Common Problem: Noisy AC

Noisy AC

Common Problem: Noisy AC

Common Problem: Noisy AC 1444 964 Chinook

Sitting on the back porch on a quiet summer evening, listening to crickets’ chirp, ah, so peaceful, it’s a perfect evening in Kennewick; then that noisy AC kicks on and suddenly the evening is filled with a racket equal to a pack of bikers running full out. Worse scenario, you’re lying in bed and you’re wide awake. Why? Because there’s an annoying whistle coming from your AC and you can’t get it out of your head! Make it stop, I have a presentation tomorrow! Noisy ACs can really be annoying.

What causes noisy ACs

The answer is simple as to why there are noisy AC’s; not all people have upgraded to new units that are high efficiency quiet air conditioners. Why should they? Besides the noise, the unit is working fine and not impacting the utility bills significantly so there’s no call for replacement. So what parts make a noisy AC? Manufacturers have identified the culprits as the following:

  • Indoor and outdoor fans
  • Compressors
  • Evaporator and condenser coils

Each of these key components adds to the noisy AC factor in your home. Manufacturers have made major advancements in the decreasing the noise level in newer units through the use of variable speed motors, shock absorbent mounts and advanced insulation to name a few. In fact, it’s hard to hear them running.

Can noisy ACs mean there’s a problem?

Noisy ACs can mean your unit has a problem. When a unit is running low in refrigerant, it has a tendency to become noisy, as the refrigerant acts as a lubricant for the system.

Loose covers or fan cages can often result in an excessive rattle that will eventually rattle your nerves. Check these only when the unit is off. Read here for more.

That annoying whistle from the noisy AC at night could be dirty registers or filters. What you are hearing is the slow choking of your noisy AC.

Can’t afford to replace your noisy AC now?

If noisy AC replacement is just not in the cards for you, here are some things you can consider that will help to cut the noise factor. If none of these do it, call in your AC technician; the guys at Chinook Heating and Air Conditioning in Kennewick told me many times on a service call they can quickly identify the noise issues and provide suggestion to quiet them down some.

You can start with something as simple as a fence slightly higher than the unit built around it. Don’t forget to leave access and ample circulation and work space between the unit and the fence

If that doesn’t do it, try a sound fence, these are made to deflect and absorb sound. They work much like the walls in a sound studio.

Clean your registers and if you can afford it, have the ducts cleaned as well. Your HVAC technician can take care of this for you. Can’s say it enough, change the filters.

Want to know more, call Chinook Heating and Air Condition in Kennewick at 509.736.1211. Their staff can help you determine what will work best to quiet your noisy AC.