It can be very uncomfortable when the weather is too hot. An air conditioner is the best way to keep your home or office cool. You may be looking for a new air conditioner because your Ac is making a terrible noise. But hold on! Before you go to a new Ac, just read this article once. Ac noises can differ for various reasons, such as fan motor problems, compressor failure, overheating, etc.
If you are looking for a solution and want to know why your Ac unit is making noise and its reasons, including a solution, this article is for you.
Typical Sound That Indicates AC is Normal
When diagnosing issues with air conditioning systems, HVAC professionals must distinguish between normal and abnormal ac sounds.
Humming
The humming noise of an AC is often caused by a fan motor that is not running smoothly. The fan motor bearings can become worn, which can create a humming noise. Another common cause of a humming noise from an AC is a dirty filter. A dirty filter can cause the fan motor to work harder, creating a humming noise.
Whooshing
The whooshing noise your AC makes is most likely caused by a buildup of ice on the coils. This ice can form for several reasons, such as a dirty air filter or low refrigerant levels. If the ice continues to build up, it can cause the AC to stop working altogether. If you’re experiencing this problem, you should call a technician to have the coils cleared and the refrigerant levels checked.
Clicking
It mostly happens because of the overheating issue of your AC compressor. Usually, when the fan motor fails, clicking starts up to cool down the compressor. Also, the compressor capacitor can be damaged, or even the compressor itself could have been faulty.
If the clicking noise comes from the compressor, the air conditioner will likely need to be repaired.
The Abnormal Sound That AC is Calling For Help
There are multiple reasons why your AC is calling for help. Let’s talk about those in detail;
Buzzing
It can happen for a few reasons. Mainly, the compressor is starting to fail. When this happens, you’ll often hear a loud buzzing noise. Another potential issue is a faulty fan motor. If this is the case, you’ll listen to a humming noise. If you’re not sure what’s causing the noise, get help from experts.
Whistling
The sound of an air conditioner working is often described as a ‘whistle.’ This is because the motor inside the unit causes the air to flow over small fins on the fan blades. This creates a high-pitched sound that can be annoying to some people. While the noise can’t be eliminated, there are ways to reduce it. One is ensuring the air conditioner is appropriately sized for the room. Another is to install a noise-abatement kit.
Popping/Cracking
Your AC’s popping noise is likely due to a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks out, the compressor has to work harder to keep the system cool, which can cause a popping noise. You’ll likely need a technician to fix the leak to get your AC running smoothly again.
Squealing
The compressor is the component of the AC that pumps the refrigerant around, and if it’s starting to wear out, it can cause a squealing noise.
Also, the fan belt is loose or needs to be replaced. If the belt is loose, it can cause the compressor to squeal since it will be unable to spin correctly.
It’s also possible that something caught in the fan blades causes them to vibrate and produce noise. Replacing or cleaning fan blades can solve this issue.
Rattling
Check if your AC unit is mounted securely to the wall or ceiling. It is the prime reason for getting a weird rattling sound. Also, the inside fan can cause a similar symptom. Make sure the fan is working properly.
In the worst case, you must take apart the AC unit and check all the issues.
Pulsating
The ac makes a pulsating noise because the compressor is cycling on and off. The compressor is a pump that compresses and circulates the refrigerant in the system. When the compressor turns on, it draws in the refrigerant and compresses it. This high-pressure gas is then forced into the condenser, a coil of tubing cooled by the outdoor air.
The condensed refrigerant then flows into the evaporator, another coil of tubing cooled by the indoor air. The evaporator cools the refrigerant until it reaches the desired temperature.
Hissing
The sound of an Ac unit turning on and off is often mistaken for a hissing noise. In reality, the sound is actually caused by the refrigerant inside the unit. When the compressor turns on, the refrigerant is forced through the coils, creating a hissing noise.
How to Fix AC Noises Without Experts
Homeowners can do a few things to try to fix AC noises without experts. One is to check the filters and make sure they are clean. If they are not, then the homeowner can try cleaning them. Also, you can check the ducts for leaks. If there are any leaks, then they can be fixed.
Finally, the homeowner can check the compressor to ensure it is running correctly. If it is not, then it can be set. The popping noise from your AC unit is most likely caused by the expansion and contraction of the metal components as they heat and cool.
This noise is usually nothing to worry about, but if it’s bothering you or you’re concerned about it affecting your unit’s performance, try these:
Make sure your unit is correctly sized for your home. A unit that’s too large or too small will cause more strain on the components and could lead to more popping noises.
Make sure your unit is properly maintained and in good condition. A dirty or clogged unit will have to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, which could lead to more popping noises.
If the noise comes from the compressor, try adding a sound blanket to the unit. This will help muffle the noise and make it less noticeable.
When Should You Call An Expert for AC Noise?
An expert for AC noise should be called when the noise is consistent and does not go away after a few minutes of the unit being turned off. If the noise is coming from the unit outside, the expert should be called immediately.
Related FAQs
After using it for more than ten years old, or if it continues showing issues, it is high time to replace your AC unit. In addition, if your energy bills have been steadily increasing, your air conditioner is likely no longer working as efficiently as it should be.
The fan blades often create noise as they move through the air. The blades can be balanced, but this is a complex and time-consuming process. You can also try to add some insulation around the fan blades.
A loud humming noise coming from your air conditioner can be a sign of a few different issues. First, it could indicate that the fan motor is malfunctioning or is not receiving enough power. If this is the case, you should contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect and repair the unit.
Another possible cause of the loud humming noise is an issue with the compressor. The compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the system, and if it isn’t working properly, it can create a loud hum. If this is the case, you may need to replace or repair the compressor in order to fix the issue.
Finally, if your AC unit has been running for several years without regular maintenance, dirt, and debris can build up on its components and cause problems like loud humming noises. In this case, you should schedule regular maintenance visits with an experienced HVAC technician to ensure that your unit stays in good condition.
Conclusion
If you’re like me, the sound of an air conditioner running is one of the most soothing things imaginable. It’s like a lullaby, sending you off to sleep with a cool, refreshing breeze.
But what if your ac unit starts making noise? That’s when it’s anything but soothing. It can be downright annoying. Hopefully, this article will help you to get rid of this and give you complete relief from these annoying noises.
