An air conditioner is a must-have appliance for homeowners in the Coastal Bend area. However, it can provide equal parts pleasurable cooling comfort and displeasure if it makes disruptive noise. Several factors can cause your indoor unit to operate more audibly than usual. Here are the different steps you can take to resolve unwanted HVAC noise.
Basic Solutions
When looking to reduce HVAC noise, start by checking on the following components:
- Vent dampers — Closing several supply vents puts your HVAC equipment under undue stress. As a result, your HVAC system may become noisier. Ensure all your vents are open.
- Air filters — Dirty filters can obstruct airflow and make your system noisy. The solution? You guessed right: change your air filters regularly.
- Ducts — The buildup of dirt and dust in your ducts can make it harder for your air conditioner to deliver air. That could lead to noisy ducts. Have your ductwork cleaned to prevent it from impeding airflow.
Reduce Static Pressure
If the steps above don’t control the noise, the best move to make is to call in an HVAC pro to measure your system’s static pressure. High static pressure shows that your ducts can’t accommodate the quantity of air your A/C unit is moving through them. The excess air creates noise.
Some of the possible solutions to high static pressure include:
- Adding a bypass duct to relieve pressure and reduce noise
- Installing larger ducts
- Adjusting your system’s fan speed
- Adding new registers and grilles or expanding the existing ones
Utilize Noise-Reducing Technologies
You could invest in noise control materials that reduce sound transmission through HVAC systems. These materials include:
- Duct silencers
- Plenum return silencers
- Flat acoustic foam
If you’re planning to buy a new air conditioner, consider upgrading to a variable speed blower. A/C units that use variable speed blower fans are quieter than standard air conditioners.
If your DIY efforts don’t eliminate the unwanted sounds, talk to a trusted HVAC contractor about one or more of the remedies above. If you need help with HVAC noise issues in South Texas, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at CCAC.