Summertime in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre areas mean the constant running of air conditioning units to combat the heat. Unfortunately, HVAC systems can be known for creating an abundance of disruptive noise. Cooling your home should not mean disturbing the peace and quiet that you deserve.
Sound is measured in decibels (dB). According to the audiology studies conducted at multiple universities, such as Purdue University and Simon Fraser University, the pain threshold for humans is between 115 and 140 dB level. Most sound laws dictate that an air conditioning unit should be between 70 and 75 dB. This level of noise can still be a disturbance in your day, so how do you decrease it?
How to Make Air Conditioner Quieter
1. Choose Location Carefully
Select the location of your thermal control systems (air conditioners or heat pumps) carefully when installing a new unit. Install your air conditioning unit away from bedrooms or rooms with frequent activity. This will limit the amount of noise disruption in your day.
When consulting with your contractor about locations, avoid installing the unit where the main ducts into your home are in narrow corridors. The sound coming from the air conditioner will reverberate off of the walls and the narrow space will act as a sound amplifier. Also avoid positioning the new unit in corners, where there are multiple surfaces that will reflect the sound.
2. Use a Noise Blanket
A cost-effective method of sound prevention is having your HVAC technician install a noise blanket around the compressor of your air conditioning unit. This will insulate the compressor and reduce noise without compromising performance or efficiency.
3. Install Noise Barriers
Similar tactics to reducing traffic noise can be employed on your property for reducing air conditioning noise. Plant vegetation that will absorb sound and act as a buffer and block or limit the sound waves that travel between your unit and your home. Tactfully placed wood fencing can also be effective, as wood will absorb and block the sound. All barriers need to be taller than the unit to be an effective noise barrier.
Be mindful when putting in any of these methods. Improper barrier installation can amplify or redirect the sound waves toward your home or obstruct airflow and lower the performance of your unit. All barriers should be at least 2 feet away from any outdoor unit. Vegetation should be pruned to maintain this distance. Consult your HVAC specialist before making any of these changes and prevent damage to your air conditioner.
4. Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
Some HVAC system noise can be caused by clogs, damage or components that are not functioning at optimum capacity. Preventing this type of disruption is simple with regular AC maintenance, including clearing seasonal debris, changing the filters, clearing drains, and updating your unit.
Benefits of AC Maintenance in Northeastern PA
Regular maintenance of your air conditioning unit extends far beyond just noise reduction. Just a few of the benefits include:
- Noise reduction
- Improved air quality
- Energy efficiency
- Longer appliance lifespan
Begin enjoying the cool temperature of your Northeastern PA home without the disruptive whirring of your AC unit. Call the professionals at T.E. Spall & Son at (877) 591-7508 for your consultation or visit us online.
