Most air conditioners nowadays produce very little sound when turned ON. And you most likely will agree that the less noise your AC makes, the better.
But what if your previously super quiet aircon suddenly becomes annoyingly noisy?
Worse, what if you aren’t technically equipped to deal with the issue yourself?
What if the noise persists even after trying a few tips you’ve found online?
Quieting a noisy air conditioner is no easy task. To make the unwanted noise disappear, you probably need the help of an expert since they’ll almost immediately know what the problem is.
Knowing the type of noise your AC makes is the key to quickly knowing what you’re dealing with. So, while you may not have the technical expertise, a little know-how goes a long way!
Please continue reading to know more about what’s probably making your air conditioner loud, things you could do to make it quiet, and a few others. Let’s get started!
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
Having a loud air conditioner can be due for a multitude of reasons. While something as minor as dirt may be causing it, the noise can also be attributed to more severe issues inside the AC.
When you don’t have access to repair services, you might be able to ‘diagnose’ potential problems based on your AC’s sound.
The following are everyday noises air conditioners make and what they could mean:
- Banging – This noise could mean that the crankshaft, piston pin, or connecting rod of your air conditioner’s compressor is either loose or broken and may need replacement.
- Buzzing – This usually loud sound is probably due to a frozen air conditioning unit, a faulty condenser fan, or an early sign that the compressor is starting to malfunction.
- Chattering/Rattling – This AC noise tells you that some of its bolts and screws are becoming loose. Your AC may also already be deteriorating.
- Clanking – This noise is often produced when the blades of the indoor blower or outdoor fan can hit other AC parts.
- Clicking – This sound may indicate a faulty control board or thermostat on your AC. A severe electrical problem is also highly possible.
- Humming – This AC noise is most likely the result of loose refrigerant piping or a defective contactor relay switch.
- Pulsating – Although some air conditioners typically produce this sound, it can also be associated with essential AC parts like the panels, motor, or fan blade becoming loose.
- Screaming – This noise should alarm you as your AC probably tells you there’s a refrigerant leak. This is a problem that must be addressed immediately.
- Squealing – This sound is usually made because either the belt connecting the motor and the fan is out of place or the bearings attached to the condenser fan are worn out.
- Whirring – This helicopter-ish noise is probably due to some tiny objects caught in the indoor or outdoor fan. Well, either that or one of the fans is already damaged.
The noises may sound different, but all have one thing in common: none should be taken lightly. These are your AC’s way of crying for help and a sign that something needs to be done.
Things You Can Do to Quiet a Noisy AC
Now that you have an idea of what possibly is making your air conditioner noisy, here are a few tips to help make it quiet:
- Turn it OFF – This is probably the most important step. Switching OFF the AC helps prevent any further damage having it turned ON may have created.
- Clean your AC – Even though the noise you hear sounds scary, removing debris or wiping dust particles might do the trick.
- Lubricate moving parts – When your AC’s fans may be causing the noise, putting some grease around its edges should help make them run smoother and produce less sound.
- See if anything is loose or worn out – Loose and worn parts are among the most common reasons for a noisy AC. Certain parts become out of place and disrupt the AC’s overall function.
- Check for defective parts – More often than not, air conditioners malfunction due to faulty parts. The next step will determine if they need to be repaired or replaced.
- Contact your local AC experts – There’s no shame in getting help from the pros when everything else fails! Their expert opinions will help you decide exactly what you should do to fix the issue.
Why Does My Outside AC Unit Make Noise?
Your outside AC being loud can be determined based on the type of noise it makes. However, the most probable cause of the noise is the compressor is already defective or broken.
The compressor is your AC’s ‘heart and soul,’ so once it starts to deteriorate, the entire thing will also malfunction.
Call your local technician immediately if you sense any AC compressor problems.
How Can I Make My Air Conditioner Sound Quieter?
Below are some tips to make your air conditioner sound quieter:
Buy a good-quality compressor blanket
Wrapping your compressor with a blanket should make your AC significantly less noisy.
Air Conditioner Compressor Sound Blanket
Create a fence to surround your condenser
Building a wall helps reduce any noise the condenser makes.
Plant shrubs or bushes
Planting bushes and shrubs around your AC condenser is a great way to make it sound quieter! This tutorial article will teach you how to do it properly.
