Why Is My AC Making Noise?

During the hot and humid summers of the St. Louis, Missouri, area, your air conditioner unit is a saving grace. This unrelenting heat can force your AC to be overworked. Did you know that 17% of your house’s energy bills go towards your AC? However, once winter comes around, your unit is put on rest for months on end. This alternating of extreme use to no use at all can cause problems over time. One of the first signs that something is wrong is your AC making strange noises. That’s when you’ll need to call an air conditioning expert.

Normal Air Conditioning Sounds

Your air conditioner contributes to the regular noises you hear in your home during warm weather. When it’s operating correctly, here are some of the normal sounds of your AC that you don’t need to worry about hearing.

Plane Launching Noise

If your air conditioner sounds like a jet engine at start-up, you have nothing to worry about. Air conditioning sounds during system startup include rattling, some clicking, and a woosh from the initial air burst from the system. These air conditioning sounds are normal, and you should hear the same types of sounds every time your unit kicks on.

Whooshing Noise

It’s also not a problem if your air conditioner makes whooshing noises. Your air conditioner will always make soft whooshing noises. There’s a sound there from the air going through. As you move beneath the vents, this will become louder. This shouldn’t sound worrisome; it should sound regular.

Soft Clicking Sounds

You’ll hear some clicks when the AC system starts up as well as when the temperature in your home reaches the correct level. These serve as a warning that the system is shutting down until further notice. This might occur several times during the day, depending on the thermostat’s setting. However, other types of clicking are concerning. We’ll touch on that later on.

AC Noises You Should Pay Attention To

If you hear loud noises from your air conditioner, you may reach a point where you question how many of these sounds are typical. When air conditioning noises change from the regular humming you hear from your interior air handler or outdoor unit, they may be a sign of air conditioning problems that require repair services.

AC Making Rattling Noise

If you notice your air conditioner making a rattling noise, this indicates wear or looseness in the unit, potentially due to loose parts or twigs hitting the fan. Regardless, inspect the unit, remove debris, and check for open gaps. If debris is present, remove it and check if the rattling stops.

AC Making Clicking Noise

It’s typical to hear your thermostat make a quick clicking sound when the air conditioner initially turns on and then turns off. However, if you notice your AC making a clicking noise during a cooling cycle, it indicates there is a problem. The clicking sound you hear might be the result of an electrical issue with a relay switch or capacitors in the compressor, or it could be the signal of a failing thermostat that needs to be replaced.

AC Making Buzzing Sound

Buzzing noises from air conditioning equipment outside your home can be caused by a faulty condenser fan, a faulty compressor, or issues with the rubber isolation feet. Outdoor fan motor issues, electrical issues, or debris can also cause buzzing. You may hear buzzing from frozen evaporator coils in an indoor air conditioner. This sound can be caused by refrigerant leaks, faulty expansion valves, or poor air circulation due to a dirty air filter.

AC Making Banging Sound

Loose components are frequently the cause of a banging noise coming from the indoor or outdoor condenser unit. It’s possible that the fan blades on the indoor blower fan are loose and rattling as the motor runs the fan. A compressor that bangs indicates that there are loose components both within the system, such as a piston pin or connecting rod, and outside the compressor.

AC Making Squealing Noise

Squealing at a high pitch indicates high internal pressure in your air conditioner, potentially damaging it. It’s a warning signal and should be addressed by replacing the compressor. Squealing noise may also indicate belt issues, requiring replacement and cleaning of the surrounding area. Both issues require immediate attention.

Why Is My AC Making Weird Noises?

There are several reasons why your air conditioning unit may be making unwanted and unusual noises. As these noises can indicate problems with your system, it’s important to have your AC regularly maintained and serviced to avoid these issues. Here are 5 reasons your air conditioner could be making noise:

1. Loose Parts Can Cause AC Noises

Loose components like nuts, bolts, and screws can cause loud AC noises. Fan blades may also be loose or unbalanced. Unattached panels can also cause loose panels. Loose panels can allow impurities to enter the system, accelerating dust and dirt accumulation. Dirt accumulation is a major reason air conditioners become inefficient.

2. Dislodged Parts

Loud noises from an air conditioner, like pounding, are indicative of displaced parts. For example, the fan on your air conditioner may scatter around a loose screw or nut. The sound is produced when the removed component strikes the AC fan’s blades. We recommend that you contact an expert as soon as you hear loud, pounding sounds to prevent further damage.

3. Foreign Objects Inside the AC

Rattling sounds coming from an air conditioner might indicate foreign objects within the machine. These may also cause damage to the fan blades, which might result in the AC making screaming noises.

4. Excessive Friction

Your air conditioner’s working components are all kept from overheating by lubrication. The air conditioner will make noises like screaming, squeaking, or even crying if these parts “run dry.” These parts are more likely to break down the longer they are subjected to intense friction.

5. Refrigerant Leak

Leakage of refrigerant can cause buzzing from the AC, causing breathing issues. Contact an HVAC technician immediately if this is the case. R-22 refrigerant is being phased out, and recharges may be expensive. If the AC is still using R-22, consider replacing it instead.

Call Classic Aire Care to Fix Your Noisy AC

Scheduling regular maintenance from the professionals at Classic Aire Care will help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Classic Aire Care provides the residents of the St.Louis area with top-notch air conditioning services such as AC repair, including HVAC emergency repair, and AC maintenance. If you have a loud, noisy air conditioner unit, contact us today.