Noisy Air Conditioners Are Not Normal

There are many telltale signs that you need to schedule AC repair. Uneven cooling, short cycling, and strange odors all indicate an issue with your system, along with unusual sounds during operation. If your AC unit is making a loud noise, don’t wait to schedule a repair appointment. 

Modern HVAC equipment is designed to operate with little to no noise. Hearing noticeable bangs, rattling, or other sounds is cause for concern. Reach out to a trusted technician who can inspect the system and correct the issue. 

Seven Common Causes of Various Air Conditioner Noises

“Why is my AC unit making loud noises?” Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this common question. Several mechanical issues could be responsible for your equipment’s racket. 

Finding the cause requires a thorough inspection and some careful troubleshooting. Once you determine the underlying problem, experts can recommend a long-lasting solution for your peace of mind. This may involve fixing a refrigerant leak, tightening loose bolts and screws, or adjusting a clogged drain pipe. 

Below is a breakdown of the most common reasons behind a noisy air conditioner. Learn what you should look out for and how professionals prevent noisy HVAC operation. 

1. Loose Parts

You should never hear a rattling noise when your cooling system is running. If this startling sound fills your home, it’s likely due to loose parts moving around the system. A professional repair technician can confirm this and tighten any wiggly bolts or screws. 

Doing this should lead to quieter operation and eliminate AC unit vibrations. 

2. Faulty Electrical Equipment

You shouldn’t ignore any unusual AC noises if you want your system to work at its best. A loud, buzzing sound is one of the most pressing reasons to contact an HVAC contractor for repairs. If your air conditioner sounds like a trapped insect every time it runs, your electrical system may be to blame. 

The air conditioner relies on your electrical system to deliver cool, refreshing air throughout your home. It will struggle to do its job when you have faulty wiring, a worn-out circuit board, or other damaged electrical equipment. 

As irritating as the resulting buzzing sound can be, don’t attempt to fix electrical issues on your own. Let a qualified professional take a look and diagnose the underlying problem. Tinkering with electrical equipment without the proper training can be dangerous and potentially cause more harm to your unit. 

3. A Malfunctioning Fan Motor

Under normal operation, air conditioning systems should only make a faint humming sound. So why does yours produce an irritating screeching sound or a grinding noise of metal on metal?

An AC unit making loud noises warrants an inspection of the fan motor and belt. The bearings inside the outdoor unit could be worn out or need proper lubrication. This mechanical issue typically occurs due to a lack of maintenance. 

Make sure you schedule yearly HVAC tune-ups to keep your equipment in top-notch shape. Experts will lubricate moving parts and test various functions to rule out major issues with the fan motor. 

4. A Failing Compressor

The compressor is known as the heart of every central air conditioning system. It plays a key role in pumping refrigerant through the system and enabling the heat transfer process. Unfortunately, compressors can wear out over time, especially if you run your unit a lot. 

Yours may be nearing the end of its lifespan if you hear a distinct buzzing coming from your outdoor unit. In addition to the AC unit making loud noises, a failing compressor could cause the following issues:

• Restricted airflow
• Lack of cool air
• Short cycling
• Higher energy bills

Schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Depending on your unit’s age and overall performance, you may opt to replace the entire system instead of just the compressor. 

5. Refrigerant Leaks

Your cooling system can’t displace heat from your home without refrigerant. When it begins to leak through the coils, you may find that the unit doesn’t work as efficiently. Refrigerant leaks also tend to produce buzzing noises, signifying that the system is struggling to operate. 

You can usually confirm a leak by checking for puddles around your unit or noticing spikes in your energy bills. Contact a professional HVAC contractor to assess the issue and perform lasting repairs. 

6. Damaged Air Ducts

Some homeowners report hearing hissing sounds when they run their air conditioners. Is your AC unit making this loud noise? It could be time to check your ductwork for cracks and damage. 

As climate-controlled air leaks out of the ducts, it produces an unusual hissing sound. Don’t delay fixing your damaged ductwork. Proper repairs will not only hush the disruptive noises but also keep your energy costs low. 

7. A Clogged or Damaged HVAC Drain Line

It doesn’t seem possible for an air conditioner to make bubbling or gurgling noises. However, if the equipment has an ineffective drain line, these sounds are likely. 

The pipe, which drains condensation from the heat transfer, may clog with debris. When it can’t expel the moisture, faint bubbling could occur. 

Licensed technicians can check for clogged lines and recommend solutions if the pipe has cracks or other visible damage. Neglecting this key component of your cooling system can have dire consequences. Promptly repair the drain line to help extend the life of your unit. 

Let Chill Factor Cooling & Heating Restore Your Noisy System

Is your AC unit making loud noises? Keep your house comfortable and quiet with the help of Chill Factor Cooling & Heating. You’ll never have to worry about poor AC repair work with our team on your side. 

Contact us whenever you hear strange noises coming from your unit or experience issues with its performance. We’re available 24/7 for emergency services and promise to keep your equipment in excellent condition. Call (951) 268-6520 today to request an estimate for air conditioning repair services.