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reducing condenser noise

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Champ6
Champ6 Member Posts: 23
in A-C, Heat Pumps & Refrigeration

Hi all, I'm new to the heat pump/ AC forum, after moving from my old bungalow with lovely steam heat (which I miss). The Wall was invaluable to keep that system running great.

Now I am in a new build semi custom home with dual fuel forced air, Trane equipment. The condenser is right next to the screened porch, and other locations have their issues as well, but the droning of the unit makes spending time on the porch unpleasant.

What are ways to reduce the noise?

Comments

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 12,284
    edited April 14

    My first response to this is that you don't have the record player turned up loud enough.

    The high end condensing units that boast about low noise have an insulated compressor blanket that can substantially reduce the compressor noise.  Look inside the condensing unit and see if there is a vinyl cover on the compressor.  If not, then look for something like this for your problem. 

    Screenshot 2026-04-14 at 7.18.43 PM.png

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    HVACNUTPC7060
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 16,895
    edited April 14

    is the noise the compressor or the fan? my condenser uses a slower speed fan and huge coils to keep the noise from the fan down. my mom's ac that was designed in the 70's and installed in the 80's has a fan that sounds like a jet engine.(maybe 60's? i think that york/luxaire slant top design is very old)

  • Champ6
    Champ6 Member Posts: 23

    Thanks. The noise is initially the loud clack of the contactors, then the drone of the compressor, complete with a buzzing line (I presume) and the fan isn't terrible, but not quiet like the Mitsubishi ductless conditioning the ADU. I'll look for a blanket on the compressor, but believed we were getting a premium system anyway. I'm planning on getting the contractor back, but want to have information before they arrive.

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 7,086
    edited April 15

    nothing you do is gonna make that unit as quiet as a Mitsubishi.

    Putting it next to a screened in porch is the issue

    EdTheHeaterManyellowdog
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 12,284
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1894415#Comment_1894415

    Best answer is to move the porch! unless moving the condenser is less expensive.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    bjohnhy
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 7,468
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1894404#Comment_1894404

    This is a new system?

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 16,895

    noise ratings are really tough. the frequency content and rhythm of the sound has a whole lot to do with how objectionable it is and an spl measurement tells you none of that.

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 12,284

    Obviously you are not relaxing on your porch properly.

    image.png

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    Champ6
  • Champ6
    Champ6 Member Posts: 23

    Yes, it's a new system and new house, 8 months old. There is really nowhere else to put the condenser without causing a noise problem somewhere else. And moving the porch? LOL!

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 7,086

    geo system and it goes into the basement

  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 4,244

    I've had good results (NB: sample of one…) with this: https://www.johnstonesupply.com/product-view?pID=L46-465

    Quiet, hasn't failed yet.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 16,895
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1894521#Comment_1894521

    i was going to suggest a chiller and cooling tower on the roof :)

    EdTheHeaterMan
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 12,284

    @ratio has the answer…. Stop that loud click from the contactor and all your problems are solved. 🙄

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    old_diy_guy

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