Neighbor has noisy a/c (rent, HOA, condos)

[munchkin_54]

Hi guys, so I've recently moved into a condo and discovered that my upstairs (or downstairs?) neighbor's central A/C is making some weird noises that's making my entire unit vibrate every time it's on. It's kind of a rhythmic "vroom vroom vroom" low bass sound and I can feel the vibrations through the floor of almost every room in my condo. I'm on the middle floor, and my other neighbor's A/C does not make this kind of vibrating noise. The sound and vibrations are kind of driving me nuts, and I'm trying to figure out if this is normal or not.

If anyone has any insight on what's causing this noise, it would be much appreciated! I'm trying to figure out if I'm justified in asking my neighbor to do some kind of a/c maintenance or if I should just invest in a good pair of noise cancelling earphones.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by munchkin_54

Hi guys, so I've recently moved into a condo and discovered that my upstairs (or downstairs?) neighbor's central A/C is making some weird noises that's making my entire unit vibrate every time it's on. It's kind of a rhythmic "vroom vroom vroom" low bass sound and I can feel the vibrations through the floor of almost every room in my condo. I'm on the middle floor, and my other neighbor's A/C does not make this kind of vibrating noise. The sound and vibrations are kind of driving me nuts, and I'm trying to figure out if this is normal or not.

If anyone has any insight on what's causing this noise, it would be much appreciated! I'm trying to figure out if I'm justified in asking my neighbor to do some kind of a/c maintenance or if I should just invest in a good pair of noise cancelling earphones.

'Not sure how condos work, but I would think you could call the maintenance department and report it to them, no need to involve your neighbor... yet. It sounds like some sort of effect from the oscillation of a motor. Does it start, and stop throughout the day? Maybe the AC, but if just once a day, maybe a washer, or dryer? In any case, I'm guessing you have to pay maintenance fees, I'd start with those people.

[munchkin_54]

Thanks for the advice. I talked to HOA about this problem but they said that there was nothing they could do about it since owners are responsible for their A/C units. I'm pretty sure it's the A/C system because the noise is only present when the A/C unit is on (I can also hear the compressors outside when I have my windows open) and comes and goes throughout the day.

Does anyone have any ideas about dampening the vibrations inside my condo? The noise is unpleasant and after a while my ears feel pretty uncomfortable. Also, the noise and vibrations are unbearable in the bedroom (which is closest to both the indoor and outdoor components of the central a/c), so I've moved my bed and all of my stuff to the smaller study and left the bedroom empty. Would having furniture in the bedroom help dampen the noise? Also, it seems like certain corners of my study and living room vibrate more than other corners. I spend most of my time in one of these loud corners because that's where my desk is and there's really no other way to arrange my furniture without blocking some doors. Any idea on why the noises are like this and how I can fix it?

Thanks!

[Truth_Avenger]

The blower motor may need new bearings or need to be replaced. That's the only piece of A/C equipment inside the house that could vibrate.

[txdemo]

Knock on neighbor's door. Say "Hi, I think there's a problem with your A/C unit."

If neighbor looks unbalanced and is carrying a large pipe - run as fast as you can.

Otherwise, most neighbors will say "thanks I'll get it checked out".

[eastontracks]

hope its not me youre talking about... lol!

i live on a 1st floor unit and my AC is super old, prob the first unit that was installed when these were made in the 70s. anyway, my neighbor upstairs has mentioned how loud it is when the AC starts up & how it scares her cats. besides that, she doesnt really mention it much as its just when the AC starts up i assume.

def ask them about having maintenance done as it might just be an old unit. when i first moved in there were minor issues with the pipes on my end and neighbor and we both got our stuff fixed. maybe that noise can at least be reduced with maintenance. i see no problem with communicating to your neighbor about the issue. seems like people are afraid or shy to talk to their neighbors nowadays.

[SandyJet]

Do you own or rent that condo? Does guy upstairs own or rent condo?