How to Make a Portable Air Conditioner Quieter? {20 Ways}
Portable air conditioner is really a great way to cool down your space, there is not doubt about it. However, the noise from these units can be annoying and disruptive.
Many homeowners have asked me many times that; How can I make my portable air conditioner quieter?
So yeah, if you have the same question and want to make your noisy portable air conditioner quiet, you’ve are in the right place.
This blog post will provide you 20 helpful tips to make a portable air conditioner quieter. Keep reading!
Sources of Noise from a Portable Air Conditioner
Before you take steps to quiet your portable AC unit. It is necessary to identify the causes or the sources first. Here, we’ll take a look at the some of the most common causes of a noisy portable air conditioners.
#1 Bad compressor
Look, the compressor is one of the crucial parts of an air conditioner. It basically pumps the refrigerant throughout the system and is responsible for cooling the air in your room.
However, this can be a common cause of a noisy portable unit. The compressor makes noise because it works by compressing the gas, which creates high pressure, and then forcing it through the other components of the system. This process produces vibrations that result in a loud sound. Any compressor issues can cause a banging or clanking noise from the unit.
#2 The fan
Believe it or not, the fan is the noisy center of the portable air conditioner. This is one of the main sources of noise. If the fan blades are bent or damaged, your portable AC unit may make a loud humming sound.
#3 The evaporator coil
The evaporator coil, which is located inside the air conditioner, is the most important component of a portable air conditioner that absorbs heat from the air in the room and then cools it.
As air passes over the evaporator coils, heat is absorbed, cooling the air in the process. This can create some noise as the fan motor pushes the cool air back into the room.
Noise from the evaporator will usually be a low-level humming sound, but may be more noticeable when the unit is working harder than normal due to high temperatures or increased humidity levels.
#4 The ductwork
The portable air conditioner ductwork is responsible for transporting air from the unit to the outside of your home. If it is not properly sealed, this can cause noise to seep through walls and floors.
Metal ducts expand and contract with temperature changes, which can cause rattling sounds in walls and floors. Additionally, any cracks or tears in the ducts can allow air to escape and cause a whistling sound.
#5 Loose Screws
Portable air conditioners have several moving parts that can become loose over time. If the screws are not tightened, they may create rattling and banging noises.
#6 Faulty Fan Motor Bearings
When fan motor bearings wear down over time, and the fan motor vibrates excessively. Excessive vibration can cause a loud screeching and screeching sound coming from a portable air conditioner.
#7 Dirt particles get trapped in your condenser
Dirt particles can get stuck in your air conditioner’s condenser, which can cause noise. This is because the dirt particles clog the condenser and block airflow, which makes the system work harder. This adds to the noise made by your air conditioner.
#8 Faulty Motor
The motor is the heart of portable air conditioners. A bad motor can cause a lot of unwanted noise. Faulty motor is counted among the most common causes of noise from portable air conditioners. Clogged or wear and tear can damage the motor, causing it to make excessive noise.
#9 Environmental factors
Environmental factors, such as high humidity or high temperature, can cause noise from the unit.
20 Ways to Make a Portable Air Conditioners Quieter
Ok! The wait is over. Here are 20 actionable ways to make your portable air conditioner quieter. Read on..
1) Check and clean or replace the air filters regularly
Keeping your unit’s air filter clean and clear is essential to ensuring quiet operation of your portable air conditioner. A clogged or dirty filters can cause your unit to work harder which will result in more noise.
To keep your air conditioner running smoothly and quietly, clean the air filter regularly. According to Energy.gov, you should be cleaning the filter every month or two during the summer months.
To begin, first, remove the filter cover, then remove the filter itself. The most suitable option would be to change the filter with a new one if it looks extremely dirty.
But if it looks little dirty, then just wash it with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. Wash the filter properly before re-placing it in the unit.
2) Make sure the unit is properly installed and level.
A level and properly adjusted portable air conditioner can make a huge difference in its noise level. It’s important to follow to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the unit is placed correctly and is level.
When positioning the unit, try to find a spot on the floor or wall where it will not be affected by drafts or vibrations. In addition, make sure the exhaust hose is fully extended out and is not bent or twisted.
3) Remove any debris or dirt accumulation from the unit
Cleaning your air conditioner is an important part of maintaining its efficiency and reducing noise. Dust and dirt can build up on the unit’s coils, filters and fans, causing your unit to produce more noise.
To keep your unit running quietly, remove any debris or dirt that has accumulated on the air conditioning unit.
To remove debris or dirt accumulation from the unit, first, unplug the unit and turn off the power. Inspect the unit carefully and use a vacuum cleaner or brush to remove accumulated dirt, dust and debris.
Also keep in mind to wipe the exterior of the unit with a soft cloth to remove all particles. Once you’re finished cleaning, plug the unit back in and turn it back on.
4) Tighten any loose components of the unit
If your portable air conditioning unit is producing a rattling sound, it could be due to unsecured components within the unit. To prevent this, check carefully that all components of the unit are snugly tightened.
To properly secure components, use a wrench and make sure all screws, bolts and nuts are tighten. Pay close attention to any components near the fan blades, as these are more prone to beomes loose. Also, check the exterior vent cover and make sure it is securely attached.
Once all parts are checked and tightened, turn on the unit to see if the noise level has reduced. If it’s still making loud noise as before, you need to take additional steps to make your portable air conditioner quieter.
5) Use a Fan
Using a fan in conjunction with your portable air conditioner can really help reduce the noise level. This is because the fan helps distribute the cool air evenly throughout the room, which will reduce the workload on the air conditioner and resulting in lower noise levels.
Additionally, a fan can help keep the air moving and create a more comfortable environment for you. You can use ceiling fans, tower fans, or box fans in conjunction with your portable to keep your unit noise level down.
And if you have a big sized room then you may need to purchase more than one fan to help distribute air more efficiently.
6) Replace any damaged or worn out parts
If your portable AC is making a very loud noise, it could be a sign of damaged or worn components. To address this issue, begin it by disconnecting the unit from the power source and removing any visible screws that hold the panel or components together.
Next, inspect the motor, fan blades, and other parts of the AC unit for any visible cracks, chips, or missing pieces. If you identify any worn parts, they should be replaced.
Once you’ve done that, take a look at the motor, fan blades, and other parts of the unit. If you see any cracks, chips or missing pieces, they need to be replaced.
You can buy replacement parts from a local hardware store or order them online from retailers such as Amazon or Home Depot. It’s crucial to get the parts that are compatible with your AC model. If you’re unsure, you should contact the manufacturer for advice.
Once you have the new parts, reassemble the air conditioner following the instructions in the manual. Then turn it back on and check for noise reduction of your portable air conditioner. You will definitely notice the difference.
7) Lubricate the moving parts of the unit to reduce friction and noise
One way to reduce your portable AC noise is to lubricate the moving parts of the unit, as this can reduce friction and therefore help make it quieter.
This can include areas such as the fan motor, fan blades, compressor, evaporator coil, and condenser coil.
If you are unsure of how to do this. It will be best to consult a technician who will be able to advise you on the best lubricant and methods to use.
8) Adjust the fan speed to a lower setting
Adjusting the fan speed of your portable air conditioner is a simple and easy way to reduce noise without spending anything.
But before making any adjustments to the fan speed, check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the settings are compatible with your unit.
In general, the lower the fan speed the lower the noise will produce, but it may also reduce the cooling performance of the unit. Meaning the unit will a long time to cool the room.
In some cases, you can increase the fan speed slightly to achieve optimal cooling performance.
If you find that adjusting the fan speed is not enough to reduce the noise level, you may need to take additional steps to soundproof your portable air conditioner.
9) Use a soundproofing material to reduce the noise level of
Soundproofing your portable ac unit is an excellent way to reduce the noise that your ac units makes. A useful method is to use sound-absorbing materials to the walls of the room where the AC unit is installed.
These materials can be soundproof curtains, acoustic foam panels, and soundproof blankets. Furthermore, placing the air conditioner on top of a soundproof mat or pad can help to reduce vibrations and further reduce noise levels.
10) Use a longer exhaust hose to allow for more flexibility in positioning the unit.
A longer exhaust duct can be really helping in making a portable air conditioner quieter. Basically, a longer duct allows you to position the unit further away from the area you’re trying to cool, which means less noise of the AC unit will reach you.
11) Keep the unit away from windows and doors to minimize drafts and vibrations.
Drafts and vibrations are common sources of noise, so it’s important that your unit is located away from any windows or doors. By doing so, you can reduce the amount of air that escapes from the room, as well as limit the amount of sound generated by the AC unit.
12) Use Curtains or Blinds
Using curtains or blinds can be extremely helpful in noise reduction of your portable air conditioner. Curtains act as a buffer between the air conditioner and the outside environment, trapping noise inside.
Similarly, blinds also help in reducing noise by blocking out any external sound. They are also known as noise-reduction curtains.
This can be especially beneficial in areas with a lot of outdoor noise pollution, such as near busy roads or in urban areas.
Another great benefit of using curtains or blinds is that; they can provide additional insulation and keep your home cooler in hot weather.
13) Check and maintain the correct refrigerant levels.
Refrigerant levels in your portable air conditioner are essential to ensure optimum performance and quiet operation. Checking the refrigerant levels regularly and ensuring they are within the recommended range is vital.
If levels is too low, the unit will struggle to effectively cool the air, which can lead to excessive noise. To keep your portable air conditioner running quietly, check and maintain correct refrigerant levels.
The best way to check refrigerant levels is to consult a certified technician. The technician will use special equipment to measure the exact levels of refrigerant in the unit and ensure they are within the recommended range.
14) Use a white noise machine
White noise machines is a fantastic device that can help quiet your portable air conditioner. White noise is a low-level background noise that can drown out and reduce the effect of other loud sounds, such as the sound of your portable air conditioner. It is also used to reduce the noise effect of upstairs neighbors stomping.
White noise machines are inexpensive, and they can be used in conjunction with other noise reduction methods to further reduce the sound of your portable air conditioner.
Place the white noise machine near the air conditioner or in another room where you want to reduce the volume of the unit. Be sure to use the lowest possible volume setting to maintain a comfortable environment.
15) Place the unit on a soft surface, such as a rug or mat, to absorb sound.
To greatly reduce the sound level of your portable air conditioner. Place it on a soft surface is important. This can be a rug or mat, that can absorb noise. This will also help reduce the vibration caused by the unit and reduce the overall noise level.
When choosing a rug or mat for this, make sure the rug or mat is not too thick nor too thin as it can obstruct air flow and prevent the unit from cooling effectively.
Taking this step will make a significant difference in reducing the noise level of your portable air conditioner for sure.
16) Install the unit in a location that is not in close proximity to people or noise-sensitive areas.
If you have a portable air conditioner, make sure it’s installed in a location that isn’t too close to people or noise-sensitive areas. If the unit is too close to people, the noise generated by the unit will be very annoying.
For example, if the air conditioner is placed near your bed then the noise generated by the unit will interfere with sleep. So it is best to install the unit in an area where the noise will be less noticeable.
17) Avoid using the air conditioner in extremely hot or cold weather
Too hot or cold weather can really be a enemy for your air conditioner. The unit will has to work harder to cool or heat the air when it is extremely hot or cold, which will definitely increase noise levels.
This is especially true of portable air conditioners as most of them are not designed to handle extreme temperatures. To prevent this, just avoid using the unit in temperatures that are too hot or too cold.
18) Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to reduce the effects of noise.
If you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to reduce the amount of noise generated by your portable air conditioner, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones are a good option.
Not only do they provide soundproofing and help block out loud noises, but they also provide comfort and help reduce stress levels.
You can also combine them with other noise reduction methods, such as using a fan or white noise machine, for better results.
19) Consult a certified technician to diagnose and fix any underlying issues with the unit.
If you’ve tried all of the above methods to reduce the noise of your portable air conditioner, but it still isn’t working, it may be time to consult a certified technician.
A technician can inspect your unit and diagnose any underlying problems that may be causing the excessive noise.
Common problems that can lead to increased noise include faulty motors, damaged fan blades, refrigerant leaks, and other issues. They may also recommend appropriate repairs and maintenance to ensure that your unit operates as quietly as possible.
20) Buy a Quieter Unit
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to making your portable air conditioner quieter, it may be time to invest in a newer, quietest portable air conditioners.
The best way to be sure you get a quiet unit is to read customer reviews and compare different models. Look for reviews from customers who have tested the same unit in their home, as this will give you an accurate sense of the noise level.
When buying a new portable air conditioner, look for units that have a noise level of less than 60 decibels, or db. The lower the rating, the quieter the unit.
My Final Thought on how to make a portable air conditioner quieter
In conclusion, there are many simple and effective ways to make your air conditioner works quietly.
From regularly cleaning and changing the air filter to consulting a professional technician to diagnose and fix underlying issues, such there are several steps you can take to reduce the noise and improve the performance of your air conditioner.
By following these tips and taking proactive measures to address noise issues, you can enjoy a peaceful and comfortable living environment without the disruption of loud and annoying noises.
So don’t let the loud noise of an air conditioner ruin the enjoyment of your home – take action today to keep your air conditioner works quietly and efficiently!
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David Jack
David Jack is a veteran when it comes to air conditioners, he love helping people find solutions to their problems with AC units. His specialty is helping people find the right Air-Conditioner for their needs, whether that means replacing a broken unit or adding on to an existing system. He is also great at diagnosing problems and fixing them quickly. He learned this from my father Jack Smith who was an air conditioner repairer, he has 2 years of experience in this field.
