Tips for Fixing Noisy Air Conditioners

Solutions depend on the age of the condenser
  • Save
Tips for Fixing Noisy Air Conditioners

The problem of a noisy central air conditioner condenser can be solved in several possible ways, but if the unit is too old it may just need to be replaced.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Track down the cause

Problem: Noisy air conditioner
The outside condenser of a central air conditioning unit can be very loud. Read on to find the best solution based on the cause of the problem.

Solution:
Fencing one or all sides of an air conditioner’s outside unit can deflect noise. But experiment first: Prop up plywood around the unit so you can judge how much good a fence will do. If you decide to build a fence, keep it at least 3 ft. from the unit to allow airflow. For the best sound reduction, overlap fence boards instead of leaving gaps between them. Aside from a fence, there are a few other approaches you should consider:

  • If your condenser is older, the best solution is a new unit. Newer designs are dramatically quieter than those produced just a few years ago. And they save money. A high-efficiency unit might cut your cooling bills in half and pay for itself in three or four years. The downside, of course, is the initial cost.
  • If you already have a newer condenser, the worst noise is probably coming from the compressor. (Fans on newer units are very quiet.) Contact the manufacturer to find a sound blanket for your model or buy a universal blanket (search online for “compressor sound blanket”). Installation is easy. Don’t bother putting a blanket on an old unit—you’ll still hear the noisy fan.

Caution!

Shut off all power to the unit. Turn off the thermostat inside the house, switch off the breakers at the main panel and pull out the fuse block at the outside disconnect box.

Back to Top

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

    • 4-in-1 screwdriver
    • Adjustable wrench

If you decide to build a wooden enclosure, you'll need a post hole digger, a level, miter saw and drill.

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.

    • Compressor sound blanket

Shopping List

Back to Top

Comments from DIY Community Members

Share what's on your mind and see what other DIYers are thinking about.

1 - 4 of 4 comments
Show per page: 20   All
JLTimms

July 05, 8:52 AM [GMT -5]

My A/C unit was so noisey that we had trouble hearing the TV in the room adjacent to the outside unit. I had a repairman out to quiet it down and as soon as he walked around the corner he had the problem solved.

When my house was constructed the builder installed a hanger bracket on the top of the foundation so the outside unit could be installed before the dirt had settled around the basement walls (saved him time on the site I guess). This bracket was transfering the vibration from the unit to the foundation and my outside wall.

All I had to do was pour a slab near the outside unit and the A/C man came back out and moved the unit from the bracket to the slab. NOISE PROBLEM SOLVED!

coxndix

May 09, 11:51 AM [GMT -5]

try loosining the childrens shackels.... but not so loose that they escape

then poop in your vents

lylaburns123

April 26, 1:28 PM [GMT -5]

Thank you so much for this information. Our air conditioning system just started sounding a little louder. http://jackfrostheatingandair.com We were worried we would have to get a whole new system but we were able to fix the problem with your tips. It was just a leaf stuck in the fan. Thanks again!

lylaburns123

April 26, 1:28 PM [GMT -5]

Thank you so much for this information. Our air conditioning system just started sounding a little louder. We were worried we would have to get a whole new system but we were able to fix the problem with your tips. It was just a leaf stuck in the fan. Thanks again!

+ Add Your Comment
Back to Top
closeX

Add Your Comment

Tips for Fixing Noisy Air Conditioners

Please add your comment
Submit Comment Cancel
closeX

Log in to My Account

Log in to enjoy membership benefits from The Family Handyman.

  • Forgot your password?
Don’t have an account yet?

Sign up today for FREE and become part of The Family Handyman community of DIYers.

Member benefits:

  • Get a FREE Traditional Bookcase Project Plan
  • Sign up for FREE DIY newsletters
  • Save projects to your project binder
  • Ask and answer questions in our DIY Forums
  • Share comments on DIY Projects and more!
Join Us Today
closeX

Report Abuse

Subject
Reasons for reporting post
Report Abuse Cancel
Save and organize projects in your Project Binder with a FREE Membership! Join today»

Free OnSite Newsletter

Get timely DIY projects for your home and yard, plus a dream project for your wish list!