Why is My Apartment AC So Loud?

Your apartment AC is making a lot of noise. There are several ways to deal with this problem. Some of these include checking for signs of rubbing and noises that indicate an issue. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, you may need to contact your apartment manager. They may not be willing to pay for a noise reduction solution. Another solution is to use white noise sources to mask the AC noise.

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How to deal with loud AC units

The sound from an air conditioner in an apartment can be annoying, but you can try to minimize its effect by using soundproofing materials. You can wrap AC units in foam or cover them with a sound-absorbing wall. Both solutions work for different levels of AC noise. If the noise is confined to an open space, you can also cover your AC unit with a sound-absorbing blanket or wall.

In many cities, the decibel rating of air conditioning units is regulated on a neighborhood level. However, it can be difficult to find these ratings. A good rule of thumb is to get an AC unit with a decibel rating less than 60 – the noise level of a TV set.

One of the easiest ways to contain the noise generated by AC units is to place plants near them. Plants absorb some of the noise, so plant them in areas where they won’t disturb others. In some cases, you can also install an acrylic window insert, which is made to fit the exact dimensions of the AC unit opening. These sound-absorbing materials will press against the window frame and help the AC unit to sit flush against the space.

Noises that indicate a problem

If you hear unusual noises coming from your apartment air conditioning unit, you may need to call a technician to diagnose the problem. Fortunately, there are some obvious signs that can indicate a problem, such as a malfunctioning fan belt. If you hear these noises, you should turn off your air conditioner and contact a technician right away.