Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Noises?
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Noises?
Newer air conditioners are designed to be quieter than ever, thanks to their sound-dampening technology and variable speed compressors. However, an air conditioner can still make odd noises when something is wrong with the unit.
Ignoring the noise can lead to further damage, resulting in costly repairs or the need to replace the entire unit. If you hear air conditioner noises and want them to stop, you need to find the source and fix it.
A professional YES! HVAC technician can perform an inspection to determine if there are any issues with your air conditioner. If they find a problem, they can fix it and let you enjoy your AC in silence.
8 Weird Air Conditioner Noises and Why They Happen
If your air conditioner is making the noises below, something could be wrong. Schedule an appointment with our Utah or Nevada teams so our technicians can inspect your unit.
1. Banging
Banging sounds are usually a pretty serious problem because something could be loose within your AC unit—like a screw or fan. Ignoring this sound and running the AC could cause larger damage as the broken part hits other components of the AC, leading to serious repairs or replacement.
Banging could also be due to refrigerant issues. When there’s a block or a leak, the unit may make banging noises as it tries to work. The banging could be louder if there is ice buildup.
If you hear banging noises, turn off your AC and call YES!
2. Gurgling
If your AC is gurgling, there’s something wrong with your condensate drainage system. The system can easily clog with debris, like dirt, leaves, and twigs, and when it’s blocked, your system works harder.
Gurgling could also signal refrigerant leaks. An air conditioner should not leak refrigerant, as it is designed to be a closed system. If the levels get low, the air conditioner will no longer be able to cool the air.
Either way, there is liquid where there shouldn’t be. While you can clean out the drainage system yourself, you should never do anything DIY with refrigerant since it’s a toxic chemical. Call YES! to protect yourself and your loved ones.
3. Crackling
Crackling sounds coming from your AC usually mean ice is being formed for one reason or another. Freezing can happen because the refrigerant is leaking or water is in the unit. As the ice melts or breaks up, you may start to hear crackling.
Ice could damage internal components within the unit, either through breaking or freezing parts when they try to work.
When you hear this sound, turn off your AC immediately and keep it off until the ice thaws. Once thawed, check your AC to see if there are any leaks. If there are no obvious leaks, check your drainage system.
We’ve said this before, and we’ll say it again: If refrigerant is involved, schedule an appointment with YES! for your own safety.
4. Hissing
Multiple issues can cause an AC to hiss, including leaks in the evaporator coils, an air duct leak, compressor problems, or a poorly fitting air filter. Due to the number of potential causes, it’s best to call a professional to diagnose the issue. Due to their experience, our technicians will be able to find (and fix) the problem much faster than you trying to do it yourself.
5. Buzzing or Humming
A malfunctioning compressor can make a buzzing or humming sound. The role of the compressor in an air conditioner is to pressurize the refrigerant gas. When contaminants get into the compressor, they cause it to malfunction and make noises. The heat and moisture of the air conditioner provide ideal conditions for some of these contaminants to thrive.
The types of contaminants can include:
Insects
Dust
Dirt
Debris
Bacteria
Fungi
Leaves
Another cause of compressor failure is electrical problems, such as a buildup of acids that can damage wires or cause system burnout. And as always, leaking refrigerant can also be a cause for buzzing/humming.
Regular maintenance can prevent these problems from happening. Learn how else you can avoid AC problems.
6. Squealing or Whistling
If your AC squeals or whistles, it could indicate a malfunctioning compressor. Continuing to run your AC with these sounds could cause damage to internal components as they overwork to compensate. Call YES! to get this problem fixed quickly (we offer emergency services if this happens during the summer, when you need an AC the most).
Squealing/whistling could also come from your unit’s belt. It could have slipped or been worn down and not be working as well as it should. You can check your unit and see if a replacement is needed, or maybe a simple cleaning and lubrication.
7. Rattling
A rattling noise from the air conditioner is often the result of loose parts. Screws can become loose over time, or they might not have been properly screwed when the panel was last opened. In some cases, the air conditioner might have detached panels that are vibrating and producing a rattling.
You are more likely to hear the rattling from loose panels in an inside unit, but an outdoor unit can also have loose panels, making a rattling noise that can be heard from the inside. A simple tightening can make the sound disappear.
8. Whirring
If you hear a whirring sound coming from your AC, there is most likely a problem with the unit’s fan. It could be worn out or have something stuck in it.
If it’s just a matter of cleaning, you can do this yourself as long as you are careful. However, a worn-out part will require a replacement, and that’s when you call the experts. Trying to repair or replace a fan could potentially cause more damage and void your warranty.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Noise When It’s Turned Off?
The most common reason your air conditioner makes noise while off is an electrical issue—especially if it’s buzzing. The AC’s relay switch, which controls the flow of electricity to the compressor, could be malfunctioning, creating odd noises. There could also be issues with the wiring, such as exposed or broken wires.
Electrical work should not be done without proper experience. It’s dangerous. You could injure yourself or even cause an electrical fire. Instead, let YES! handle this issue.
Other reasons for noisy turned-off ACs can include:
Dirty air filters: When air filters get clogged, they become heavier. When the AC turns off, the filters may bang against the grill due to their weight. Checking and replacing your air filter should solve the problem. This can also happen if your air filters aren’t the right size, so you may need to replace them even if they are clean.
Ductwork dampers: Sometimes you think it’s the AC making the noise, but it might actually be your ductwork. Some duct systems have dampers that act as doors to keep the noise down. If you hear a banging after the AC is off, it could be the dampers closing. A simple adjustment by a technician should help reduce or eliminate the noise.
Loose components: Loose components within your AC could make noise after you turn off the AC. This is because the heat and pressure change once the AC is off. Loose parts may move or slam into other parts. Tightening those parts should solve the problem.
Pests: If you hear scratching, clawing, or general scuttling when your AC is off, you may have pests. It’s not uncommon for rats, insects, and mice to make an AC their home. A YES! technician should inspect and handle the issue as soon as possible.
Allow Our Certified Technicians At YES! To Fix Your Air Conditioner
Unusual noises coming from your air conditioner mean that something is wrong and it needs attention. Our certified technicians at YES! can perform a diagnostic service on your air conditioner to determine the source of the unusual sound. Our team carries specialized diagnostic tools and has all the skills needed to fix the issue with your air conditioner.
At YES!, we also offer services for ductless mini-splits and professional heating services, including installation, repair, and replacement. We serve Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and surrounding locations.