Updated at: 08-09-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

When an AC unit is operating without a hitch, no one takes attention. We should, however, be concerned if our air conditioner begins making strange noises. Noise from an air conditioner is not only annoying, but it could also be a sign of a failing device.

You may be able to fix a noisy air conditioner on your own. That’s the ideal circumstance, anyway. If the air conditioner is making a lot of noise, the worst case scenario is having to replace it or pay for extensive repairs.

There are more than ten different types of air conditioning systems, each of which can be heard throbbing, buzzing, or even clacking. The compressor, fan, air handler, and so on are all possible sources of these sounds. A noisy ducted or mini-split air conditioner could be the indoor unit or the outdoor unit.

Differentiating between a noisy air conditioner and one that is simply running at its typical volume (concerning noises).

Various sounds that air conditioners may create will be discussed. We will investigate the root of the problem, isolate the offending component, and discuss possible solutions to the problem of a noisy air conditioner.

Given the wide variety of HVAC systems and associated sounds, a methodical approach is necessary. We will provide the following characteristics for each audible phenomenon:

  • Typically, what kind of air conditioner (window, portable, central) would create those sounds?
  • Can you pinpoint the source of the noise (compressor, fan, or air handler)?
  • Give some examples of noisy devices that actually exist.
  • Repairing Air Conditioner Noise.

In general, you should know that we use words like “buzzing,” “rattling,” “whistling,” and so on to describe various audible phenomena. A rattling or whistling air conditioner may be described in diverse ways by various persons. By using the broadest possible language, we increase the likelihood that we will be on the same page as we navigate the eight distinct AC noises.

1. Air Conditioner Making Pulsating Noise (Vibrations)

You should take attention if your air conditioner begins making a throbbing noise. You should be able to hear a rhythmic high-pitched, low-pitched, high-pitched, low-pitched noise; your air conditioner may even sound like a helicopter.

First, there’s the case of the pulsating window air conditioner.

The outdoor mini-split unit is creating a continuous, pounding noise, as in Example 2.

If your air conditioner is pulsating, ask yourself why. This pulsing noise is caused by:

  • The compressor is the main vibrating noise maker.
  • Cables carrying refrigerant are a supplementary source of throbbing noise.

A pulsating sound is typically caused by a vibrating AC compressor. An imperfectly fastened air conditioner compressor will produce pulsating sounds. It is possible for the AC compressor to vibrate if there is even a small amount of play between the compressor and its mounting.

Noisy Air Conditioner: 5 Causes and Troubleshooting Tips

The throbbing sound is likely the air conditioner’s compressor striking an object. The air conditioner’s strong pulsating noises could possibly be the result of a problem with the refrigerant cables. They may be producing a pulsating sound because they are vibrating and striking the wall frequently.

How to fix an AC making pulsating noise?

The AC compressor vibrations must be stopped immediately. So, you’ll need to secure it where it is. Find the air conditioner compressor by opening the outdoor unit if you have a mini-split system (it like a bit like a car battery).

The AC compressor may be generating a pulsating noise if the platform it is resting on is cracked, so make sure to inspect the base. You may get rid of the pulsating noise and vibrations by switching it out for a wooden platform. Additional support can be fabricated to eliminate vibrations and the pulsating sound produced by the AC compressor.

To gain access to the AC compressor in window AC units, you must first remove the rear (outside) panel. Make sure it isn’t vibrating, and secure it if it is. If the window air conditioner’s rubber isolation feet are missing or broken, the unit will emit a pulsating noise caused by the compressor.

In order to prevent the compressor from rattling and making pulsating noises, you may either employ support, such as underpinning it with a piece of wood, or you can tighten the screws that keep the compressor in place (in some situations, they get loose after 10 years of usage).

Try jiggling the lines away from any hard surfaces, like walls, if the refrigerant is creating noise. Even if they are vibrating, they must not be slamming into anything. That’s what would cause that pulsating rhythmic sound.

2. Air Conditioner Making Loud Buzzing Noise (Compressor Problem)

It’s not unusual for air conditioning noise to occur periodically, such as when a unit buzzes every few minutes. Some appliances, such as window air conditioners, are prone to creating annoying buzzing noises. If your AC makes a buzzing noise, should you be concerned?

Almost always, that is correct. When it comes to AC noises, a buzzing noise is one of the most elusive to identify. There could be a number of things going wrong with the air conditioner that are causing the loud buzzing sound. It is possible to classify them as:

  1. Noise coming from the air conditioner’s compressor (malfunctioning contactor). If either the contactor or the contactor switch is faulty, the air conditioner’s compressor may not always receive adequate electricity. The compressor may start up every few minutes due to an electrical jump in the contactor. The most common cause of this buzzing every few minutes is the air conditioner’s compressor.
  2. This compressor is a vibrating one. The AC compressor could be at the heart of the problem if the isolating legs holding it in place are broken.
  3. Refrigeration system malfunction due to a leak. The air conditioner will begin to freeze up if freon leaks from the copper refrigerant pipes. An assortment of issues, most notably a buzzing noise emanating from either interior or outdoor units, will ensue. Extra caution: if you need to add freon to your window air conditioner, you must first fix the leak.
  4. An overcharged capacitor is the blame for the annoying hum. If the capacitor supplying the fan’s power is faulty, the flow of electricity to the fan will be interrupted. You can identify an AC unit by its telltale buzzing sound; this is caused by the capacitor sending a power surge to the fan.
  5. Discordant fan blades. A damaged fan will make a buzzing noise while spinning.
  6. Bonus: You may try cleaning the condenser coil.

There is a large variety of potential causes for an air conditioner to make a buzzing sound. Fortunately, most of the time the buzzing may be eliminated simply by replacing the offending component.

For instance, if you switch out the faulty contractor, the compressor will once again have a steady supply of power. The compressor can be repaired by replacing the isolator legs or installing wooden support. To fix the AC buzzing issue on your own, you may either hire a technician or do it yourself by replacing the capacitor and the fan.

The leaking refrigerant is the only problem. Repairing leaky refrigerant lines isn’t a simple task, but do-it-yourselfers can give it a shot. When low freon levels owing to a leak are to blame for the buzzing sound, most homeowners do seek professional HVAC assistance.

3. Air Conditioner Rattling Noise (Loose Panel)

One of the most common causes of that peculiar rattling sound is loose panels.

The air conditioner makes a noise that is similar to a rattle. High-frequency volume shifts that occur rapidly up and down.

If you hear a rattling sound coming from your air conditioner, don’t panic; it’s probably nothing major.

Where does that rattling sound come from in the air conditioner, anyway?

It’s most likely due to a loose or detached panel, but there are also these other four suspects:

  1. Sagging door panel. The most common cause of annoying rattling sounds coming from air conditioners is also the simplest to remedy. If the panel or cabinet door is not securely screwed in, the thin metal foil covering it will bang against the remainder of the air conditioner. The panel can be easily fastened in place by use of screws. It’s possible a screw came loose, or after repairs we didn’t properly reattach the doors to the cabinets, which led to the rattling sound.
  2. Apparently there was some litter in the outside air conditioner. Debris in the outdoor unit could be the source of rattling noise coming from a central air or mini-split AC system. Due to its location, the outside unit is susceptible to environmental contaminants such as dirt, dust, and even small animals such as rodents and birds. The fan makes a rattling sound as it repeatedly strikes this material. If you hear rattling sounds coming from your air conditioner, try opening the panels and cleaning out any dirt you discover.
  3. Fan blades are out of alignment. There is likely an issue with the fans in a portable air conditioner if it is making rattling noises (the blades are producing the vibrations that eventually lead to rattling noises). Typically, the blower fan in the air handler and the condenser coil fan are out of whack. The whole thing, including the panels, will tremble due to this oddity. A rattling noise from loose panels could result from the additional vibration.
  4. Worn out engine. In air conditioners, motors are used to drive the fan and power the compressor. Rumbling sounds could be coming from either the interior or outdoor air conditioner if the motors are broken (old motor, worn-down parts). Running a broken motor might cause serious damage to your air conditioner. The best solution is to replace the broken motor, which will eliminate the rattling sound.

If you hear rattling, it’s probably because some panel screws are loose. Be wary if your motor is broken; replacing it will be the safest and surest way to get rid of the rattling.

4. Air Conditioner Whistling Noise (Low High-Pressure Airflow)

If your air conditioner is making a high-pitched whistling noise, the problem is likely due to insufficient air being returned.

The high air pressure in the air conditioner is the root cause of the annoying whistling sound. If the air conditioner is producing excessive air pressure, you will initially notice these two things:

  1. Reduced air movement from the air vents or air handler.
  2. The air vent or air handler is making a high-pitched whistling sound.

Restricted inlet airflow is typically the primary issue. If the air conditioner can’t draw in enough hot air, it will make a whistling sound. This air is pulled into the air conditioner where it is cooled by passing over the evaporator coils.

If the air conditioner isn’t drawing in enough air, the air handler’s ability to expel conditioned air will be compromised. When this occurs, the air conditioner’s internal pressure rises. The high-pressure air is travelling at a higher velocity than usual, creating a distinctive whistling sound. The high-pitched sound coming from your air conditioner is caused by the whirling of air under increased pressure.

There are a number of easy-to-address causes of restricted airflow:

  • Maintenance of ventilation systems includes the replacement or cleaning of filters. If the air filter is dirty, the airflow will decrease; cleaning or replacing the filter will increase the airflow, equalize the air pressure inside the AC unit, and eliminate the whistling sound.
  • Reduced airflow due to blocked intakes. Whistling noises can be produced by portable or window air conditioners if their air intake is blocked by an object such as a window, couch, or other piece of furniture. If your air conditioner is making a whistling noise, try moving some furniture around or taking out any obstructions to the unit’s typical airflow.
  • Inadequate ducting. Central air conditioners and other ducted systems rely on adequate airflow to the blower from the HVAC ducting. Because restricted airflow raises air pressure, a whistling sound might be heard emanating from your indoor air conditioner if the ducts are too thin. The ductwork is typically taken care of by the HVAC contractor; the installer will determine the optimal duct cross-section to ensure adequate airflow to the air conditioner. A whistling noise may occur from improper sizing of the ductwork or air conditioning unit, in which case either solution may be implemented (usually this means they need to be replaced).

Whistling from the air conditioner could be caused by duct leaks if these issues are fixed and the problem persists.

A leak in the HVAC duct system will impede airflow, creating the same whistling effect as inadequate ductwork.

5. AC Clunk Noise (Loose Or Broken Parts)

If your air conditioner is making a clunk, clunk, clunk sound, it’s likely because a part is broken or has come free.

There are many potential malfunctioning components, such as a faulty motor, a broken interior fan, or, worst case scenario, the compressor itself.

You’ll need to open up the panel and inspect all of these components if your AC is making a clunking noise. Now, it’s not easy to tell if an air conditioner component, such a compressor, is broken just by looking at it. Gauges, airflow meters, voltage meters, and so on are used by even the most experienced HVAC repairmen to determine the functionality of an air conditioning component.

If your air conditioner is creating a clunking sound, it’s probably better to call a professional HVAC repairman to investigate.

But before you go there, you should strive to:

  • Determine if the clunking sound is coming from a certain component.
  • Consider whether or not the clunking is bothersome.

The outside air conditioner’s low clunking noise level may not be a major issue. However, if you hear a loud clunking noise, a component such as the fan or compressor may be severely damaged and pose a threat to the entire air conditioning system. If that’s the case, it’s best to consult an expert.

Normal Noise Levels + Who You Should Call If You Have A Noisy AC Unit

It’s crucial to be aware of the difference between a noisy air conditioner and a loud one. Every manufacturer of air conditioners includes information on how loud each fan setting is. It will help us determine which window or portable AC units are the quietest.

A high-pitched squealing sound coming from your air conditioner is not, however, typical. If your air conditioner is making too much noise, call a professional. Qualified HVAC technicians that are experts at troubleshooting and repairing AC noises are available here for your perusal and quote needs.

Why Is Your AC Unit Humming But Not Turning On (+DIY Fix)

Air Conditioner Noises: What Causes Them & How to Fix an Air Conditioner That’s Making a Noise

The noise output of today’s HVAC systems is typically between 25 and 55 decibels, depending on the model you choose. To put it another way, a talk at home with a volume of 55 dB is about the same as a normal, mid-level restaurant conversation, while a whisper is 25 decibels. Newer ductless AC units, such as those found in windows and mini-splits, are typically quieter than older central ducted models. Any air conditioner making unusually loud or distressing noises is either broken or experiencing some other issue that requires professional treatment. It’s important to pay attention to the sounds your air conditioner makes, because they may indicate a problem before it becomes too expensive or impossible to repair, such as a faulty fan motor or compressor.

Understanding the significance of each noise is crucial, as diverse issues can result in seemingly identical sounds.

If your air conditioner starts making strange noises, we have created a comprehensive list of those noises and the potential issues they indicate to assist you diagnose the problem.

1. Banging or Rattling Noise From AC

Assume a condenser problem if your air conditioner is making a violent banging noise. Here are some potential causes and remedies for the disturbing noise:

Dirt Particles Getting Stuck in Your Condenser

The crashing and shaking of the AC unit may not be indicative of a serious issue and could be corrected with minimal effort. Sticks, leaves, and other debris can get stuck in the condenser and create an annoying rattling sound. Shrubbery can cause a buildup of tiny leaves and twigs on your outside condenser if you don’t clean it regularly.

To get to the stuck objects, you’ll need to take the condenser cover off. If you’re having trouble maintaining your HVAC system, you may want to consider hiring help.

Loose Screws

In addition, loose screws are often to blame for rattling sounds. When an air conditioner is turned on, vibrations can be felt in both the indoor and outdoor units. This vibration has the potential to loosen the screws over time.

Fixing this problem is as easy as tightening the screws with a screwdriver.

Broken Fan Motor or Compressor

If your air conditioner produces a banging noise when you turn it on, things are not looking good. A malfunctioning compressor is a possible cause. Unfortunately, replacing a compressor can be rather pricey. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to let it go rather than keep trying to fix it. Here is a helpful resource for determining how long an air conditioner will last.

A faulty fan motor or an unbalanced motor could be to blame for the banging sounds coming from inside your air conditioner. Likewise, the cost of replacing the motor suggests seeing an expert for diagnosis.

If the compressor in your air conditioner or furnace is covered by a lifetime warranty, it may be worthwhile to have it repaired rather than replaced. A HVAC technician will be able to assess the situation and advise you on whether or not to repair the unit.

Warning: the fan motor must not be inspected while it is operating, since doing so could result in serious injury.

2. Screeching & Squealing AC Noises

Is your air conditioner making a screeching or squealing noise at an extremely high pitch? There are a number of possible causes for this:

Faulty Fan Motor Bearings

If you turn on your air conditioner and hear a screeching metal-on-metal sound, it’s because the bearings in the fan motor are worn out and need to be replaced.

Worn Out or Broken Belt

Squeaking sounds might also be caused by a broken or worn fan belt. Ducted/central air conditioners are notorious for making this kind of sound. The belt that links the motor to the fan on earlier models is prone to wear and breakage. Because of the increased moisture in the air during the summer, the belt can also swell and shrink, creating an annoying squeaking sound. If you need the belt replaced or repaired, call an HVAC professional.

High Pressure in Compressor Unit

If your air conditioner starts making a screeching noise, it’s because the pressure inside the compressor has built up to dangerous levels. Stop using the air conditioner immediately; else, the pressure within could explode. Get in touch with a licensed HVAC technician as soon as possible.

3. Air Conditioner Making a Pulsating Noise

Slow pulsating sounds coming from your air conditioner could be quite normal. However, there may be cause for concern if the noise is persistent and pervasive.

Loose Fan Blade or Coil

The AC noise could be caused by a loose fan blade or coil. Fixing your air conditioner is as easy as tightening a few screws.

AC Plastic Base Pulsating

If a plastic base supports your AC, the compressor motion can cause the whole unit to pulsate, along with the base. To prevent this problem, consider replacing the plastic pad with a wooden one and minimize the vibrations. Small rubber blocks can be used to firmly clamp the device to the pad and keep it there.

Refrigerant Lines Getting in Contact With the AC Walls

If the pulsing sound persists, check to see if the refrigeration line is touching the wall. Reduce the distance the lines are from the wall and insulate them with rubber or foam.

4. AC Making a Hissing Sound

Have you ever heard loud hissing noises coming from your air conditioner and worried that a snake had taken up residence there? This could be due to one or more of the following, each of which has a solution listed below:

Leaking Refrigerant

The hissing could be due to escaping refrigerant. Damage to the refrigerant line is a common cause of refrigerant leaks. Eventually, the lines will wear out from constant use and start leaking. There is no do-it-yourself fix for this, so you’ll need to call in a pro to take care of it.

Compressor Valve Leak

Hissing sounds may also be caused by a leaking compressor valve. The pressure of the refrigerant is regulated by the valves. Because of the severity of the consequences, you should call an HVAC technician immediately.

High Compressor Pressure

In the event that the hissing noise develops into a screeching one, it is likely due to a faulty compressor. It’s possible that your outside AC unit has developed a pressure problem. In order to evaluate this issue as soon as possible, turn off your air conditioner and contact a specialist.

5. Clicking Sounds from Your HVAC Unit

It’s normal for a clicking sound to occur at the beginning and end of a cooling cycle. A clicking sound that won’t go away is definitely not normal. Let’s consider some potential explanations:

Obstruction in Your AC Fans

The clicking noises coming from the outside unit indicate a blockage in the fans, which must be cleared for the equipment to function properly again. To clean the fans, you need only do your regular maintenance or remove the cover from the outside unit.

Capacitor Losing Its Charge

Depletion of the capacitor’s charge over time is another potential problem. If this is the case, the outside unit’s compressor will not be powered by the capacitor, and the clicking sound you hear will be the device trying to switch on without success. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a medical expert for a comprehensive examination.

Fault in Electrical Signals

In addition, the switches can turn on and off continuously, leading to clicking sounds, if the electrical signals are flawed. In the event that you also notice minor sparks, it is imperative that you immediately turn off the unit and contact an HVAC professional. The smallest spark can start a fire.

Your AC Fan is Loose

There can be a clicking sound coming from your outside unit if the fan has come loose and is hitting the case repeatedly. Just give the HVAC guys a ring and they’ll tell you whether or not the fan’s bolts just need to be tightened or if it’s time to get a new one.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

A broken thermostat will make a loud clicking noise and prevent your air conditioner from starting up. The quiet clicking sound you hear during typical thermostat operation is the relay switch supplying power to the air conditioner. If the relay is damaged or the wiring is faulty, however, power will continue to flow (you will hear loud noises), but the appliance will not power on. You need to get in touch with a repairman because you cannot fix this on your own.

6. Whistling Sound Coming from the AC

Is there a whistling sound coming from your AC unit? Not as awful as some of the other sounds coming from the air conditioner, but still a red flag. A few explanations are as follows:

AC Duct Has a Leak

When your central air conditioner has a leaky duct, it can generate noises that seem like whistling. The problem can be solved by doing adequate duct sealing. The leaky duct is a double nuisance: it both generates unwanted noise and leads to wasted energy, which can drive up utility costs.

Obstruction in AC Air Flow

Whistling sounds are caused by excessive pressure on the blower motor, which occurs when airflow is restricted and not enough air can reach the fan blades. Due to the unclean filters, the blower motor has to work harder to draw air into the system. Whistling sounds will be produced by the air escaping through the holes. This can be avoided in the long run if you keep the air filters clean.

7. Air Conditioner Making a Humming Noise

Soft humming sounds coming from an AC motor are OK, but excessive volume is cause for concern. Assume your air conditioner is running and busy if:

Lubrication Level is Too Low

The first sign of a motor in need of lubrication is a humming noise. On the other hand, if you don’t repair the problem, it will become a very noisy grinding noise while it operates. If you have experience with this, you can oil the motor yourself, but I would recommend having a professional do it.

Contactor Failure

The contactor regulates power to the air conditioner. A contactor acts as a bridge between your air conditioner and the electrical system. When the air conditioner is turned off, electricity is cut off by opening a contactor. When you flip the switch, things go back to normal and power is restored.

If your air conditioner’s contactor fails, you’ll hear humming because the unit is receiving power but won’t switch on. In the event that the problem is disregarded, it could escalate into an extremely loud humming noise.

Bent Fin Coils

If the fin coils are bent, they may make a humming sound. The bent coil fins can be fixed by straightening them with a metal comb. The finest condition for your fin coils may be maintained with routine HVAC service.

8. Cracking Sound Coming From AC

The evaporator coils can freeze if the temperature is set too low, moisture is not draining properly, or the fins are filthy. The sound of ice breaking as it falls from these coils will reverberate throughout your body.

Take apart your air conditioner to get to the fins so you can inspect them for damage. Rinse the fins in dish soap and dry them completely. If you have never taken apart an air conditioner before, it is probably best to call a professional.

9. Buzzing Air Conditioner Noise

Does your AC unit make a deafening buzzing sound? This could be a symptom of a number of issues:

Compressor Malfunctioning

If the air conditioner’s compressor is making a strange noise, it probably has a problem. Buzzing noises can be heard if power is still being supplied to it after it has stopped working. It’s going to cost a hefty penny to replace the compressor.

Loose Parts

Vibrations, which may be mistaken for buzzing sounds, might be caused by loose elements in your HVAC system.

Capacitor Breakdown

If the capacitor is faulty, the fan won’t turn on and you’ll hear a buzzing noise from the friction. The energy is stored in the capacitor until it is needed, and then it is released to power the condenser outside. Once an air conditioning professional inspects your system, he or she can tell you whether or not it needs to be fixed.

Faulty Motor

Buzzing can also be caused by a malfunctioning motor. In addition, your air conditioner’s copper lines may buzz if there are any obstacles in their path or if the lines rub against each other. A good insulation system and little metal-on-metal contact along the lines is optimal.

Contactor Failure

The contactor in your air conditioner is what regulates power to the compressor. If it breaks or wears out, it can disrupt electricity transmission. The air conditioner will make a lot of noise when it attempts to turn on but can’t due of the broken contactor.

As we’ve established, this noise will likely begin as a hum, but it can escalate into a severe buzz if not addressed.

Loose Wires

The continuous buzzing of an AC current is usually the result of wires that have become loose and are no longer protected. There is a considerable risk of an electrical spark, therefore you should immediately turn off the air conditioner and have the wiring checked and repaired if necessary.

Freezing of AC’s parts

A frozen interior air conditioner might cause a buzzing noise. The interior unit may freeze for a variety of causes, including a low level of refrigerant, a low thermostat setting, or a combination of the two.

Seek the advice of an HVAC expert if you’re unsure which of these issues has arisen.

10. Grinding Noise Coming From AC Unit

An issue with the compressor or the motor could be the source of the grinding sound emanating from your air conditioner.

Compressor Breakdown

If you hear a grinding noise coming from the exterior unit, it’s likely the compressor has a problem. A jarring grinding noise is made by the pistons of a faulty compressor as they work.

When a compressor’s internal parts are worn out, it’s usually better to replace the whole unit than to try fixing it.

Motor Failure

Grinding sounds coming from the indoor unit could indicate a broken motor in your HVAC system. The noise can be avoided by oiling the motor before the summer and winter seasons.

11. Bubbling & Gurgling AC Noise

These two sounds, bubbling and gurgling, are often misunderstood and may indicate the same problem. Possibly contributing factors are as follows:

Improper Sealing of Refrigerant Lines

These noises typically indicate a problem with the refrigerant. A gurgling noise is produced when air is trapped in the refrigerant lines. The hissing sound isn’t the only one that can come from a refrigerant leak; sometimes you’ll hear bubbling as well.

The problem can be solved by properly sealing the lines.

Excess Moisture in Your AC

There may be bubbling noises coming from the air conditioner if there is too much moisture in the air. Moisture accumulation is caused by a clogged condensate drain pipe. This line drains the condensation that forms in your home during the cooling process. There is a gurgling and bubbling sound coming from the line because water is trapped inside.

When the condensate pump breaks, you can run into the same problem. Water is pumped from the drain pan to the exterior of the home via the condensate line. There may be bubbling if there is too much moisture in the pump.

If you want to check the AC drain line, you can take it apart and do so. However, you shouldn’t attempt to replace the drain line on your own. A professional should be contacted for an inspection and any necessary repairs.

9 Common Window AC Problems and How to Troubleshoot

12. Dripping Sound From Your AC

When an air conditioner makes a sound like it’s dripping, it’s cause for alarm. Don’t freak out just yet; it could be that the drip pan is filling up with water. Nothing unusual here at all! However, when the dripping sound is brought on by excessive condensation, it may be cause for alarm.

High Level of Condensation

In extreme cases of condensation, the drip pan may overflow. A solution to the annoying dripping sound is as simple as removing the drip pan.

AC Coils Freezing

Also, a dripping sound will be produced as the ice on the frozen coil melts. There are a number of issues that could cause the coils to freeze, such as unclean air filters and broken thermostats.

Why You Should Not Neglect AC Noises?

If your air conditioner is acting strange, making noises or emitting odors, it may be trying to alert you to a problem. Sounds originating from your HVAC system that aren’t normal should never be ignored because even a small problem if unchecked can quickly become a major one.

Toxic fumes from leaking refrigerants, audible as a bubbling sound, can be inhaled by humans and cause serious health problems. It’s also possible to save money by putting off dealing with the noise problem. You’ll do your unit a favor by fixing the squeaking as soon as possible.

If you take good care of your air conditioner by scheduling frequent professional inspections, you may be able to keep it from making weird noises. However, if you run into this kind of problem, it’s still in your best interest to track it down as soon as possible. In order to avoid more costly repairs down the road, it is important to address such issues as soon as they arise.

Some Sounds Your Air Conditioner Shouldn’t Make

You must be on the lookout for these sounds. If you do, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

1.      Running Water

What does your air conditioner sound like, the kitchen drain? Obviously, this is not a good sign. If you see this, it implies that the refrigerant in your home’s system isn’t circulating as it should. Your air conditioner is faulty, and if you don’t fix it soon, it will stop working altogether. Don’t worry about this because of our experience.

2.      Booming

Is your AC unit able to convincingly mimic a jet engine? What this signifies is that the compressor in your air conditioner is probably malfunctioning. The air conditioner’s compressor is its nerve center. If this section declines, it indicates serious problems that must be addressed.

3.      Clattering

Does your air conditioner make rhythmic tapping noises? If your air conditioner’s fan is clanking, it’s because it’s not spinning properly. We have the ability to put things right again.

4.      Whistling

A loose or cracked seal in your device might cause annoying sounds like whistling or a very loud humming. Do not allow this to continue for too long. You can’t turn a blind eye to this problem since it has the potential to grow into something much bigger.

5.      Squealing

If your air conditioner is making a screeching or shrill noise, it may be time to have the belt or fan checked out. The lifespan of these components is limited by their natural tendency to degrade. If you’re looking for expert assistance, you can find it here.

6.      Clicking

Do you hear a constant clicking sound coming from your home AC? To put it simply, this is a horrible thing. Clicking is a problem. As a rule, this indicates an issue with the electrical components of your air conditioner. As you can see, this isn’t something you should experiment with on your own.

7.      Hissing

Hissing from your air conditioner is a sure sign that something is wrong. It usually indicates a problem has occurred. A refrigerant leak, a leaking internal valve, or a malfunctioning compressor are all possible causes.

FAQs

How do I stop my air conditioner from buzzing?

When the air conditioner is left on for too long, it might freeze up and make a terrible buzzing noise. If this occurs, you will need to wait for the unit to defrost by switching it off. After being turned off for a few hours, it should start up without any problems.

What does it mean if your AC is buzzing?

If the compressor is making a buzzing noise, there could be an electrical issue. To have your air conditioner correctly diagnosed and repaired, it is recommended that you get in touch with a reliable HVAC contractor.

Why does my AC hum and buzz but doesn’t turn on?

Tell me, then, what the issue is. If your outdoor air conditioner is making a humming noise but the fan isn’t turning on, a faulty fan capacitor is likely to blame. Until you can get your capacitor replaced, don’t worry, though; there is a temporary solution.

Why does my AC sound like a jet engine?

Is your AC unit able to convincingly mimic a jet engine? A problem with the compressor is likely the cause of your air conditioner’s failure to cool properly. The air conditioner’s compressor is its nerve center.

How much does AC capacitor cost?

If you need a professional to replace the capacitor in your air conditioner, expect to pay between $80 and $120. More specifically, the lowest possible price is around $120, while the highest possible price is over $400. Normal service expenses are around $170.

Can Hear AC trying to turn on?

When this occurs, it is typically because the relay controlling your air conditioner is cycling on and off. A broken relay or a damaged wire in your thermostat is likely to blame if the clicking is particularly loud or persists for more than a few seconds. A technician should be contacted in order to diagnose and remedy the issue.

What should my AC sound like?

Air conditioners typically make a monotonous, low-pitched whistling sound as they continuously push cool air through your home’s ducts and vents. This sound ought to be inaudible over other environmental factors.

Why does my AC sound like a helicopter?

You may have a technical issue with the inside blower or the outdoor unit if your air conditioner makes a whirring or buzzing noise, similar to that of a helicopter. If your air conditioner is making a whirling noise, it could be due to worn bearings in the interior blower fan motor or a defective fan in either the indoor or outdoor condenser.