Are you tired of your noisy air conditioner interfering with your sleep, dinner parties, or even your favorite shows? Whether your AC unit is old or new, having it vibrate whenever it’s on can be irritating and disruptive.
Understanding how to stop AC vibration is, therefore, crucial. Usually, in the case of a window air conditioner, the level of vibration is determined by the model and how it’s installed.
If your air conditioner is vibrating, it indicates a potential issue or problem that you should address. Ignoring it can lead to more expenses later on. If you notice any vibration from your air conditioner, contact an HVAC professional to check if the system requires replacement or repair.
Want to know how to stop AC vibration? This post details the basics on how to make sure your AC unit doesn’t vibrate so you can enjoy your time at home without disruptions.
Different ways to stop your AC from vibrating
Wondering how to stop air conditioner vibration? Here are five simple steps:
1. Add or replace the vibration pad
A condenser pad is a component used to ensure the outdoor air conditioning unit is level and off the ground. As such, the outdoor unit’s case may continuously rub on the pad whenever the compressor runs, causing the air conditioner vibration.
Place isolation feet or anti-vibration pads below each edge of the outdoor air conditioning unit to decrease vibration and noise. This leaves a space between the case and the pad, thus stopping vibration from reaching the condenser pad.
Also, these pads can deteriorate or shift over time. After a few months, make sure to check their condition regularly. If the pad breaks, you could replace it with a fairly low-cost one online.
When installing the pads, turn off the energy supply and raise the outdoor air conditioning unit slightly to place the condenser pad beneath the case’s corner.
2. Tighten the screw and bolts
Is your air conditioner vibrating too much? Loosened screws and bolts might be the primary reason. The motors, fans, and other parts of an air conditioner generate slight vibrations that gradually loosen the bolts and nuts that hold them together. These parts are considerably loud as they hit the metal and may produce a loud rumbling noise as they loosen.
You can reduce vibration by securing the outdoor AC unit to the floor with several bolts. They help to hold the air conditioner in place, which will prevent the pipes and wires from breaking. Progressive movements pull and make the air conditioning unit vibrate, so regularly tightening the AC bolts can help.
Window and indoor air conditioners should have their bolts and seals checked regularly. We strongly advise tightening the air conditioner’s unions, screws, and other parts. It can vibrate if something is loose on, in, or around the device. You can reduce unwanted vibrations by tightening the screws and seals on the air conditioner.
However, it’s good to consult an expert if the bolts are stripped or rusted. They will advise you better on how to stop the air conditioning vibration.
3. Replace the AC compressor
The issue may also be with your AC compressor. The air conditioning compressor do ensures that the refrigerant has reached the proper pressure and temperature so the air conditioner can adequately cool your home.
Typically, the compressor produces a buzzing sound. However, if the sound is unusually loud or, worse, making rustling noises, your compressor might have a more serious problem. Leaks of refrigerant into other components could cause them to freeze, causing operational difficulties and air conditioning vibration as a result.
Some manufacturers fasten the compressors in the air conditioners too tight, which can cause the whole unit to vibrate. In this case, loosen the bolts that hold the compressor together.
4. Clean the AC unit
If your air conditioner suddenly begins making noise, inspect for any foreign objects that may have dropped into the system. This is most common with window air conditioning units. Flying debris and even small animals can enter your air conditioner because the outer part of your AC unit hangs outside the house.
Regularly cleaning your air conditioner is essential since it will help you save on your electric bill and avoid future damages that could lead to your AC unit vibrating the house.
Usually, a dirty AC unit can emit unpleasant odors and cause loud AC vibrations.
If your room or office is on the lower floors, it increases the potential for lizards or rodents to form a home inside the unit. If you suspect this is the case, turn off your air conditioner instantly and unlock the front door to inspect the inside with a torch. Remove all foreign materials from the inside, tighten the front grille then restart the AC system.
If you don’t like hearing your conditioner vibrate and have exhausted all other options, call a professional to help clean and inspect your AC for you.
5. Install soundproof blankets
Soundproof blankets are among the best options for reducing air conditioner vibration since they are inexpensive and simple to install. An AC unit sound blanket has excellent noise-cancellation capabilities.
Adding multiple thick layers around your unit can help muffle the sound. A soundproof blanket helps to block out more than one-third of the sound emitted by your air conditioner system. Look for soundproof blanks that are specifically designed for air conditioning units. They will wrap around your AC unit, and you can even fasten them with hooks if necessary.
There’s no reason to be concerned about the blanket affecting the performance of your cooling system. Homeowners and businesses often use specially designed soundproof blankets to minimize or avoid noise levels while improving air quality. However it is wise to remain vigilant.
This approach is inexpensive and easy to install, and it will drastically reduce the vibration noises for you and your neighbors. It’s important to note that sound blankets tend to be less effective with older AC models because the older motors still have noisy fans.
How to stop AC vibration – Conclusion
If you’re AC continues to vibrate, and the sound is disrupting you and your household, you may need to get a technician to look at it for you.
Call an expert to get a professional opinion.