Tips for Fixing a Noisy Air Conditioner

Why is my air conditioner so loud? This is one of the most common questions we’ve received so far. Just like a truck, your air conditioner is a complex piece of machinery with a lot of moving parts; hence the noise.

The noise from an air conditioner can have lots of causes, depending on the type of unit. In general, a change in the way your AC sounds is a bad sign. If it starts making some harsh or grinding sounds, this could be a sign that there is something wrong with the unit.

Here are some common fixes that can help alleviate the problem. But if none of these solutions work, it is best to leave it in the hands of the experts.

Tighten the screws

Rattling sounds can be an indication that something is loose. It could be because the air conditioner is no longer tight in the window frame or due to a loose front panel.

To fix this problem, check all internal and external panels. If anything is loose, tighten them. Also, make sure that the unit is properly installed.

Lubricate the fan motor

If the air conditioner is noisy, one or more of the fan blades might be rubbing the housing. Fan motors that are improperly lubricated can cause a loud hum.

Some units come with unsealed motors, which allow you to add a few drops of SAE 10 oil along the motor shaft. Other air conditioning units, however, come with a motor housing that is permanently sealed.

Clean and straighten the coil fins

The air conditioning unit may become noisy if the coil fins are bent. Coils fins that are clogged with dirt could also a possible cause. Remove dirt and debris with the use of a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Straighten the coil fins by inserting the teeth of the fin comb between the bent fins.