Air conditioners are full of motors and mechanical parts from the compressor to the condenser - and these make a lot of noise when you operate your air conditioner! Most manufacturers include a muffler when building their air conditioners to block out the sound, and for your quiet cooling comfort.
In this article, we'll see how an air conditioner muffler works, and how mufflers help make air conditioners more comfortable. Problems with a noisy air conditioner compressor? We'll show you the costs of repairing or replacing your air conditioner muffler too!
What is an Air Conditioning Muffler?
An air conditioner muffler is a component in HVAC systems that are installed by the discharge line. These are meant to minimize sounds, and reduce vibrations, leading to quieter air conditioner operations. It is a tank-like apparatus with an acoustic bullet surrounded by an absorptive outer wall, and is connected to various pipes by a reactive discharge line.
Unlike the compressor and evaporator coils, which function to provide cool air into the room, the sole purpose of the muffler is to reduce sounds and vibrations. This is important as loud motor sounds can disrupt the efficiency of the air conditioner, and vibrations can lead to quick wear and tear of the different air conditioner parts.
The Importance of Mufflers in an Air Conditioner
#1 Reduces Noise
Minimizing noise production of air conditioners is the main function of the muffler, which is why it is often located close to the discharge line or the compressor, as these components can get particularly noisy.
Imagine powering your air conditioner on just to be met with loud whirring, clanking, and vibrating sounds! That's what happens when there's no muffler in your air conditioner. Apart from providing you with a comfortable and quiet cool, air conditioner mufflers also work to absorb airflow noise to reduce interference with air conditioner efficiency.
#2 Prevents Aircon Breakdown Due to Rattling
Strong vibrations and rattling can hit and bump aircon parts together. This may not sound like a damaging factor, but over time, the rattling can wear down the aircon parts, damaging them in the process. The muffler prevents your aircon from breaking down quickly as it reduces the vibrations made by operating the unit.
Diagnosing a Faulty Air Conditioner Muffler
#1 Noisy Air Conditioner
Loud noises coming from your aircon can be a symptom of numerous issues, such as a faulty compressor, broken fan blades, malfunctioning motors, and more. One of the common issues with aircon noises is a faulty muffler that can no longer reduce the sounds coming from your aircon compressor, coils, or motors.
When this happens, it means your muffler is due for a replacement. A licensed HVAC technician will be able to assess and repair the different features of your AC unit, including the muffler. Our technicians at Luce are experienced in repairing issues with various AC systems, so we'll be able to find the source of the noise!
#2 Vibrating Air Conditioner
Mufflers also limit the vibration made by the AC unit. Vibrations can eventually cause damages to the different aircon parts, and the unit itself may vibrate against the walls or window frame where it is mounted.
If you notice the AC unit vibrating stronger than usual, then your muffler may be at fault. A broken, damaged, or malfunctioning muffler cannot minimize the vibration from the compressor and other motors in the unit.
Cost of Replacing an Air Conditioner Muffler
Mufflers rarely break down, but some air conditioners may still need a replacement muffler if the part can no longer function properly. The costs of replacing an air conditioner muffler varies depending on the model and make of your air conditioner, and where you source the part. You may need to include shipping and handling fees as well.
Generally, you should expect to shell out around $50 for the muffler part, excluding diagnostics costs, labor costs, and other fees that you may incur when having your aircon out for repairs.
Aircon Services Made Convenient
At Luce, we take measures to ensure we provide only the best aircon service to each customer. Get rid of the guesswork, and let our technicians at Luce check your unit for you. We can source the exact muffler our customers need for your unit at fair prices, so you know you're paying for quality work at a moderate price!
Give your AC unit the care it deserves! Call us today, and we can inspect your unit hassle-free!
