8 Ways to Reduce AC Sound

If your comfort being disrupted by the sound of your air conditioner? Are you irritated because you want peace and quiet for a good night’s rest? Many people find the sounds made by an air conditioner annoying. These are a few tips for reducing the sound levels of your air conditioner in your Bay Area home or business.

1. Install in an Optimal Location

Make sure you consult with a reliable professional before installing an HVAC unit. Knowledgeable contractors would pick an optimal location away from bedrooms and other frequently used rooms. The air conditioner should also be installed away from narrow hallways and air ducts. Make sure the condenser unit is away from windows.

2. Level the Condenser Pad

The outdoor pad may cause vibrations when you turn on the air conditioner if it is placed on uneven or unsteady surface. This vibration may result in an increase in the sound level.

3. Consider Using an AC Sound Blanket

Using a sound blanket is the easiest and most inexpensive way of reducing air conditioner sound. Most brands have information regarding which sound blanket to use on their condenser unit. You can also purchase a universal sound blanket. You don’t need to worry about the sound blanket causing heating and efficiency issues. In reality, they insulate the condenser unit and encourage air circulation.

4. Installation of Sound Barriers

You should consider installing a sound barrier in the form of a fence or a wall around the outdoor condenser unit. This can muffle the sound coming the condenser unit. Moreover, make sure the fence is of a material that is not susceptible to reverberation. Wood is the generally preferred material. You can wrap the fence using PVC or another material.

5. Insulate Ducts

Ducts carry sound in addition to carrying conditioned air. You can reduce unwanted noise by soundproofing the ducts. It’s recommended that you insulate the ducts using foil-faced fiberglass for preventing energy losses and reducing sound levels.

6. Plant Vegetation

Vegetation acts as a natural sound barrier. It can also make the outdoor unit look pretty. In relation to this, you need to make sure that there is no foliage in the immediate vicinity of the condenser unit. Reasonable distance is necessary since twigs and leaves can block the condenser. You can consider placing potted plants around the indoor unit for absorbing sound. Natural air purifying plants are recommended for increasing the efficiency of air conditioner.

7. Regular HVAC Maintenance

Poor maintenance can be a reason for overly loud HVAC sounds. For instance, fan blades have poor aerodynamics which can result in higher sound levels if they are dirty or dull. Your air conditioner needs to work harder for cycling air if the air filters are dirty. This again results in added noise. You can keep the air conditioner performing at its quietest by scheduling regular maintenance.

8. Seal All Gaps

This is usually necessary in case of window air conditioners. You should seal all gaps around the unit. Most of the sound that comes from a window air conditioner is because of reverberations and gaps around the unit. The gaps allow sound from the condenser unit to enter the room. Make sure the AC unit is tightly fitted into the frame. If the unit feels loose, you should look for any loose screws and tighten them. Rigid foam insulation works best for sealing gaps.