How to Fix a Noisy Window Air Conditioner

Nothing is more necessary in the hot summer months than an air conditioner, and yet nothing can be more of a nightmare if yours is not working properly. One of the most common problems people have is a noisy unit, annoyingly buzzing and clinking its way through the heat. Before you hire a professional, there are easy and common fixes to alleviate that pesky buzz and save your wallet as well.

Instructions

1. Check to see if the unit is properly mounted. To do this, turn on the unit and press your hand against the window glass. If there is a change in the noise, then this may be the problem. You can fix this by placing shims between the unit and window sash (the part of the window that moves), or between the unit and the frame on either side of it. You can also use putty in place of shims, although shims are easier to remove and replace.

2. Check the fan blades. Unplug and remove the AC unit from the wall, then remove the front panel and check to see if the fan blades are even. Rotate the fan to see if it could possibly be hitting any piece of the interior. If you find any blades that are uneven or hitting the interior, slowly bend them back into place. Rotate the blades to make sure that they look even and are no longer hitting the inside of the unit.

3. Look around inside the unit for any loose debris or dust, and make sure the fan blades are clean. Then replace the cover.

4. Put the AC unit back into the window and plug it in. If it is still making noise, check to see if the front panel is loose. Do this by checking and tightening the screws that keep your front panel in place. If your unit does not have screws holding in the front panel, you can use duct tape or putty to tighten it.

5. If your unit continues to be noisy, you should call a professional. Continued noise may be a sign of a more technical problem, in which case it is best to call in a professional who will know how to properly handle all parts of the unit. If you try and fix the problem yourself, you may end up making it worse or breaking the unit.

Tips & Warnings

• To ensure that your unit stays properly running, always clean or replace the air filter once a month, and check the front for dust and debris, which can often build up and cause problems.

• Before poking around the interior of the unit, always make sure it is unplugged.