How to Noise-Proof Your Window AC Unit: Tips for a Quieter Home in the UAE
If one lives in the UAE, an air conditioner or some kind of conditioning system is a must-have. In most places, a window AC would be the savior for sure from scorching heat. But often, the continuous buzzing or whirring of these devices interferes with rest, relaxation, and sleep. Although it might be very difficult to completely soundproof a window air conditioner,, the following are some of the most efficient ways to minimize the noise produced by the device, thus helping to keep a quiet home.
Understanding Window AC Noise
Understanding the noisemakers of a window AC unit can help find the most fitting solutions and help prevent other issues with your AC unit:
- Fan Noise: This is the fan that circulates the cool air. It’s actually a big contributor to the noise.
- Compressor Noise: A considerable contributor to humming or clicking sounds can be the compressor, which pressurizes the refrigerant.
- Vibrations: The compressor and fan can cause vibrations that go through the window frame and into the room, amplifying the noise.
- Gaps Around the Unit: If the seal around the window AC unit is installed improperly or worn, it will let penetration of outside noise and cause cool air to escape.
Things You Can Do to Reduce Your Window AC Noise
Here are some practical tips to help you quieten your window AC unit and create a more peaceful environment:
- Address the Source: Regular Maintenance
- Clean the unit: Dust and dirt on the condenser coils and fan blades reduce the airflow, causing the unit to work harder and make more noise. For proper cleaning instructions as specified by the manufacturer, regularly vacuuming the coils and fan blades will keep the unit at an optimum performance level, thus not making too much noise.
- Check for loose parts: Obviously, some screws or panels might get loosed by the vibrations in the unit over time.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Some window AC units have designated lubrication points. Consult your manual and use the recommended lubricant to keep moving parts functioning smoothly and quietly.
- Mitigate Vibrations
- Window Seal: Some gaps between the window frame and the AC unit permit pesky vibrations to reach the room easily. It takes a few minutes to buy a pre-cut foam window AC seal, available in most hardware and home improvement stores. Make sure it fits all of these gaps in the right measure, relative to your unit and window. Proper sealing won’t just decrease noise but will make the cooling system more efficient.
- Anti-Vibration Pads: The anti-vibration pads under the window AC unit will help absorb and dampen this vibration before it travels through the window frame. They are usually made from rubber or cork and are easily accessible online and in most hardware stores across the UAE.
- Manage Noise Transmission
Setting up sound-absorbing curtains on the window with the AC fitted in it could help dampen the outside noise, diminishing the total amount of noise within the room. Search for curtains made of thick, tightly woven materials like velvet or even soundproof fabric. The way you decorate around your AC unit can make a huge difference.
- Install Weather Stripping
Noise may enter your house through gaps between the small window AC unit and the window frame. To close these gaps and lessen noise, install weather stripping around the unit’s perimeter. In addition to reducing noise, weather stripping increases the energy efficiency of the unit by keeping cold air from escaping.
Additional Tips to Take Care of Your AC Unit
- Window Shading: Use blinds, curtains, or reflective window film to filter direct sunlight during peak hours of the day when the intensity is high in order to reduce the load on your AC unit, thus keeping it efficient and possibly making less noise.
- Regular Maintenance: Get a service member to look at your window air conditioner regularly, ideally right before maximum summer use. A good serviceman can easily point out the possible problems and mend them in relation to the level of noise output.
