How to Reduce Noise From Outside Air Conditioners: 5 Solutions For You

If you are reading this post on how to reduce noise from outside air conditioners, chances are you’re already fed up with a loud AC.

It can hit a nerve, especially if it bothers your neighbours or creates a disturbance in an otherwise peaceful environment.

What’s the way out?

You could replace your old, worn-out air conditioning unit with a newer version.

But if that’s not a feasible option, there are other ways to reduce the noise from your outside air conditioner.

In this post, let’s discuss some ways you can soundproof your AC unit and reduce noise coming from it.

5 Ways to Reduce Noise from Outside Air Conditioners

Let’s get straight to the point.

There are multiple ways that can help you minimize the noise from your AC effectively. Take a look at all the different options and pick the one that seems effective for you.

1) Use a Sound Blanket

One of the most common reasons that your air conditioner is making more noise than usual is that there is a problem with the compressor or fan blades.

If it’s the latter, you’ll typically hear a rattling sound.

To fix this problem, you need to find the spot where the fan blade might be hitting the AC unit. In case it’s not hitting anything, you may need to completely replace your fan.

But what if your compressor is causing your AC to be noisy?

A clever way to reduce the noise is to place a sound-absorbing blanket around the compressor. For this, you’ll need to open the AC unit with a screwdriver. Cover the compressor completely with a sound-reducing blanket so that you can muffle up any noise coming from it.

If you aren’t comfortable with opening up your outside air conditioner unit yourself, you can always reach out to certified technicians. They will ensure that your AC unit is assembled properly.

2) Build an Enclosure or Fence

This method to reduce noise from your AC requires more effort than the previous one. You can build an enclosure around your AC unit or install a fence. Of course, they should be built in such a way that they cover the AC from all sides.

The logic is simple — you want to muffle the noise by surrounding it.

However, if you build a two-sided fence, you may end up amplifying the noise. Such an arrangement can cause sound reverberation.

Make sure you build an obstruction in such a way that it reduces the noise coming from your AC instead of increasing it.

3) Add Greenery

Adding greenery anywhere can help with noise reduction. If your surroundings have enough space, try adding more bushes and shrubs around the unit.

Not only will it beautify the landscape, but also help you decrease the noise coming from your outside air conditioner.

The overall effect will be similar to building a fence or an enclosure. However, you should ensure that all the plants and shrubs are at least 2-3 feet away from your AC unit.

4) Install Your AC Unit On a Good Surface

Is there any unsteady contact between your outside air conditioner and any other surface? It could be a wall or even the ground.

If that’s the case, the installation surface could be the culprit. Your AC unit may be touching an unsteady surface, causing vibrations.

To reduce the noise coming from your outside air conditioner, you need to attach it to a steady surface. To fix this issue, you can use some foam to reduce the friction between the two surfaces.

5) Keep Water-Dripping Noises in Check

Another common issue with air conditioning units is the noise of water dripping from the AC unit. It’s not a big issue but it can still be annoying. There is a very simple solution to this.

Take your hose and attach it to the hose of your AC. Put the other side into a plastic bottle. This will stop any water-dripping noises coming from your outside air conditioners.

FAQs

Q1. How can I make my outside AC unit quieter?

A. To make your air conditioner less noisy, you can add a sound-absorbing blanket to your compressor.

Alternatively, you can build a fence or an enclosure around the AC unit to reduce the noise. To achieve a similar effect naturally, you can grow shrubs around your outside air conditioner.
 
Q2. Why is my AC unit so loud outside?

A. Your outside AC unit can be loud due to any of the following reasons:

• Your compressor is malfunctioning.
• There are loose parts in your AC unit.
• Your AC’s fan blades are hitting an unsteady surface.
• Your refrigerant lines may be installed a bit too tightly.

 
Q3. How can I reduce AC fan noise?

A. A rattling noise coming from your AC fan can indicate that there may be debris stuck on it. You should clean your fan to fix this issue.

In other cases, some items may have fallen into your AC unit. Open the AC cabinet to remove any unwanted items that may be disturbing the movement of your blades.
 
Q4. What kind of noise does a bad compressor make?

A. If you hear a rattling sound from your outside air conditioner, it may indicate that you have a malfunctioning compressor. Sometimes you may also hear banging, clattering, or popping noises because of a bad AC compressor.

Conclusion

Don’t let a noisy outside air conditioner ruin your relationship with your neighbors. Instead, use a sound-absorbing blanket or install a fence to reduce the overall noise coming from your AC unit.

You can add more greenery to your landscape to muffle the AC noises. Additionally, install the unit on a steady surface to reduce any friction that may be creating a noisy environment. If water dripping from your AC unit is an issue, you can fix it with a hose and a plastic bottle.

Want to get your AC fixed by an expert technician? Reach out to us for AC repair services in Folsom and Sacramento.