Every electrical appliance will make some noise. This is true for the fridge, microwave, and air conditioner. However, most late model central ACs run quietly. If your air conditioner making noise is getting irritating, there could be something wrong with it. You shouldn’t have to live with a noisy air conditioner interrupting your relaxation time or keeping you up at night. Call a certified HVAC technician to figure out the problem.
Air Conditioner Making Noise: Air Flow Problems
When an HVAC technician checks out a noisy air conditioner, one of the first things he or she will consider is the type of noise. A whistling or whining type of noise could indicate an air flow problem. Air flow problems are common in older systems that have been built piece by piece over the years. For example, you might have gotten a new AC attached to older ductwork. Sometimes, these different components won’t work well together. If the ductwork is too small, a whistling sound can result from the high volume of air that the AC pushes through it. It’s also possible for the vents to be too small.
Another possible cause of whistling sounds is damaged ductwork. Occasionally, ductwork can develop cracks and leaks. As air escapes through those cracks, it creates a whistling sound. The technician can repair your ductwork to eliminate the sound.
In addition, clogged or dirty air filters can sometimes cause noises. This indicates the filter requires cleaning or replacement.
Noisy Central Air Conditioner: Compressor Problems
Sometimes, a faulty compressor causes annoying air conditioner noises. Compressors can cause all sorts of noises. For example, if you hear a clicking sound when you turn on your AC, and the AC doesn’t start, the compressor may have an electrical problem. In addition, compressors can cause a loud screeching sound. If you hear this type of noise coming from the outdoor unit, the motor in the compressor may require replacement.
In other cases, the outdoor unit might be causing a banging noise, rather than a screeching sound. This could also be a bad compressor. Due to damage from normal wear and tear, the compressor’s internal parts can loosen and rattle around the casing.
However, a compressor doesn’t need to be damaged to cause loud noises. Sometimes, all that’s needed is to reduce the amperage to quiet the compressor.
Air Conditioner Making Noise: Motor Problems
Another possible cause of a banging noise coming from the outdoor unit is a bad fan motor. When a fan motor gets off balance, it can bang around inside the outdoor unit, causing irritating noises. Blower motors can experience a similar problem. When a blower motor gets very dirty, it can get off balance. This can cause it to move around and create noise.
In addition, it’s possible to have motor problems that affect the interior AC unit. If your air conditioner making noise sounds like a screeching noise inside the home, the blower fan motor may be to blame. This blower fan is responsible for drawing warm air from inside the home into the unit for chilling. Then, the chilled air is pushed back out into the home. Over time, however, the blower fan motor can develop damage due to normal wear and tear. Additionally, it’s possible for the fan belt to get worn out. This usually results in squealing, rather than a screeching sound.
Unusual AC Noises: Electrical Problems
In many cases, worn out components are to blame for an air conditioner making noise. However, sometimes an unusual sound could indicate an electrical problem. If you hear a buzzing sound in your home, it might probably doesn’t mean that a bee has found its way inside. It could mean that your air conditioner’s electrical system needs attention. Note that a clicking sound may indicate a problem with the system relays. An electrical problem is definitely not something you want to try to fix by yourself. Call a certified HVAC technician instead.
Noisy AC Unit: Refrigerant Problems
Do you hear an unusual hissing noise coming from your AC? Hissing could indicate a refrigerant leak. Leaking refrigerant can also cause your system to turn on more frequently yet fail to cool down your home adequately. You’ll need an HVAC technician to find the source of the leak, repair it, and recharge your system.
If your air conditioner making noise is driving you up the wall, it’s time to call Intelligent Design of Tucson. Our certified HVAC technicians can figure out what’s causing the noise. Since we arrive with fully stocked trucks, we can usually fix the problem the same day! Give us a call at (520) 655-7595 to book an appointment. And don’t forget to sign up for our Family Protection Plan Membership to get instant access to great savings!