Having a quiet window-mounted air conditioner can go a long way in creating a comfortable living space.
The noise a window A/C unit makes can vary between manufacturers, but there are some things you can do to help get rid of unwanted noise.
The build quality, along with how well it was installed, all affect how well the unit will operate.
Below are some of the things I have found to help quiet a unit.
If you have any tips, let us know in the comments below.
Tips to Help Quiet Down a Window Air Conditioning Unit
- Use Foam Insulation
- Be Sure the Unit is Level
- Hang a Blanket
- Small Adjustments
- Buy a Better Unit
The sides of every window unit never fit exactly into the space, leaving a gap on the sides.
Almost every manufacturer will give a slider to fill the gap, which is thin and does a less than desirable job.
Using foam insulation on the sides is much better at muffling the noise and also helps keep the cool air inside.
It will depend on how big the gap is as to how much installation to get.
I have found pipe insulation works well for small gaps.
There are side insulation packages that can be bought and cut to fit and install, which likely is a better solution.
Example Window A/C Insulation on Amazon
Duck Brand Window Air Conditioner Insulating Strip Seal
Most people install a unit and let it sit on a window sill, assuming its level.
While the window is likely to level, for the most part, even small bumps can throw a unit off, causing vibrations.
Using a level to see if the unit is flat is necessary without assuming it is.
The components in a package are all set up to work when it is flat, so even if it is slightly off, vibrations will happen, making noise.
I have seen this at a friends home, which can help keep the sound levels down.
Don’t hang a blanket directly in front of the unit but away 4-5 feet with the sides open.
As long as the room is big enough and you are situated on the other side, the room will still be cooled, and the noise level will go down.
Not everyone will be able to do this, especially if you have a small room, but for large spaces, it can help.
Sometimes the cage will rattle at certain locations.
Using something like a small piece of insulation pushed between the cage and the window will stop it from vibrating.
It may seem simple, but it does work and is something I have used in the past to stop a rattling sound.
Some units are made cheaply, and mass-produced quickly.
While they are more affordable, the compressor, fan, and other components will be louder than a well-built unit.
All window units will make some noise, but some are quieter than others.
This may not be an option if you are on a budget but if you need a new unit it is worth a look at the new type if packages.
Summary
Window air conditioners are easy to install, set up, and cool space at a much lower cost than having an HVAC company install a system.
Unfortunately, since all the working parts are located in one package, they will make more noise than other options.
Some window air conditioners are quieter than others with many new designs that can reduce the noise level.
This doesn’t mean that they have to rattle about making so much noise as to make a living space uncomfortable.
The above are just a few ideas to test and use that may help to lower the sound a unit makes.
Have you experienced a loud unit and have a trick or tips? Let us know in the comments below.
I appreciate your tip to make sure that an air conditioning unit is level when you install it. I didn’t realize that an un-level air conditioning unit would lead to inefficiencies! I remember when my wife and I had an air conditioning unit in the window and we had to take it to a repair shop, I wonder if it was because we didn’t mount it level.
I didn’t realize that you could use foam insulation to help muffle the sound of your AC. Recently, my AC has been rattling, and I haven’t been able to keep it secure in my window, the unit creaks when I have it powered on too high. It may be a good idea to find an AC repair service to help me fix the creaking sound.
I rent an apartment with an ~3′ * 5′ casement window. I am purchasing an new unit for this summer, a unit ‘made’ for a casement window…..I want to reduce the noise and vibration not only for myself but my neighbors. I see people using 2″ window insulation ‘around’ the unit but mine will weigh ~75 lbs.
The thicker the insulation around the unit as well as sitting on the sill will be annoying. So, if I use 4′ around the sides and maybe 5-6″ on the bottom….wouldn’t that be better? it must look ‘neat and clean’ as well as be efficient. Is there maybe something better I could use on the window sill that would help more with vibration??
Just what I need. Thanks for sharing this. I will definitely try these tips.
You have so much great advice! Our apartment gets so hot in the summer, I am always looking for ways to cool it down. I like what you said about hanging a blanket up, to keep the cool air in half of the room. Also, I like your last line about simply buying a better unit.