Tips for Quieting a Noisy AC

Air conditioners are an integral appliance in any household. They help regulate indoor temperatures during extremely humid days, particularly in the summertime when temperatures climb above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Yet as beneficial as they are, air conditioning units can also be a nuisance, especially when they start making loud banging or clanking noises. Here are a few tips on how to troubleshoot a noisy air conditioner and reclaim your peaceful nights.

Fence Up

Installing a fence around your air conditioning unit can trap the sound and prevent it from traveling. You can try fencing just one side of the air conditioner or all four corners. Plywood is often the material of choice, as it is inexpensive and easy to install. There are also air conditioner fences you can purchase at your local home improvement store. Make sure you leave enough space between the air conditioner and the barrier to avoid airflow problems.

Get a Sound Blanket

Sound blankets are made of either cotton or a polyester blend, and they are specifically designed to cover your air conditioner to absorb and block sound. Most air conditioner manufacturers will provide information on what brand or size of sound blanket will best fit your unit. Universal sound blankets are also available online if you are unsure of the specifications you need.

Check Your Compressor

If your air conditioning unit is producing a banging sound, a common culprit is the compressor. The AC’s compressor directs refrigerant to different components of the air conditioner to expel heat from your home. If your air conditioner is old, there’s a good chance that the compressor, along with other parts, is already worn out. You can try replacing the compressor or replacing the air conditioner unit to solve this problem.

Check Your Fan Motor

Screeching sounds are often an indicator that something is wrong with your AC’s fan motor, which is located in the exterior portion of the unit. The central air conditioner needs the fan to separate heat from the refrigerant. A screeching or shrieking sound might also originate from a worn-out motor in the compressor unit. In most cases, damage to these components may be too complex for an inexperienced homeowner to address. You will need to call a professional HVAC contractor to make the necessary repair or replacement.

Check Your Contactor Relay Switch

A problem with your AC’s contactor relay switch may result in audible humming sounds. The contactor relay switch is responsible for activating the exterior portion of your AC unit when it receives a signal from your thermostat. In addition to a humming noise, severe damage to the contactor relay switch may also prevent you from switching on the HVAC unit. Any electrical issues are best left to an experienced and licensed technician. Attempting a DIY fix might inadvertently cause even more damage.

Check Your Air Filter

If you hear a slamming sound from the ceiling of your home, the root cause may be your air filter bumping into the grille. Standard air conditioner units have a return vent situated on the ceiling, and behind the grille lies the AC’s air filter. If the filter is too restrictive, heavily soiled, or undersized, you’ll need to either replace the filter or call a technician to perform professional ductwork.

Check the Drainage Line

Excess moisture that builds up inside the AC drainage pipe can produce bubbling sounds. The noise might also stem from a damaged drainage line. You can try to fix the problem by disassembling the AC to get a clearer view of the drainage line, or call a certified technician to complete the task safely.

Plant Around Your AC

Shrubbery or a garden can help dampen the noise coming from the exterior portion of your air conditioner. If you go this route, make sure you maintain the bushes or shrubs growing around your condenser. You don’t want branches to grow too long or foliage to build up around the condenser, as these can damage your AC.

If you notice any of these noises when your AC is running, it’s best to contact a professional air conditioning repair technician promptly. Addressing any AC problem quickly minimizes damage and repair costs.