, but for units older than 10 years, constant buzzing can be a sign of wear on the motor and may require immediate attention.
Contact an HVAC Specialist to Fix a Loud AC
Older AC units may present issues that need to be addressed by an HVAC specialist. Our repair experts at Team Air-Zona will work to quickly diagnose the problem and provide you with a solution. Our NATE-certified technicians use their over 25 years of experience to create a personalized whole-home solution that is both comfortable and cost-effective. As part of the local community, Team Air-Zona provides trustworthy and professional HVAC expertise to help you find the most sustainable solution for your home and your neighborhood!
