The Sound of Summer: An Ode to the Hum of the Air Conditioner
Summer is around the corner. To combat this, many people turn to air conditioning and fans to keep their homes cool and comfortable - but these can prove costly in energy bills. However, for many of us, there is a familiar sound that brings us comfort and relief during the hottest months of the year: the air conditioner's hum. Understanding and Managing Air Conditioner Sounds Air conditioners produce a sound by the compressor, which circulates refrigerant through the unit to remove heat from the air. The compressor can make a range of sounds, from a low hum to a high-pitched whine, depending on the design and age of the unit. In addition, the fans that blow air over the evaporator and condenser coils can also contribute to the overall sound of the air conditioner. Modern air conditioners are designed with noise reduction in mind, using features such as insulated compressor compartments, variable speed compressors, and sound-dampening materials to reduce noise levels. Some units als