What to Do When Your AC is Noisy

A noisy air conditioner should never be ignored. Oftentimes, when the sound it creates is excessively loud, it means something unusual is going on within the system and immediate attention is needed. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the most common AC sounds, what they mean, and how to deal with them.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted HVAC company in Mahtomedi MN. Should you need help getting rid of extremely loud sounds coming from your AC, give us a call and we will fix the issue in no time.

Screeching Sounds

A malfunctioning motor in the outdoor unit is the most common cause of this sound. Your AC is equipped with a fan that removes the heat from the refrigerant. When the unit creates a screeching sound, it’s either there’s an issue with the fan motor or there is a broken motor in the compressor of the condenser system. Also, when your AC has damaged bearings in the motor, a loud screeching sound can be heard. Moreover, a broken fan belt can also produce this kind of noise.

Since a screeching sound indicates a broken part, we recommend immediately turning off the unit and calling a qualified technician for repair.

Buzzing Sounds

There are several possible reasons for your AC to produce a buzzing sound, including a faulty compressor. This part is responsible for pressurizing and cooling the refrigerant in the system. When it produces a buzzing sound, it could mean there’s a problem with the compressor itself. It is also likely that the electrical voltage flowing through the outdoor unit is not properly set.

You may also hear a buzzing sound when your AC coils are frozen, especially if it has been running for long periods. In such a case, simply turn the unit off and let it defrost. After a few hours of being off, it should be running again without issues. However, if the sound persists, it indicates an obstruction near the copper lines in your AC. A refrigerant leak is perhaps the most serious issue that can cause this noise.

An electrical issue can also cause this problem, such as a faulty relay switch. This is a low-voltage switch in the outdoor unit that is controlled by your thermostat. When it goes out, it creates a buzzing noise. There can also be other electrical problems, such as loose electrical connections or aging wires.

Outside of frozen coils, a buzzing sound is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention, so be proactive and call a professional right away.

Clanking Sound

When your AC produces a clanking sound, it can mean there’s a loose or imbalanced part within the system. Some parts, such as the compressor itself or a fan motor, have gone loose. An impaired fan can also cause this sound as it hits areas it’s not supposed to hit.

To deal with this problem, check the fan for any damage or debris. To do this, loosen the screws and bolts. Inspect the inside and look for dirt, stones, and other particles. Remove them and put the screws and bolts back. However, if the problem does not go away, call an AC technician to perform a repair.

Clicking Sounds

It’s normal to hear your air conditioner produce some clicking sounds, especially at the beginning or end of a cooling cycle. However, if the sound is persistent, it means something is wrong. Your thermostat may be beginning to fail. If you’re comfortable removing and installing a thermostat, then you can do it on your own. However, if you’re unsure, calling a licensed technician is the way to go.

Hearing Loud Sounds from Your AC? Call Four Seasons Air Specialists

Ignoring extremely loud sounds from an HVAC system is never a good thing. So, when you hear such noises, be sure to deal with them as soon as possible. If DIY-ing does not work, it’s best to call a qualified professional to fix the problem. Our technicians are duly trained and experienced to determine what causes your AC to make loud sounds and put things back in order. We are your reliable Grant AC repair company.