Tips for Fixing Noisy Air Conditioners

Track down the cause

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Photo 1: Open the unit

Unscrew and lift off the top panel. The heavy fan motor is mounted on the panel, so have a helper hold it while you install the blanket.

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Photo 2: Position the blanket

Unscrew and lift off the top panel. The heavy fan motor is mounted on the panel, so have a helper hold it while you install the blanket.

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.