How to Reduce Air Conditioner Noise

Air conditioner noise is one of those things that creeps up on you. You don’t really notice it at first, and then one day, you can’t hear yourself think anymore.

Of course, it’s a different experience for everyone, especially since HVAC units vary in type, model, and size. 

Your HVAC unit could be making a variety of disturbing noises from banging to buzzing to hissing, just to name a few. These noises, of course, indicate a much bigger issue than its effect on your peace and quiet. Or, maybe your AC unit is just older and has seen its fair share of the changing seasons and the inclement weather they bring.  

Whatever the reason for all the noise, there are several approaches you can take to minimize the amount of racket and maximize the peace and quiet.  

Here are some soundproof tips on how to reduce air conditioner noise for homeowners in Portland and The Dalles.

Install a Sound Blanket

A sound blanket, also referred to as a sound curtain, is a popular solution for AC unit noise compression. Sound blankets are inexpensive, easy to use, and they don’t block the necessary airflow. They’re also not big, bulky, or flashy, so they won’t be too noticeable or an eyesore if aesthetics are a concern.

Most sound blankets are made of fiberglass and vinyl materials, which are excellent for absorbing sound. They won’t sound-proof your air conditioner 100%; however, they do make a significant difference in noise reduction and can be installed around your air conditioner compressor by an HVAC technician within minutes.

For the most part, using a sound blanket is usually the first line of defense in reducing AC unit noise without impacting efficiency.

Place the Air Conditioner Where It Will Not Be Heard

If you’re having a new HVAC unit installed, it’s the perfect time to be pragmatic about future AC noise. 

The first thing you want to do is choose a quiet model with a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating. SEER ratings usually fall between 13 and 25. The higher the number, the more efficient your AC unit will be, which also means it’ll be much quieter at work. (It’ll also save you more money on your monthly energy bills).

You want to make sure that the new HVAC unit is the right size for your home. If it’s too big, you’ll have to contend with continuous on and off AC cycling, which will create even more noise. Conversely, if it’s too small, it won’t be able to keep up with the demand of your entire home’s airflow and temperature needs. 

When it’s time to have the AC installation, make sure that your HVAC contractor installs it away from any bedrooms, offices, or rooms where you need peace and quiet. You’ll also want to avoid having your new AC unit installed near any air ducts or narrow hallways since they tend to be hollow, which makes for unwanted acoustics and sound amplification.

Of course, there are only so many spaces an HVAC unit can be placed around your home, especially if it’s on the smaller side. Your AC contractor should be able to help you with choosing the best location and with suggesting other noise buffers if necessary.

Enclose the Outdoor AC Unit

To help provide an extra buffer against AC noise, it’s also a good idea to add a fence or some sort of barrier around the AC unit.

Effective sound barriers include wooden fences or enclosures, plants—namely bushy shrubs, and even trees. Flower planter boxes, aluminum slats, vinyl, lawn ornaments, and a vine lattice also make for suitable sound barriers. Overall, it’s also a creative way to “hide” your HVAC unit that adds to your yard’s decorative aesthetics.  

Just make sure that you leave enough space between the HVAC unit and its new enclosure. If there’s not enough space to maintain the air circulation, it could cause your unit to overheat, making the noise the least of your worries.

Remember to make sure that whatever you use to build an enclosure, it’s easy to move or remove in case you or an AC technician has to get to the HVAC unit.

Schedule an AC Maintenance Appointment

If you’re noticing that your AC unit is making unusual noises, such as the aforementioned banging, thumping, hissing, and buzzing, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your HVAC contractor.

Other noises you may notice are whistling, humming, clicking, rattling, gurgling, and squealing. Any of these noises are an indication that you either need some good old fashioned AC maintenance or a complete air conditioner repair service. 

Your AC technician will determine what’s causing the noise, and they’ll be able to change the filters, remove any dirt or debris clogging up the works, and fix any leaks or other issues your HVAC unit may be having.

So, if you hear any of the noises listed above, turn off your AC unit immediately and contact an AC technician right away. Additionally, you should be following an AC maintenance schedule to prevent the serious issues that lead to the above noises from happening.

Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning

You can expect a certain amount of noise to come from your HVAC unit. After all, it puts in some heavy-duty work day in and day out to keep your home at a consistent and comfortable temperature. That means you should keep up with the routine AC maintenance as guided by your AC contractor.

If you’re in need of air conditioner repair services, Sky Heating & Air Conditioning is here to provide you with trusted professional air conditioning and heating services all year round.

For residents of Portland or The Dalles, Oregon, contact us today to schedule an AC service appointment or to have any of your HVAC questions answered. 

*With COVID-19 in mind, we’ve initiated enhanced sanitizing and social distancing procedures to ensure the safety of our technicians and your family.