A wall-mounted or central air conditioner is supposed to improve the comfort of your home or business—not disrupt your peace. Yet, many residents across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore reach out to us at AirGreen because their unit is too loud. It can range from a constant humming to vibrations, clicking, or whistling sounds that disturb sleep, conversations, or work focus.
The noise from an air conditioner should never be ignored. It may signal a mechanical issue, poor installation, or lack of maintenance. As experts in HVAC installation and maintenance, we've resolved this issue countless times. Here are five practical solutions we apply to reduce or eliminate your air conditioner's noise.
Identifying the Exact Source of the Noise: A Crucial First Step
Before we do anything, we always begin with a thorough on-site diagnosis. Unusual noise can come from several sources, and our job is to pinpoint the issue. Here are the most common causes:
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Unstable mounting: a unit poorly secured to the wall or ground can vibrate excessively.
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Unbalanced fan: blades that are off-balance or obstructed produce cyclical noise.
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Failing compressor: older or damaged compressors can be particularly loud.
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Lack of maintenance: clogged filters, dust buildup on coils, or debris in the unit can affect sound performance.
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Inappropriate installation: some units are simply too powerful or not properly sized for the space.
Solution #1: Adjusting or Replacing Mounting Supports
In several cases we've seen in Brossard, Saint-Eustache, and Rosemont, the noise came from a lack of vibration dampening. An outdoor or wall-mounted unit that’s not properly installed can transmit vibrations to the wall or building structure, amplifying the noise.
Our solution:
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Adding rubber anti-vibration pads.
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Repositioning the unit using professional isolating mounts.
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Checking level and anchor points to prevent movement during operation.
These simple adjustments can reduce vibration-related noise by up to 70%.
Solution #2: Full Maintenance and Cleaning of Internal Components
A poorly maintained air conditioner can quickly become noisy. At AirGreen, we perform comprehensive HVAC maintenance, including:
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High-pressure cleaning of filters and coils.
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Fan motor inspection.
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Lubrication of moving parts as needed.
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Removal of debris around the outdoor unit.
We recently did this type of service in a home in Laval-sur-le-Lac, where a Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pump was making constant noise. After a thorough cleaning, the noise was gone and the unit’s efficiency was improved.
Solution #3: Acoustic Insulation of the Outdoor Unit
Outdoor units, especially high-powered ground models, can produce a noticeable hum that carries through walls. To fix this:
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We install weather-resistant acoustic screens around the unit.
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We use soundproofing foam specifically designed for HVAC equipment.
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We relocate the unit if it’s too close to bedrooms or sensitive areas.
For example, in a condo in Longueuil, we moved a Bosch IDS Premium R-454B unit that was too close to a child’s bedroom. By mounting it on another wall with enhanced insulation, the acoustic comfort was instantly restored.
Solution #4: Repair or Replacement of Faulty Components
A clicking, grinding, or squealing noise can indicate a worn-out mechanical part: motor, ball bearing, fan, or compressor.
We intervene precisely by identifying and replacing the affected parts, using only original certified parts from manufacturers like Gree, Fujitsu, Goodman, or Bosch.
In one case in Repentigny, an aging compressor on a Goodman central heat pump was causing significant noise. We replaced it with a newer model that was certified for energy efficiency, and the noise level was cut in half.
Solution #5: Replacing the Unit With a Quieter Model
Sometimes, the best solution is to replace an old or noisy air conditioner with a modern wall-mounted or central heat pump with low decibel operation.
At AirGreen, we offer a wide range of quiet units:
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Fujitsu KZAH R-32: Ultra-quiet operation as low as 19 dB.
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Gree Sapphire: Known for acoustic comfort, perfect for bedrooms.
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Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454B: A central solution with extremely low noise, ideal for large homes.
In Montérégie, we replaced an old noisy system with an 18,000 BTU Gree Extreme heat pump. The result: restored acoustic comfort and eligibility for a $1,704 LogisVert grant.
Bonus Tip: Evaluate Noise Levels Before Buying
Many clients ask us: “How do I know if a model is quiet?”
Here are a few practical tips:
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Check the technical sheet (noise level in dB).
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Choose brands that have acoustic certification.
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Ask our technicians for a demonstration or a sound comparison between several models.
We assist all our clients, from Montréal to Saint-Bruno, to help them choose the quietest air conditioner for their space.
Why Choose AirGreen to Reduce Your Air Conditioner’s Noise?
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15 years of HVAC expertise in Montréal and surrounding areas
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Certified technicians, trained to diagnose and correct noise issues
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Fast service, with or without a maintenance contract
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Honest advice, without unnecessary upselling
At AirGreen, we believe thermal comfort should never come at the cost of acoustic comfort. That’s why every service call is handled with precision, client care, and attention to detail.