Air Conditioning Noises

When your air conditioning system is functioning as it should, it should make minimal noise. While all air conditioning systems make some noise when they complete a cycle, a loud, overly noisy air conditioner could be indicative of something wrong

Check out these common air conditioning noises homeowners encounter, what they mean, and what you should do about it.

3. Buzzing Noise

A buzzing noise coming from your air conditioner is almost always indicative of an electrical issue with the condenser fan motor, relay switch, wiring, or another component of the system.

Electrical issues can be dangerous and should not be taken lightly.

If you hear a buzzing or sparking sound from your system, turn off your air conditioner and call a professional technician to assess the problem.

4. Rattling Noise

A rattling noise may mean that something has come loose inside the air conditioner and is blowing about the unit.

This could be a fan blade, a cover plate or something as simple as a screw.

Turn off your air conditioner to reduce the risk of damage and schedule an appointment with a technician.

5. Clicking Noise

What many homeowners aren’t aware of is that it’s normal for your air conditioner to make one audible click every time it starts up. Usually, a single click on startup is the thermostat communicating with your unit.

If there’s a constant clicking air conditioning noise, you could have a problem.

A clicking air conditioner noise that starts slow and gets faster could come from an obstruction. There may be something damaging the blower fan.

If the unit is making a continuous clicking noise but won’t turn on, it could be an electrical problem.

If the clicking noise is coming from outside your home, it could be a problem with the compressor.

Either way, you’ll want to get a technician out to your home as soon as possible to resolve the issue causing the clicking because it’s almost always a bad sign.

6. Banging Noise

Similar to rattling, a banging noise likely means that something has come loose inside your air conditioning system. This could be anything from a crankshaft to a connecting rod inside of the compressor.

A banging noise can also be a sign that your indoor blower is unbalanced and that your system’s compressor is worn out and needs to be replaced.

In any case, if you hear this noise, we recommend turning off your air conditioning system to avoid damage.

7. Clanking Noise

A clanking noise is another sign that something has come loose within your air conditioner.

This noise can also signal that the indoor blower or outdoor fan and its blades are out of balance and colliding with other parts.

Don’t ignore this sound — shut off the power to your system and schedule an appointment with a professional.

8. Humming Noise

This is perhaps that least insidious noise on our list. For the most part, a light humming noise is completely normal.

However, loud humming may be a sign that there are loose parts within your air conditioner.

In certain cases, loose parts combined with refrigerant piping can cause excess vibration, leading to serious issues later on.

9. Whistling Noise

A high-pitched whistling noise is usually a bad sign. We recommend turning your air conditioner off right away and calling a professional.

Whistling typically means there’s a refrigerant leak somewhere in your system, which needs to be handled by a technician.

10. Gurgling Noise

A gurgling or bubbling noise that occurs whenever your air conditioner is running may mean that the drainline is clogged or cracked.

If you feel comfortable checking your drain line yourself, turn off your system and inspect the drain line. If not, schedule an appointment with a technician.

Repair Air Conditioning Noises with Energy Air Today

Ultimately, if your AC is making any of these air conditioning noises, don’t ignore it! Think of these sounds as a cry for help from your air conditioner.

Let the team at Energy Air diagnose and assess any strange air conditioning noises. Our team of skilled professionals has been providing quality HVAC services for nearly 40 years, so we guarantee we will provide a solution.

Have questions? Give us a call today or schedule your appointment online.