Noisy Air Conditioner

Noisy Air Conditioner

As soon as the summer months come around, you turn on your air conditioner and expect it to work. Instead, you hear the air conditioner making noises during the cooling cycle, and it can be troubling.

You may try to ignore loud noises coming from your ac unit, but the sounds could be symptoms of a greater issue. It could be a simple repair, or the buzzing noise could be a sign you need a replacement. The sooner you deal with the issue, the more likely you can fix it without replacing the AC. We’ve covered some common air conditioning issues and the noises that can indicate their presence. 

Photo of AC Repairing

Clicking

Your air conditioner should only make a clicking noise when you switch it on and off. Continuous AC noise could be a sign of a broken thermostat, a blocked air conditioner fan, an issue with the fan motor, faulty electrical signals, or a damaged capacitator. 

If the fan in your air conditioner is blocked, check the outdoor unit. There you can inspect and clean it. If you’ve tried that and there is still a constant clicking noise, it’s time to call your go-to Houston HVAC repair specialists to fix the issue. They can inspect whether the outdoor fan motors have an issue or the problem is from the inside unit.

Banging

If your air conditioner’s compressor is making a banging noise, there could be loose parts in the unit. Noise from your outside unit is a sign of wear and tear. Compressor parts could be banging around as they are now loose. If the banging noise comes from inside, it could be the indoor blower motor, blower fan, or fan blades. 

Calling an HVAC professional if you are in need of air conditioning repair in Houston,TX.

This would be ideal in this situation. They can assess the noise and try to determine the issue.

Buzzing   

If your air conditioner is making a buzzing sound from the outside unit, it could be due to the following:

  • Loose components
  • Loose outdoor fan motor
  • Loose fan blades
  • Outdoor condenser unit condenser coil needs a cleaning
  • Air filters need changing
  • Cracked copper lines
  • The blower fan is not working

The first thing to do is to try routine maintenance on your AC unit to see if it fixes the problem. The issue could be due to a refrigerant leak. When there is a leaking refrigerant, it can cause air conditioner noises, and the unit freezes up.

If you can’t seem to locate or resolve the issue by yourself, it may be time to contact a professional. Whether the solution is repair or replacement, an HVAC expert can help guide you.

Humming

A humming noise might not be so serious. That said, it’s not something to ignore. Loose parts can cause unusual sounds. It’s vital to check before it becomes a problem. One reason you might hear humming noises due to a worn-out fan belt on your air conditioning system.

Rattling 

If your air conditioner is making rattling noises, it can mean your unit is on its way out. Check to see if debris is clogging the system. This can indicate issues with the compressor or a loose fan. You can inspect for loose screws or bolts. You can also give it a good cleaning and change the filters. If that fails, then it’s time to call a professional. 

Squealing

To keep evaporator coils from freezing, switch the thermostat back to cool and the fan to auto. If it doesn’t resolve the issue, then you can add a sound blanket. Putting a sound blanket on an air conditioning unit reduces the amount of noise that it produces during operation. 

If freezing persists, call a professional for repair. A high-pitched squealing noise or grinding noise from the compressor signals high internal pressure and dangerous operating conditions. It lasts for about 10 to 15 seconds after the air conditioner starts. A professional should fix this issue as soon as possible.

Pulsating

If your air conditioner makes a pulsating sound or shuts off by itself, it could be hazardous, so power off and call a professional immediately. A pulsating noise from the AC unit could be normal, but if there is a loud noise inside your home, it’s time to call a professional. This is because you may require a HVAC repair.

Your house’s air conditioner may produce a bubbling noise due to excess moisture caused by a blockage, crack, or hole in the drainage pipe. If you’re good at DIY, you can inspect the drainage line by disassembling the air conditioner.

A screeching noise in your air conditioner is likely caused by a malfunctioning fan motor in the outdoor condenser unit or a broken motor in the compressor. Additionally, it could be a damaged blower fan motor inside your house. 

Photo of a Air Conditioner

Whirring

At times, a whirring noise could be attributed to an object getting lodged in the indoor blower or the fan outdoors.

Other AC Noises 

Other common air conditioning noises include bubbling and hissing sounds. If you notice strange sounds, it may be due to a broken thermostat. Installing a new thermostat will require a professional. 

Additionally, AC units could make sounds from an air duct leak. A malfunctioning expansion valve or an incompatible air filter can also be the cause. It’s crucial to have a professional inspect your air conditioning system as soon as possible to diagnose the issue. 

An air conditioner making noise is always a cause for concern. Start by investigating for yourself to see if you can identify the issue. If all else fails, call in a professional. You may require a completely new AC unit.  

Noisy Air Conditioner