Neighbor's loud air conditioner (Phoenix: rent, how much, unemployed)

[rockybird]

I share a wall and roof with my neighbor. His air conditioner is driving me crazy. The air conditioners sit on the roof. I dont know if it's vibrating through the walls or if I am hearing the compressor from outside, or both. It is a loud hum or whirring noise. If I put my ear to the wall, I can hear it. But I hear the same noise if I am outside. His AC is ALWAYS running. I am beginning to wonder if there is something wrong with it, as it is almost continuously on. Mine kicks on for a few minutes and then is off for awhile. His must be on 5x as long as mine is at a time, and much more frequently. I dont know what to do. I am very sensitive to noise and this is driving me crazy. He said he would look at it, but doesnt think there is much he can do. He is a very nice guy, but I am not sure how much he is willing to do. I even offered to help pay for anything to subdue the noise. I am to the point of wanting to move. Help!

[roosevelt]

Originally Posted by rockybird

I share a wall and roof with my neighbor. His air conditioner is driving me crazy. The air conditioners sit on the roof. I dont know if it's vibrating through the walls or if I am hearing the compressor from outside, or both. It is a loud hum or whirring noise. If I put my ear to the wall, I can hear it. But I hear the same noise if I am outside. His AC is ALWAYS running. I am beginning to wonder if there is something wrong with it, as it is almost continuously on. Mine kicks on for a few minutes and then is off for awhile. His must be on 5x as long as mine is at a time, and much more frequently. I dont know what to do. I am very sensitive to noise and this is driving me crazy. He said he would look at it, but doesnt think there is much he can do. He is a very nice guy, but I am not sure how much he is willing to do. I even offered to help pay for anything to subdue the noise. I am to the point of wanting to move. Help!

Compare your electric bills and see if his is too high. He could have a freon leak, or keeps his temperature very low, or have a southern exposure to the sun. You are probably getting conduction noise, it vibrates through the wooden trusses and beams. Is the common wall a firewall made of block? If not, you have a problem. Maybe get him to have a repair man come out and check it.

[Bummer]

How old are the a/c units, Rockybird?

Any unit more than 5 or 6 years of age will probably run at least 2 or 3 times as long as a new unit. Also, older units tend to be noisier and even worse if the freon is low.

As already posted, the electric bill should be clear indicator of an inefficient system.

[rockybird]

Thanks guys. There is a firewall. I have a feeling that his AC is very old. I have already spoken with him but I dont know what he will do. I cant live here if I have to keep hearing it. It's a loud low frequency hum and it gives me a headache. I have to close my bedroom door at night and wear ear plugs to try to cut down on the noise. I was trying to get some work done tonight in the living room and the noise was bothering me. I shouldnt have to live like this!

[blisterpeanuts]

You're not gonna fix a problem like that. I suggest you move. Prices are way down and you have lots of selection. Maybe rent your old place to a deaf person.

[wilberry]

I work with HVAC systems every day , some one has to come look at the Unit , compressors as they wear out are noisy, Condensor motors with a loose fanblade , the only inexpensive fix is the Condensor fan and motor , if it is the culprit .

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by wilberry

I work with HVAC systems every day , some one has to come look at the Unit , compressors as they wear out are noisy, Condensor motors with a loose fanblade , the only inexpensive fix is the Condensor fan and motor , if it is the culprit .

I thought you were just laid off from Google and now have to be a "hardware" technician. Did you mean HVAC tech? So what about that Pomeranian who was stolen in Phoenix??? a.k.a. Saddam and Gomorrah to you? LOL, I guess you also decided to stay in Phoenix despite it being soooo bad in your opinion.

As for the neighbor's loud AC unit, I'd say your out of luck unless you help to pay for at least an inspection of his unit to see what is wrong. Doesn't seem like the noise is bothering your neighbor. And hey, he might be hurting financially right now and does sympathize with you but has other priorities, like buying food and paying the electric bill. I've had to help out a friend who just recently found work after six months of draining his savings. I told him he didn't have to pay me back until he builds up his savings to once again survive at least 6 months unemployed just in case. Maybe this is the perfect time to lend a helping hand and moving would end up costing you more in the long run anyway. Now if your neighbor is just a jerk and doesn't want to do the right thing and has the money to fix his unit, then throw a wrench into the damn thing! I kid! But if he is a little financially strapped, be a good neighbor. Just a thought.

[rockybird]

I offered to help pay for it, but he doesnt seem interested. He is a good neigbor and is calling an AC guy tomorrow. Let's hope it works. He said the unit is over 20 yrs. old and needs to be looked at anyway. Let's hope they can find the problem. Apparently, they can put insulator pads under the unit to dampen the vibration. I will keep you all updated.

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by rockybird

I offered to help pay for it, but he doesnt seem interested. He is a good neigbor and is calling an AC guy tomorrow. Let's hope it works. He said the unit is over 20 yrs. old and needs to be looked at anyway. Let's hope they can find the problem. Apparently, they can put insulator pads under the unit to dampen the vibration. I will keep you all updated.

"AWESOME!!" I hope it all works out in the end for both of you. You will get your peace and he will obviously get a lower energy bill given that his unit is over 20 YEARS OLD! Wow, surprised it still works!

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by rockybird

I offered to help pay for it, but he doesnt seem interested. He is a good neigbor and is calling an AC guy tomorrow. Let's hope it works. He said the unit is over 20 yrs. old and needs to be looked at anyway. Let's hope they can find the problem. Apparently, they can put insulator pads under the unit to dampen the vibration. I will keep you all updated.

Be patient, Rockybird . . . if that unit is over 20 years old it won't be running much longer.

Besides being noisy, I bet it is sucking up the electricity like a pig.