Unveiling the Mystery: What is that Air Conditioner Noise?
At times your home can make some pretty weird noises. Floorboard creaking, house settling, and some noises are expected, and there is nothing to worry about. What if you start to hear strange noises and you find out? Is it coming from your AC? Under regular operation, your AC system should not be making noise that you may deem “weird” or “not normal. We will go over some everyday noises. What may cause the noise, and in some cases, what can you do to fix it?
Banging Noises: Startling Clatters in the Night
Have you ever been startled awake by a sudden and loud banging noise from your air conditioner? It’s not a ghostly presence but rather an issue that requires your attention. Banging noises can stem from various sources within your HVAC system:
- Loose or Damaged Parts: Over time, the components within your air conditioner can become loose or worn out, leading to jarring sounds when the system operates and even more issues.
- Compressor Issues: The heart of your air conditioner, the compressor, might be causing the noise due to faulty mounting or worn-out internal parts.
- Refrigerant Troubles: If the refrigerant levels are imbalanced, your air conditioner could make banging noises as it struggles to function properly.
Screeching Sounds: Unsettling High-Pitched Wails
A screeching air conditioner can feel like nails on a chalkboard, piercing through the tranquility of your living space. But fear not, as this noise is not as ominous as it seems. Common causes of this grating sound include:
- Belt Problems: If the blower motor belt connecting the fan and motor becomes worn or misaligned, it can produce a high-pitched screech.
- Lubrication Issues: Components in need of lubrication can generate friction, resulting in screeching sounds during operation.
- Motor Troubles: Your blower motor might be the culprit, with its bearings or other internal parts needing attention.
Loud Buzzing
Most times, the loud buzzing noise comes from an obstruction in the fan motor. If the buzzing is coming from your outdoor unit. Make sure the power is turned off, and look inside the top grille to see. You can see an obstruction.
It may be harder to locate the indoor fan motor if it comes from inside. The power is off, and I visually inspect it as well. If you can see no obstructions, there may be something wrong mechanically with the fan motor, in which case you need to schedule services of air conditioning in repair Mesa. Give us a call to send out one of our service technicians to diagnose it for you.
Loud Rattling
If you hear a rattling noise coming from your air conditioning in Mesa AZ, a likely culprit may be the fan blade for your outdoor unit. Sometimes, these can come loose and start hitting the insides of the condenser coils. If this is the case, turn your system off and give Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating a call before the blade can do further damage. Other times, this rattling can also come from a loose fan motor, which would need professional diagnosis and repair.
Loud Grinding
This sound usually comes from older units. Over time mechanical parts can rattle loose and break if you hear a loud grinding noise. It is best to turn your system off and call us to diagnose what may be causing the noise.
Loud Humming
If you hear a loud humming noise, we can usually trace this back to failing electrical components. It is another issue that it is best to give us a call. To have one of our certified technicians come out and diagnose the problem. Malfunctioning electrical components can quickly heat up, presenting a fire risk, so it is best to turn off the system. Give us a call in Gilbert AZ air conditioner repair when you hear this noise as well.
Whatever the noise, unless you can visually inspect and remove an obstruction, it is best to call a licensed HVAC contractor. That’s what we are here for! It’s what we do! For any noises that your AC system makes, call (480) 695-7834, and we will make sure we quiet those noises and get you back to the comforting sound of cold air running through your home. We offer in Gilbert AZ air conditioner repair service and surrounding areas.
Contact us for help with the air conditioning in Chandler AZ. Choose a local business trusted by the community with Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating. Call us today at 480-695-7834 to get started.
FAQs
Air conditioners make noise due to various factors, including loose or damaged parts, issues with the compressor, imbalanced refrigerant levels, and electrical component malfunctions. For a complete evaluation of why your AC is making noise, feel free to schedule an appointment with us today!
Regular maintenance, such as tightening loose parts, lubricating components, and ensuring proper insulation of ductwork, can help reduce air conditioner noise. Professional inspections also play a crucial role in identifying and resolving noise-related issues. Our Technicians will make sure that all of your bases are covered regarding noises from your AC system.
A quiet air conditioner typically produces noise levels ranging from 25 to 55 decibels, depending on the unit’s size and design. Modern systems are designed to operate more quietly, contributing to a peaceful indoor environment.
While air conditioners can produce noise, the noise levels are not typically high enough to cause hearing damage. However, prolonged exposure to very loud noises from HVAC systems or any other source should be avoided to protect your hearing.
Air conditioners make noise due to various reasons, including loose or damaged components, issues with belts and motors, refrigerant imbalances, electrical relay problems, and ductwork or refrigerant leaks.
