Which would you rather do, fix a noisy air conditioner or buy a new one? If you answered "fix it" - good for you! Chances are, a rattling or noisy air conditioner unit is most commonly due to faulty installation or a loose part somewhere in the unit.
The good news is you can repair these!
Faulty Installation
There's nothing to be emabarassed about if you did it yourself - we're human and prone to error. Typically, a rattling window or window air conditioner unit means the unit isn't sitting right on the window sill or frame. On many units, there are slots for the inner window frame to sit. The manufacturer also places extra padding, foam, insulation, and support around these areas. The reason is because these areas are in contact with the most solid wood, or frame, and thus most of the weight of the unit is placed in that area, or distributed there.
So, if the unit isn't sitting right, the moving parts (fan) and heavy pieces that generate noise (compressor) no longer have the cushion, or support. The result is a very audible rattling or noise coming from the window.
To fix this, look to make sure you are installing the unit correctly. Don't forget to use the brackets and screws to attach the air conditioner to the window - this is vital to provide more support.
Loose parts
Modern air conditioners have moving parts. Fans and compressors are a few of the more noticeable things that can go wrong and 'rattle' if they become loose. The obvious answer to fixing a loose part is to reattach it. Very simple household tools are all that is needed. In other words, you can do it. Usually, the fan unit or blades are loose and need to be tightened.
There are actually more things that can "go wrong" with air conditioners that cause the "rattle". I talk about more of them on my energy saving blog. You can find the link below!
What about central A/C units? What can I do there if I hear a rattling?
Unfortunately, there's even less you can do about a central a/c problem because. Strictly speaking, no HVAC pro will ever tell you to crack open your window unit either, but the parts are easier to get to in a window unit. The number one problem with noises coming from a central air conditioner is due to debris in the unit. Common materials and items, like twigs, leaves, tools and dirt can land in the unit and hit the fan blade as it rotates. This causes the noise.
The solution: Remove the obstruction or debris. The fan assembly is the easiest portion to get to on central air conditioners. If you can't pull the obstruction out with tweezers or pliers, turn the unit off completely (so the fan doesn't turn on when you're working) and remove the upper housing. Then remove the obstruction.
You should feel proud - you just saved a lot of money by not calling someone to look at your "problem"!
David Andersen helps people reduce their energy costs and maximize savings. He proudly teaches energy audits, conservation, and everything homeowners want to know about home energy. Learn more about this article and how to save energy with 100's of free energy saving tips. Click now ==> http://www.utilitybillbusters.com
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
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