We get used to certain sounds in our home and may even ignore them, but a noisy air conditioner should never be one of them. If your AC is clanking, rattling, banging, or hissing, it’s time to take a closer look.
Types of AC Noises & Their Causes
The type of noise your AC makes can tell you a lot. Here’s a rundown of common AC noises and some of their possible causes:
- Clicking:Â You could have a thermostat malfunction, fan blockage, electrical component problem, or compressor issues.
- Hissing:Â AC hissing noises are typically a sign of lost pressure due to refrigerant leaks or compressor valve issues.
- Buzzing:Â Possible culprits include loose parts, electrical problems, or outdoor unit debris.
- Banging:Â Loose or broken internal parts can cause your AC to make loud banging noises. It could also indicate compressor issues.
Troubleshooting AC Noises
Inspecting your AC is the first step toward identifying the problem, keeping in mind that your safety always comes first. Here’s what to look for when trying to pinpoint the source of the noise:
- Banging noises: Inspect your outdoor unit, where your compressor is. Check for loose panels and inspect fan blades. Banging is often caused by a compressor issue (i.e., a connecting rod or piston pin is loose and rattling around), which requires professional help.
- Clicking noises:Â Check for a fan blockage or a loose fan. Your thermostat could also be the culprit. Other possible causes include a compressor or control board malfunction or electrical issues. Call us for a thermostat inspection and replacement, electrical component check, and other expert help.
- Hissing noises:Â The likely cause is a refrigerant leak, which causes the compressor to hiss as it loses pressure. Other signs of a leak include frozen coils or bubbles on coils, warm air/insufficient cooling, and long cooling cycles.
- Buzzing noises: First, check for any loose parts you can tighten and clear away any debris from your outdoor unit. Buzzing could also indicate an electrical issue, which requires our professional attention.
When To Call a Professional for AC Repair
If your air conditioner is still making noise after you’ve tightened loose panels, etc., it’s time to call us. Your noisy AC could indicate a complex issue resulting in further home damage and even safety issues if left unattended. Call us ASAP for professional AC repairs if:
- Electrical problems are suspected. Turn off your AC and call us.
- The noise can’t be identified without disassembling the unit.
- You’re completely stumped after troubleshooting on your own. Remember, your safety always comes first! Complex repairs should only be done by a licensed, highly trained AIS professional.
- Your AC is leaking. Leaks only get worse and can cause extensive damage to your home when not promptly addressed.
Preventative Maintenance
When your AC is running fine, you don’t think about it, but this is the best time to schedule annual professional checkups with us. Routine AC maintenance saves you time, money, and stress by keeping your AC operating efficiently while extending its service life.
Between checkups, you can also help your AC stay in tiptop shape by:
- Keeping your outdoor unit clean and free from debris
- Cleaning/replacing filters regularly
- Cleaning vents
- Closing windows to keep warm air out (which conserves energy and helps your AC not have to work as hard)
Choose AIS Heating & Air Conditioning for Noisy AC Solutions
If your AC is noisy, remember there’s no need to panic when you have a little knowledge and the full support of our expert AC technicians. Even when you’ve done your best with proactive AC maintenance, problems can develop that need professional attention, and AIS is here for you.
Get reliable, Diamond-certified air conditioning help today by contacting the AIS team.
