Your Air Conditioner Is Noisy, Now What?

When you're in the market to buy an air conditioning unit, you want to get the best quality and performance out of your system. Sometimes, even if you get an excellent AC unit, it can still make some strange noises. This is normal, and there's no need to panic. If your air conditioner makes loud noises or unusual sounds, here are some things that may be going on:

Buzzing

Buzzing noises typically come from a dirty or loose electrical connection that needs to be fixed. The buzzing could also mean that the condenser needs to be cleaned. The condenser can get dirty over time, causing it to make noises or emit a strange smell.

Mechanical grinding

This kind of noise is caused by bearings that are worn out and need to be replaced. The AC unit is not level. If the unit is not level and sits flat on the ground, it can make a lot of noise. Grinding noises may be caused by loose or damaged screws, or because the unit is tilted one way or another.  

Rattling or clanking noises

If your system sounds like it's full of rocks, it could be coming from a fan that's loose or from a support bracket that needs tightening with screws. If your AC unit is rattling or clanking, it could be due to loose screws that hold together the fan blades. The best thing to do is tighten them with a screwdriver, but don't overdo it—you don't want to bend the blades or break them off completely.

Clicking noises

A clicking noise usually indicates that your air conditioner is starting up or shutting down. But if you hear it often, it could mean there's an electrical issue that needs to be fixed right away. A buzzing or screeching noise: This could be a sign of a problem with your compressor, fan motor, capacitor, or wiring.

Whistling noise

This type of air conditioner noise is often caused by a problem with the refrigerant level. It can also be due to leaks in the ductwork, which could decrease efficiency and cause damage over time.

These are some of the noises that your AC might be making when something goes wrong. In order to know how to fix your unit, you may have to contact a professional.

Contact an air conditioning service to get the help you need to fix whatever noises your system is making.