It starts as an occasional hum or buzz when the unit kicks on. But over time, the buzzing noise becomes more frequent and grating. Soon, that loud air conditioner will be rattling your walls and interrupting your sleep every time it cycles. Is a noisy air conditioner driving you crazy? You’re not alone. If you hear loud noises from your air conditioner, you may wonder if these sounds are normal.
Loud noises from air conditioning units are one of the top complaints from homeowners during the cooling season. The bothersome sounds only get worse when addressed. Fortunately, you can troubleshoot and remedy many air conditioner noises yourself without waiting for an HVAC technician.
In this article, we’ll cover the most common air conditioner noises and provide actionable tips to help you diagnose and fix the problem. We’ll discuss when calling in a professional versus DIY is advisable.
You’ll also learn preventative maintenance that can prevent high-pitched squealing noise issues before they start. Arm yourself with the right knowledge and take back control from that aggravating air conditioner grind, buzz, and rattle!
Common Causes of Noisy Air Conditioners
Knowing what sound the air conditioner is making can help you determine what’s wrong and what the solution is. Several common air conditioning issues can make an air conditioning unit noisy, ranging from worn-out components to improper installation. By understanding the typical causes, you can better pinpoint the reason for the banging noise and fix the problem.
Worn Out Compressor
The compressor is one of the most likely culprits for noisy operation. The pump that circulates refrigerant through the AC system contains moving parts and seals that wear out over time. The compressor may rattle, grind, screech, or hum loudly during operation as the compressor ages. The sounds indicate failing bearings, pistons, or blades inside the compressor that need repair or replacement.
Refrigerant Issues Like Leaks or Low-Pressure
Problems with the refrigerant flow in an AC system can also lead to rattling noises. The AC’s refrigerant leaks cause lower pressure inside the system, making the compressor work harder to keep up. This overexertion produces strains and vibrations. The compressor or lines may buzz, grind, click, or pulsate as the refrigerant gets compressed. Recharging the refrigerant system and sealing any refrigerant leak can often resolve these sounds.
Fan Motor Problems
The fan motor has moving internal components that can wear out or become imbalanced over time. A faulty fan motor may make loud humming, grinding, or buzzing noises as it tries to run. Common motor faults include stuck bearings, bent fan blades, or worn brushes. Replacing defective fan motors will typically fix the hissing noise.
Loose Parts Rattling
Air conditioners contain many panels, covers and parts that can become loose over time. As components like fittings, housing panels and fan blades get loose, they start to rattle or clank loudly when the unit runs. Tracking down and securing any loose fittings or covers with screws or insulation can help resolve annoying rattling echoes.
Unbalanced Distribution of Airflow
Disrupted airflow through the ductwork can generate whistling, howling, and rumbling sounds. If the distribution of conditioned air is uneven due to blockages, bends, or leaks in ducts, high-velocity air rushes out in certain spots and creates a rattling noise. Smoothing out restrictions and leaks in the ducts can help restore proper airflow and reduce turbulence.
Dirty Air Filters or Blocked Ducts
When air filters get clogged with dust, pollen, and debris or ducts become blocked, air cannot flow freely through the AC system. The obstruction forces the fans and blower to work harder, causing strain, vibration, and humming. Cleaning or replacing air filters and clearing any significant blockages in ducts can remove the air restriction-generating bubbling noise.
Electrical Issues
When malfunctioning, various electrical components within the AC can produce buzzing or grinding noises. Problems like loose wiring, overloaded relays, or failing capacitors can all cause vibrations. Faulty circuit boards may also click loudly. It is advisable to consult an HVAC technician to assess electrical parts and connections.
Improper Installation
Incorrect installation is a common source of avoidable noise issues. If airflow clearances are insufficient, ducts are angled too sharply, or the outdoor condenser unit needs to be properly levelled or secured, it can create ongoing rattling, banging, and turbulence sounds. Correcting improper installation requires realigning or relocating the unit or ducts.
How to Fix a Noisy Air Con
To fix a noisy air conditioner, start by determining the exact type of buzzing sound and when it occurs, which can help pinpoint the cause. Turn off the unit and manually spin the fan blades to check for obstructions. Inspect the air filter and ensure it is clean and unclogged. Verify the outdoor unit is clear of debris and properly levelled.
You should also look for loose panels or fittings that may be rattling and secure them if needed. Check refrigerant levels and recharge if low to reduce compressor strain. Tighten down any loose electrical connections or wires.
If either the fan motor or bearing is worn out and making grinding noises, consider replacing it. Have an HVAC technician thoroughly check the refrigerant system to see if leaks or blockages are suspected.
Correct any issues with airflow or restricted ducts. Replace the compressor only if absolutely necessary. Proper regular maintenance can also help prevent recurring humming noise problems. With diligent troubleshooting and repairs, you can successfully silence the most noisy air conditioners.
When to Call a Professional
While many noisy air conditioner issues can be addressed with standard DIY troubleshooting and maintenance, there are times when it’s advisable to call in a professional HVAC technician. If you have inspected the unit thoroughly but cannot determine the origin of the noise, a skilled technician has the expertise to diagnose the issue.
They have specialised tools to check refrigerant charge, electrical components, duct leaks and airflow issues. Professionals should handle major repairs, like compressor replacement, duct realignment or new refrigerant piping.
They are also qualified to handle refrigerant recharging and electrical repairs safely. An annual preventative AC tune-up by a technician can also catch minor problems before they worsen. It’s wise to call a pro if a loud noise persists despite your troubleshooting efforts. They can resolve the stubborn issue and get your AC running quietly again.
Preventing Noise Issues
Many noisy air conditioner problems can be prevented with regular maintenance and care. Replacing air filters as recommended, usually every 1-3 months, keeps airflow unobstructed.
Annual professional cleaning and tune-ups catch minor repair needs before they worsen. Keeping the outdoor AC unit clear of leaves, grass clippings, and debris prevents obstruction. Periodically check that all electrical connections are tight and intact.
Confirm that the panels and covers are securely attached. Verify that the outdoor unit remains properly levelled, as settling and misalignment can create strain.
Listen for odd air conditioning noises and address them promptly. Replace old, worn parts like motors before failure occurs. Consider upgrades if your AC system is more than ten years old. Investing in preventative maintenance helps ensure your air conditioner quietly and efficiently cools for many years.
Stop Loud and Annoying AC Sounds Now
Noisy air conditioner disrupting your home? Don’t resign yourself to living with the annoying sounds of summer. In most cases, AC noises can be fixed with simple troubleshooting and maintenance.
Just take action at the first sign of humming or rattling—don’t wait for unbearable screeching. Identify the sound, consider the likely causes, and methodically inspect components like the air filters, motors, refrigerant levels, ducts and fittings.
For any complex electrical issues diagnosed, the experts at Enersol Electrical are here to help. Our licensed technicians can safely handle electrical repairs, replacements, and upgrades to get your AC running cool and quiet again. We also offer preventative tune-ups and maintenance plans to catch small issues proactively.
Invest in your air conditioning system this season by troubleshooting noise problems promptly. Your home will be cooler and more comfortable without the aggravating buzz of a struggling AC. Contact Enersol Electrical today to stop loud air conditioner sounds for good.