Comments on: How to Quiet Noisy A/C Compressor http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/ Need Soundproofing Help? Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:31:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Sari http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/comment-page-1/#comment-11661 Sari Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:30:13 +0000 http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/?p=23#comment-11661 Ted...can you offer some thoughts on hanging the acoustifence on the enclosure surrounding ac units. The 6 ft x 30 ft size is perfect for my dimensions. Thank you for your info! Ted…can you offer some thoughts on hanging the acoustifence on the enclosure surrounding ac units. The 6 ft x 30 ft size is perfect for my dimensions. Thank you for your info!

]]> By: Ted http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/comment-page-1/#comment-7339 Ted Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:44:30 +0000 http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/?p=23#comment-7339 Dawna, Sorry to hear that you're having problems with your living situation. Just about EVERY time a similar problem is expressed to me, the only way to start to reduce the sound that is bothering you is to put each compressor (or the lot) on some kind of spring isolator which can significantly limit the amount of vibration energy that is currently getting into the structure. Typically these machines are not overly loud but because of the nature of the machine, they can introduce a massive amount of vibration energy that will transmit itself down, through the roof, joists and physically move/shake your apartment. There are quite a few different models and types of spring isolators but in most cases, one of the Type C Spring mounts are used: http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/mounts_springs/spring_isolators_c_cip_ciw.htm?d=24 so that the machines do not fall off of the isolators. Please let me know what additional questions you have! -Ted Dawna,

Sorry to hear that you’re having problems with your living situation. Just about EVERY time a similar problem is expressed to me, the only way to start to reduce the sound that is bothering you is to put each compressor (or the lot) on some kind of spring isolator which can significantly limit the amount of vibration energy that is currently getting into the structure. Typically these machines are not overly loud but because of the nature of the machine, they can introduce a massive amount of vibration energy that will transmit itself down, through the roof, joists and physically move/shake your apartment.

There are quite a few different models and types of spring isolators but in most cases, one of the Type C Spring mounts are used: http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/mounts_springs/spring_isolators_c_cip_ciw.htm?d=24 so that the machines do not fall off of the isolators.
Please let me know what additional questions you have!
-Ted

]]> By: Ted http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/comment-page-1/#comment-7338 Ted Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:38:44 +0000 http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/?p=23#comment-7338 icehead, There are a few things that you may be able to do to quiet down the system. I would probably suggest first calling an HVAC contractor to check out the system to make sure it is functioning properly. If it is, there are really only two other approaches. The first is to have a custom made in-line duct silencer fabricated and installed. These are basically like a big car-muffler for the system. It forces air past a duct lined and baffled with an acoustical absorber. Each unit is custom made based on the height, width, length and CFM (measure of airflow) associated with the duct. The other option is to line the inside of the duct with something like the Quiet Liner (http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/quiet_liner/quiet_liner.htm?d=26) which is a recycled cotton roll that glues to the walls of the duct. Please let me know what additional questions you have. Thank you! -Ted icehead,
There are a few things that you may be able to do to quiet down the system. I would probably suggest first calling an HVAC contractor to check out the system to make sure it is functioning properly. If it is, there are really only two other approaches. The first is to have a custom made in-line duct silencer fabricated and installed. These are basically like a big car-muffler for the system. It forces air past a duct lined and baffled with an acoustical absorber. Each unit is custom made based on the height, width, length and CFM (measure of airflow) associated with the duct. The other option is to line the inside of the duct with something like the Quiet Liner (http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/quiet_liner/quiet_liner.htm?d=26) which is a recycled cotton roll that glues to the walls of the duct.
Please let me know what additional questions you have.
Thank you!
-Ted

]]> By: Dawna King http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/comment-page-1/#comment-7288 Dawna King Sun, 21 Aug 2011 03:03:06 +0000 http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/?p=23#comment-7288 Hi.. I live in an apartment on the top (fourth) floor and the condensers are above my unit. There are four floors and four condensers above my bedroom supporting each apartment. I am on the fourth floor. The noise impedes my ability to sleep. So I have been trying to discuss ways to muffle the sound with the maintenance crew. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks... Hi.. I live in an apartment on the top (fourth) floor and the condensers are above my unit. There are four floors and four condensers above my bedroom supporting each apartment. I am on the fourth floor. The noise impedes my ability to sleep. So I have been trying to discuss ways to muffle the sound with the maintenance crew. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks…

]]> By: icehead http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/comment-page-1/#comment-7283 icehead Sat, 20 Aug 2011 21:39:29 +0000 http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/?p=23#comment-7283 Tyler, What if the noise problem isn't on the outside of the house, but on the inside? Our furnace/air conditioner combo makes a lot of noise when it blows; is there anything we can do to minimize it? Tyler,
What if the noise problem isn’t on the outside of the house, but on the inside? Our furnace/air conditioner combo makes a lot of noise when it blows; is there anything we can do to minimize it?

]]> By: Tyler http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/comment-page-1/#comment-6310 Tyler Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:01:53 +0000 http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/?p=23#comment-6310 Forrest, Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, I cannot answer that question. That really is a question for the manufacturer of the AC Unit. The specifications of the AC Unit determine the treatment that you can put on or around them. Again, this is not my industry, but the manufacturer will be able to recommend what you can do. If you have any other questions, let me know. Tyler Moynihan Phone: 952-466-8233 Email: tyler@acousticalsurfaces.com Forrest,

Thanks for your question.

Unfortunately, I cannot answer that question. That really is a question for the manufacturer of the AC Unit. The specifications of the AC Unit determine the treatment that you can put on or around them. Again, this is not my industry, but the manufacturer will be able to recommend what you can do.

If you have any other questions, let me know.

Tyler Moynihan
Phone: 952-466-8233
Email: tyler@acousticalsurfaces.com

]]> By: Tyler http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/comment-page-1/#comment-6309 Tyler Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:59:28 +0000 http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/?p=23#comment-6309 Kay, Thanks for your question. Ted, our normal blog writer, is out so I am replying in his place. I don't believe the Quilted Curtains would help your particular situation. You see to have a vibration problem instead of an airborne noise problem. I would recommend isolating the unit from the roof so that it is not in direct contact with it. This will make it so that the vibrations the unit is creating cannot travel into your living space. To help reduce the vibrations, we do offer many different options, depending on the details of your specific situation. Feel free to give me a call and I would be happy to talk with you about your options. Tyler Moynihan Phone: 952-466-8233 Email: tyler@acousticalsurfaces.com Kay,

Thanks for your question. Ted, our normal blog writer, is out so I am replying in his place.

I don’t believe the Quilted Curtains would help your particular situation. You see to have a vibration problem instead of an airborne noise problem. I would recommend isolating the unit from the roof so that it is not in direct contact with it. This will make it so that the vibrations the unit is creating cannot travel into your living space.

To help reduce the vibrations, we do offer many different options, depending on the details of your specific situation. Feel free to give me a call and I would be happy to talk with you about your options.

Tyler Moynihan
Phone: 952-466-8233
Email: tyler@acousticalsurfaces.com

]]> By: don mixon http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/comment-page-1/#comment-6299 don mixon Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:39:13 +0000 http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/?p=23#comment-6299 I have noticed that on new units, one next door & one at a friends house, that the compressors are now being wrapped with some type of weather proof insulation much like the ones you can place around a water heater tank.. On both these units the humm is completely gone and you only hear the fan. My question is can you put one of these on a unit that is 5 years old to help quiet it down some. Thanks Forrest Mixon I have noticed that on new units, one next door & one at a friends house, that the compressors are now being wrapped with some type of weather proof insulation much like the ones you can place around a water heater tank.. On both these units the humm is completely gone and you only hear the fan. My question is can you put one of these on a unit that is 5 years old to help quiet it down some. Thanks Forrest Mixon

]]> By: Kay http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/comment-page-1/#comment-6286 Kay Mon, 11 Jul 2011 03:25:44 +0000 http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/?p=23#comment-6286 What about units that are on the roof? This is a condo building and the folks under me have their unit on the roof and I get to hear it thumping on and off all night. They claim it's been checked and working properly...maybe so but the noise is unpleasant. Would this type of sound proofing work for roof AC units? We live in CA. What about units that are on the roof? This is a condo building and the folks under me have their unit on the roof and I get to hear it thumping on and off
all night.

They claim it’s been checked and working properly…maybe so but the noise
is unpleasant.

Would this type of sound proofing work for roof AC units?

We live in CA.

]]> By: Ted W http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/comment-page-1/#comment-248 Ted W Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:18:05 +0000 http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/?p=23#comment-248 Eric, Quieting air flow is a much different approach than a noisy machine. To eliminate the air flow noise, either a soft duct lining needs to be installed into the duct or a duct silencer needs to be installed in-line with the duct system (like a large car muffler). Both are VERY difficult to try to get into a retro-fit situation. Is this a residential situation you are considering? Eric,

Quieting air flow is a much different approach than a noisy machine. To eliminate the air flow noise, either a soft duct lining needs to be installed into the duct or a duct silencer needs to be installed in-line with the duct system (like a large car muffler). Both are VERY difficult to try to get into a retro-fit situation. Is this a residential situation you are considering?

]]> By: eric wolff http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/comment-page-1/#comment-247 eric wolff Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:08:32 +0000 http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/?p=23#comment-247 What about interior "whooshing" sounds coming from the interior vents and dealing with people with hypersensitive hearing and consider the loud rush of air coming out of the vents an annoyance? any ideas on how to difuse the noise? What about interior “whooshing” sounds coming from the interior vents and dealing with people with hypersensitive hearing and consider the loud rush of air coming out of the vents an annoyance?

any ideas on how to difuse the noise?

]]> By: cfcitywide http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/how-to-quiet-noisy-ac-air-conditioning-compressor/comment-page-1/#comment-80 cfcitywide Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:30:44 +0000 http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/?p=23#comment-80 I seriously enjoyed this article. This is not some spam BS. I own a heating and cooling company in Chicago and we have been getting a lot of inquiries about sound from ac condensing units and what to do about it. After being in the business for over 40 years it didn't really occur to me to build a absorber wall for the unit. We have used compressor blankets that the mfg's provide and the results are poor at best. I was out at the Goodman mfg plant in Houston Texas where I was able to take a tour which included their sound testing lab. It was impressive and used some very sensitive equipment to measure db's and frequencies. It seems that after seeing that I realized a bit more about the way the vibrations travel and the blankets can only do so much. I will without a doubt offer this as a possible solution to this menacing problem. thanks for the tip. I would like to know if I may use this info on my website? Mitchell Moore Citywide Supply & Service <a href="http://www.773hotcold.com/heat.html" rel="nofollow">Chicago AC Repair</a> I seriously enjoyed this article. This is not some spam BS. I own a heating and cooling company in Chicago and we have been getting a lot of inquiries about sound from ac condensing units and what to do about it. After being in the business for over 40 years it didn’t really occur to me to build a absorber wall for the unit. We have used compressor blankets that the mfg’s provide and the results are poor at best. I was out at the Goodman mfg plant in Houston Texas where I was able to take a tour which included their sound testing lab. It was impressive and used some very sensitive equipment to measure db’s and frequencies. It seems that after seeing that I realized a bit more about the way the vibrations travel and the blankets can only do so much. I will without a doubt offer this as a possible solution to this menacing problem. thanks for the tip. I would like to know if I may use this info on my website?
Mitchell Moore
Citywide Supply & Service
Chicago AC Repair

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