Air Conditioning - A/C Noise Problem
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lakesider
07-27-04, 03:00 PM
Hi. First time poster here.
I'm having a problem with the noise output from a neighbor's A/C unit. I can't make out the brand or model # (he kindly built some makeshift sound deflection around the unit to apease me but the problem persists) but I can describe it. It's beige metal with black grilling, about 2' to 3' high and 3' to 4' wide. The fan is one one side of the unit, the compressor on the other. It apparently has no noise reduction features whatsoever and creates a very loud whine from as far as 30' away.
I consulted an HVAC expert and he recommended a compressor blanket that might cut the sound by as much as 50%. I suggested the idea to the neighbor (offering to have the work done at my own expense) who in turn consulted his own expert who said that blankets are notorious for overheating and burning out compressors.
So, where does the truth lie re: blankets? Are there any other options? BTW, I need to resolve this without resorting to filing a official complaint with the condo association -- don't want to start a feud, y'know. :)
Any adice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
MB
I'm having a problem with the noise output from a neighbor's A/C unit. I can't make out the brand or model # (he kindly built some makeshift sound deflection around the unit to apease me but the problem persists) but I can describe it. It's beige metal with black grilling, about 2' to 3' high and 3' to 4' wide. The fan is one one side of the unit, the compressor on the other. It apparently has no noise reduction features whatsoever and creates a very loud whine from as far as 30' away.
I consulted an HVAC expert and he recommended a compressor blanket that might cut the sound by as much as 50%. I suggested the idea to the neighbor (offering to have the work done at my own expense) who in turn consulted his own expert who said that blankets are notorious for overheating and burning out compressors.
So, where does the truth lie re: blankets? Are there any other options? BTW, I need to resolve this without resorting to filing a official complaint with the condo association -- don't want to start a feud, y'know. :)
Any adice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
MB
hvac4u
07-27-04, 03:05 PM
high efficiency units have had blanketed compressors for years. i see no problem with them
mattison
07-27-04, 03:08 PM
I've used the compressor blankets in the past with success and have not encoutered them to cause problems. It sounds like this thing has a problem other than just needing a blanket though. If it's that loud from 30' it's not right.
lakesider
07-27-04, 03:09 PM
high efficiency units have had blanketed compressors for years. i see no problem with them
Thanks. Good point. In fact, I'm sure my own Carrier has one. Is there anything else that can be done to upgrade a generic AC unit for less noise?
Thanks. Good point. In fact, I'm sure my own Carrier has one. Is there anything else that can be done to upgrade a generic AC unit for less noise?
hvac4u
07-27-04, 03:11 PM
to be honest, if it is that loud, he probably will be replacing it soon! :D
when he does, talk him into an amana. in my opinion the quitest unit out there with 850 rpm condenser motor, and yes, compressor blankets on higher end models
when he does, talk him into an amana. in my opinion the quitest unit out there with 850 rpm condenser motor, and yes, compressor blankets on higher end models
lakesider
07-27-04, 04:03 PM
to be honest, if it is that loud, he probably will be replacing it soon! :D
when he does, talk him into an amana. in my opinion the quitest unit out there with 850 rpm condenser motor, and yes, compressor blankets on higher end models
Yeah, but I doubt he'll be willing to replace it short of an official complaint or lawsuit. And like I said, I want to keep it peaceful. I've found some generic blankets online that look like they'll do the trick. My concern is with convincing him to go this route, having the motor burn out from overheating and then being stuck with the bill and a lawsuit of my own. I plan on getting a letter from my HVAC guy and another from one of the contractors my brother works with (he's a property manager) attesting to their safety. I'll just overwhelm the neighbor with evidence and hope that convinces him.
when he does, talk him into an amana. in my opinion the quitest unit out there with 850 rpm condenser motor, and yes, compressor blankets on higher end models
Yeah, but I doubt he'll be willing to replace it short of an official complaint or lawsuit. And like I said, I want to keep it peaceful. I've found some generic blankets online that look like they'll do the trick. My concern is with convincing him to go this route, having the motor burn out from overheating and then being stuck with the bill and a lawsuit of my own. I plan on getting a letter from my HVAC guy and another from one of the contractors my brother works with (he's a property manager) attesting to their safety. I'll just overwhelm the neighbor with evidence and hope that convinces him.
mattison
07-28-04, 05:47 AM
I wouldn't touch that with a 10' pole. Just explain that they need to get it fixed or you will be forced to complain. If they are reasonable people they will understand that they are making life not so comfy with their screeching eagle outside your home. If they're not reasonable their not worth worrying about. As soon as that blanket goes on anything that happens to their unit will be your fault in their eyes.
jonho1998
07-28-04, 10:38 AM
I wouldn't touch that with a 10' pole....As soon as that blanket goes on anything that happens to their unit will be your fault in their eyes.
I agress with mattison on this one. Living in a condo, I have done a lot of research and modification to my unit to increase the sound reduction of ambient noise from outside and around my unit.
Most of the noise pollution enters in from windows. I'm sure you already have double-pane glass windows for insulation. There are companies that also sell sound insulated windows which are somewhat pricey but cut down the noise big time. Not sure what your situation is with your house but if you plan on staying there for any length of time and/or you were thinking about replacing your windows anyways, that might be an option, which although won't be cheap, will avoid lawsuits. But if you can't hear the noise from inside your house, then you will need him to help you out.
Quietsolutions.com also sells some products that reduce the noises from vibrations. Not sure the source of the noise from the unit but if you can pinpoint it, maybe a visco-elastic spray type product could help. Then again, maybe you can sneak over one night and empty a can of WD-40 into the unit and see if anything happens...just kidding.
Sorry to hear about your noise issues. I can't stand noise pollution either.
I agress with mattison on this one. Living in a condo, I have done a lot of research and modification to my unit to increase the sound reduction of ambient noise from outside and around my unit.
Most of the noise pollution enters in from windows. I'm sure you already have double-pane glass windows for insulation. There are companies that also sell sound insulated windows which are somewhat pricey but cut down the noise big time. Not sure what your situation is with your house but if you plan on staying there for any length of time and/or you were thinking about replacing your windows anyways, that might be an option, which although won't be cheap, will avoid lawsuits. But if you can't hear the noise from inside your house, then you will need him to help you out.
Quietsolutions.com also sells some products that reduce the noises from vibrations. Not sure the source of the noise from the unit but if you can pinpoint it, maybe a visco-elastic spray type product could help. Then again, maybe you can sneak over one night and empty a can of WD-40 into the unit and see if anything happens...just kidding.
Sorry to hear about your noise issues. I can't stand noise pollution either.
lakesider
07-29-04, 07:04 AM
I agress with mattison on this one. Living in a condo, I have done a lot of research and modification to my unit to increase the sound reduction of ambient noise from outside and around my unit.
Most of the noise pollution enters in from windows. I'm sure you already have double-pane glass windows for insulation. There are companies that also sell sound insulated windows which are somewhat pricey but cut down the noise big time. Not sure what your situation is with your house but if you plan on staying there for any length of time and/or you were thinking about replacing your windows anyways, that might be an option, which although won't be cheap, will avoid lawsuits. But if you can't hear the noise from inside your house, then you will need him to help you out.
Quietsolutions.com also sells some products that reduce the noises from vibrations. Not sure the source of the noise from the unit but if you can pinpoint it, maybe a visco-elastic spray type product could help. Then again, maybe you can sneak over one night and empty a can of WD-40 into the unit and see if anything happens...just kidding.
Sorry to hear about your noise issues. I can't stand noise pollution either.
Thanks for the feedback.
Well, this is my situation. I live on a beautiful, rustic private lake. When I first moved here 7 years ago it was blissfully quiet on the lakeside of my house, the deck, dock, etc. The people next door moved in about 1 year later and 3 years after that did some major renovations, including the addition of central air and heat. So, no more peace and quiet on hot days by the lake -- instead I hear the metallic whine of their A/C unit. I very diplomatically took up the issue with the neighbor who after some protest threw up a few wood planks with foam insulation applied to the inside. The unit is not enclosed -- there are 2 boards forming an "L" to deflect noise away from the lake and toward the road. Needless to say, it ain't doing the trick.
BTW, I managed to get a closer look at the culprit. It's a Luxaire Model HBAC-F924SD. It apparently has some noise reduction features... rubber compressor mounts, an isolater panel, and rippled coil fins, but no blanket or other noise insulating layer.
Most of the noise pollution enters in from windows. I'm sure you already have double-pane glass windows for insulation. There are companies that also sell sound insulated windows which are somewhat pricey but cut down the noise big time. Not sure what your situation is with your house but if you plan on staying there for any length of time and/or you were thinking about replacing your windows anyways, that might be an option, which although won't be cheap, will avoid lawsuits. But if you can't hear the noise from inside your house, then you will need him to help you out.
Quietsolutions.com also sells some products that reduce the noises from vibrations. Not sure the source of the noise from the unit but if you can pinpoint it, maybe a visco-elastic spray type product could help. Then again, maybe you can sneak over one night and empty a can of WD-40 into the unit and see if anything happens...just kidding.
Sorry to hear about your noise issues. I can't stand noise pollution either.
Thanks for the feedback.
Well, this is my situation. I live on a beautiful, rustic private lake. When I first moved here 7 years ago it was blissfully quiet on the lakeside of my house, the deck, dock, etc. The people next door moved in about 1 year later and 3 years after that did some major renovations, including the addition of central air and heat. So, no more peace and quiet on hot days by the lake -- instead I hear the metallic whine of their A/C unit. I very diplomatically took up the issue with the neighbor who after some protest threw up a few wood planks with foam insulation applied to the inside. The unit is not enclosed -- there are 2 boards forming an "L" to deflect noise away from the lake and toward the road. Needless to say, it ain't doing the trick.
BTW, I managed to get a closer look at the culprit. It's a Luxaire Model HBAC-F924SD. It apparently has some noise reduction features... rubber compressor mounts, an isolater panel, and rippled coil fins, but no blanket or other noise insulating layer.