As with most machines, an AC unit is bound to make some noise. While a small amount noise is fairly normal, any drastic changes or extremely unusual grinding, squeaking, rattling or banging sounds are worth investigating a little further. A bad noise; however, does not necessarily indicate a pricey fix. We would like to take a look at the most common issues that occur so that you can determine why your AC is making loud noises and repair it quickly!
Four Common AC Noises
A “Buzz” Noise
Buzzing noises are the most ambiguous, as they can be an indicator of a variety of issues. Some of the things that may be creating a buzzing sound include:
- Loose parts
- Impending fan breakdown
- Dirty coils
- Dirty air filter
In any case, it is best to have an expert’s opinion. We recommend changing your air filter if you are hearing unusual sounds and haven’t changed your filter in a few months.
A “Click” Noise
A clicking sound typically means the fan and/or blower blades are not properly lined up and are hitting other parts of your AC unit. This should be addressed immediately to prevent the constant contact of the blades from creating more issues.
A “Rattling” Noise
A rattling noise often indicates that some of the interior parts of your unit are coming loose. It may even be something as simple as a loose bolt that needs some tightening. It may also be a stick or rock that got lodged in the unit after a large storm that produced high winds. If you are unable to spot any loose parts or debris, call an HVAC expert.
Screaching
Screaching is, perhaps, the worst noise and should prompt two things: an immediate call to an AC company and a full power-down of the unit. There might be an imbalance of pressure in the compressor or a leak of the cooling chemicals, which can be harmful if left untreated.
Is Your AC Making These Noises?
It is important to address any strange noise as soon as possible. Ignoring it with the hopes of it self-correcting may lead to a much more costly repair or the need for an entirely new unit. If you want to check for loose bolts or debris in your unit and coils, make sure your unit is completely powered off– this includes your circuit breaker and thermostat.
If you are unfamiliar with air conditioner parts and are unable to decide what part is causing the noise or if your problem/noise are not described above, don’t hesitate to contact our team! We want to ensure the repair is handled quickly and professionally so that the noise is a minimal inconvenience!
