How to Fix a Noisy or Vibrating Window Air Conditioner

A noisy window air conditioner unit starts out as being an irritant to anyone trying to relax in a cool room, but an unchecked window air conditioner noise can end up becoming a full blown nuisance and can eventually become a problem much larger. Both reasons are good ones for immediately nipping even the most innocuous noise in the bud.

Window Air Conditioner Noise Root Cause - Vibration

Many times the noise a window air conditioner unit will make or cause is a vibration. Sometimes the unit itself is vibrating slightly and other times it is causing one of the windows it touches to warble. If it is the actual unit vibrating, then it is important to level the unit at the first available opportunity. Should you live in an older home where the windows have settled slightly at an off angle, then you will have to shim one half of the hair conditioner to create a level surface. If the window above the air conditioner is vibrating then consider purchasing some foam stripping and running this along the top of the air conditioner to minimize the upward vibration.

Window Air Conditioner Noise Root Cause - a Frozen Air Conditioner

An air conditioner can freeze up on even a sweltering night, and when it does freeze up the unit will make a lot of noise. Part of the noise is the air conditioner consistently coming on to cool the room only to turn right back off because the air is not finding a path out. To remedy this problem, you first should assess if your unit is too big for the room it is located in. If it is not, or if the unit has not had a history of freezing up in the past but has begun to, then consider changing the filter. If changing or cleaning the filter does not correct the problem, then open up your air conditioner and check to see if your cooling coil needs cleaned. Should you not have a history of working on your own AC, you may want to have a technician clean this part of the unit for you.

Window Air Condition Noise Root Cause - Bad Grommets

The compressor for your air conditioner sits in the air conditioning unit much like the engine sits in a car, so it is sometimes easy for the compressor to develop a vibration. This is because the compressor rests upon rubber mounts that absorb the shock of the operation. Over the course of several years, these mounts can deteriorate or harden and will no longer absorb the shock. When this happens you need to buy replacement grommets and install them. This will eliminate any compressor vibration noise within your unit.

A noisy air conditioner can usually be corrected with a few simple actions. Should you not feel comfortable working within your actual unit, you will want to contact a local technician to assist you in eliminating the root cause of your noise.

Remember, always work safely.

Source:

Personal experiences with my own window units and those of customers.