Why Is My AC Making Noise?
Troubleshooting Guide for Common Air Conditioner Sounds
Modern air conditioning units are built to be exceptionally quiet, and most will make little to no noise at all. So, if you’ve started asking yourself, “Why is my AC so loud?” then something is probably amiss. When you hear noises coming from your AC, listen closely to the sound and where it is coming from.
In this blog, our air conditioning experts at Iceberg Home Services cover common noises you may hear from your unit, what they mean, and when you should be concerned.
Common AC Noises & What They Mean
Buzzing
An AC buzzing noise can mean many things ranging from an electrical problem to fan blades that are out of balance. It can also mean condenser coils that are either dirty or damaged. Fan motors may also buzz if they are damaged in any way.
Dripping
A dripping noise may mean that condensation is building up on your air conditioner’s coils and running off. While this may occur naturally during periods of weather where the humidity is excessively high, it isn’t normal when the humidity is lower.
Banging
In most cases, a hard banging noise is often associated with the compressor of your air conditioning unit. Your compressor is constantly moving air from your home through the AC unit. As it ages and parts start to wear out, you may hear loud AC compressor noises in the form of bangs or knocks as the parts loosen and begin to move around.
Clanking or Clicking
Clanking or constant clicking that occurs toward the beginning or near the end of your AC cycle may indicate a faulty thermostat. You may eventually begin to experience a lack of cooling or an extreme drop in temperature if the thermostat malfunctions and won’t turn the unit off. The air conditioner clicking noise may also indicate a malfunction in the wiring of your AC unit.
Squealing, Hissing, or Whistling
An AC hissing sound, or squealing or screeching noise, is often the result of a malfunction within the fan motor of your air conditioning unit. As the fan motor begins to wear out, the friction within will create a high-pitched air conditioner whistling noise that will only worsen over time until the motor eventually just stops working altogether.
Humming
Humming noises are sometimes the result of a faulty relay switch that doesn’t send the message from the thermostat to the condenser motor. The hum may continue to worsen over time or simply stop working as it begins to get hot. A hum may also be a sign of a faulty fan motor that doesn’t kick on or turn off properly.
Rattling
If your AC makes rattling noise, it’s not just annoying, it’s also a sign of an internal component issue. In the majority of cases, an AC unit making rattling sounds is an indicator that a fan blade or other moving part is bent or broken. If you can see what is causing the noise, don’t try and fix it yourself.
Cracking
If your air conditioner is making a cracking noise, it could be from standard thermal expansion. This is when your AC expands and contracts as it heats up and cools back down and is not a cause for concern. However, a cracking noise could also point to ice. Ice cracking sounds in ACs occur when your system freezes up and ice starts to form and break off of coils.
When To Worry vs. What’s Normal
Air conditioners will always make some level of noise when they are running, so not every sound is a cause for concern. However, it’s important to be able to tell when an AC making noise is normal versus when it indicates a larger problem. Soft humming and whirring, gentle airflow sounds, and clicks when the unit turns on and off are all standard, but make sure to keep an ear out for any changes in these sounds. If your AC is clicking but not turning on, you should reach out to a professional. Also, any of the abovementioned noises point to a problem that needs repair. If you are ever not sure, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! Call our team whenever you find yourself dealing with unusual air conditioning noises.
Call Iceberg for Fast AC Repairs
When you start to notice noises coming from your air conditioner, don’t wait for your unit to break down. Reach out to Iceberg Home Services for expert air conditioning repairs. Our HVAC experts know how to fix a noisy AC unit, and we can quickly troubleshoot and diagnose your air conditioning problem to provide the best solution for restoring your comfort. We’re also available 24/7 for issues that require urgent attention!
Contact Iceberg Home Services today to schedule air conditioning repairs in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Orlando, or the surrounding areas of Central Florida.
TODAY!