How to Fix a Central Air Conditioner That Is Making a Loud Noise
A central air conditioner making loud noise can be so annoying. Whether the sound is as a result of a serious problem or not, you need to fix it.
The type of noise coming from the unit determines the possible causes of the problem. Check out the possible causes and how to solve the issue.
Screeching noise
When you hear a screeching sound whenever you turn on your air conditioner, it is usually a problem with the fan motor bearings.
In this case, the fan motor bearings are shot.
How to solve the problem
If possible, don’t switch on your unit until a repairman checks it out. If you must use it, make sure to get the technician to check it out within the shortest time possible. They may recommend that you get it replaced as soon as possible.
Humming noise
It could sometimes be a central air conditioner humming noise. In some cases, it is the outside condenser that is making so much noise.
In some cases, the noise can be attributed to the fencing of the outside unit. The fencing may deflect the noise.
The problem is sometimes due to the closeness of the fence to the unit. The fence should be at least three feet away from the unit.
This is to ensure that there is enough air flow around the unit. If the fence is closer and there are wide gaps between the fence boards, there is a possibility of it producing noise.
The nature of the fencing is not the only reason why for a central air conditioner humming noise. The noise can sometimes be attributed to the age of the unit.
Older condensers are louder, and they get even louder after prolonged use. New models are impressively quieter.
How to solve the problem
If your outside unit which has been used for a long time is making a lot of noise, it is time to change it.
If you need more reasons to change your old condenser unit, think about the fact that newer models save money. Electrical bills are significantly lower when you use newer models.
The unit will pay for itself in about three years, considering the amount of money you will be saving on electrical bills.
If you have a new condenser, the problem may be from the compressor. Some compressors are naturally loud. Get a sound blanket to drown the noise.
Make sure the blanket is made to fit your model. You can choose to get a universal sound blanket instead.
Remember that using a sound blanket works well only if your unit is fairly new. If it is an old model, you will still hear the noise.
In some cases, the humming noise may also suggest an electrical problem. Get an expert to check it out.
Apart from that, check for loose wiring when you hear a central air conditioner humming noise.
Squealing sound
When you switch on your ac fan or heater, you hear a rather loud squealing noise from the inside unit. Sometimes, the noise may not be regular.
It may stop and may probably even forget that it was there in the first place. This noise is often caused by a misaligned or worn out fan.
How to solve the problem
You cannot solve the situation yourself. Call in an ac expert as soon as possible. If you leave it unattended to for a long time, the belt will break. This can cause the issue to escalate.
Clicking sound when the unit won’t start
Do you hear a clicking sound when you to try to turn on your ac? Most of the time, this sound comes from the outside unit.
Unfortunately, the unit will fail to turn on when this sound is persistent. The problem is likely to be with the compressor, capacitor, or thermostat.
How to solve the problem
Since the unit will not even turn on, you need to call in a technician.
Clicking sound when the unit is running
There is another instance where you will hear the clicking sound while your unit is on. This noise also comes from your outside unit.
In most cases, the clicking sound gets faster and louder with time. When you turn off the ac, the noise also goes away.
This happens when something blocks the outdoor unit’s fan.
How to solve the problem
This is something you can sort out yourself. Turn off the unit first. Open the outdoor unit, check for the obstruction, and remove it. That should solve the problem. Put the unit back on to see if the issue is sorted.
Screaming noise
That sounds uncomfortable from the sound of it, doesn’t it? This sound is like a high-pitch screaming or hissing noise.
The noise starts when you turn on your cooling unit. It goes on for 10 to 15 minutes then stops. Your unit may begin to go on and off frequently.
If you realize that this is happening to your unit, you should know that there is a problem with the compressor.
There is pressure in that part of the ac, and that is what is causing it to scream.
How to solve the problem
Switch off your ac immediately and call in a technician. Check if the air conditioner’s safety switch is functioning. If it is, turn it on.
A bubbling or gurgling noise
This noise only comes when you put on your ac. It is difficult to tell the source of the sound in most cases. But if you hear a gurgling or bubbling noise from your unit, it is mostly related to a refrigerant or condensate line.
The refrigerant may be leaking, or the condensate line may be producing the sound.
How to solve the problem
Since the problem cannot be easily seen, consider checking your condensate line first. Make sure that the line has a proper trap.
If that does not work, the problem is likely to be a refrigerant leak. Get a professional to check it out.
Refrigerant leaks are harmful to your health, environment, and your unit. Do not let the problem continue for a long time.
Banging sound
If the noise you hear from your outside unit is a banging, clanging or knocking noise when you put on your unit, there is a problem.
Check if the noise persists when you switch your thermostat to fan. If not, then the ac’s fan is probably hitting something.
It could be a stick or any other form of obstruction. In some cases, it also signifies that your fan is loose and hitting its cage.
How to solve the problem
Do not continue using your unit since it might cause even bigger problems. Call a technician to get it fixed. Make sure you get a qualified contractor.
Chattering or rattling noise
Apart from a central air conditioner humming sound, a rattling noise is also a sign of a deteriorating air conditioner.
When your unit is too old, and some parts become loose, you may encounter this problem. When the fan is loose, there is a high possibility that you will hear this kind of noise.
Another reason for this kind of noise is when twigs or leaves clog the unit.
The electrical contractor can also produce this kind of sound when it develops a fault. If the electrical contractor is damaged, it’s a serious issue.
Since contractors that develop faults can damage other components of the air conditioner, it can even damage the compressor, which is expensive to repair or replace.
How to solve the problem
First, check if you will find lose screws in the unit’s casing. If there are loose screws, tighten them. You should also clean your condenser coils if they are dirty.
Use the opportunity to change the indoor filter.
You don’t need to wait until you hear any of the sounds mentioned above before acting. If you hear any weird noise, take action.
First of all, turn off your ac to check if the noise will persist. If you can manage without the cool air from the ac, then do not turn it on until a technician checks it out.
If you can’t, get in touch with the technician and let them know you need their service at the earliest time possible.
Do not ignore a central air conditioner humming, screaming, squeaking, or any other noise simply because your ac is still functional.
Doing this can cause you more repair cost if the problem develops into something bigger. Besides, you may not know what the problem is; it could be something bad or a small issue.
You can never know until you get it checked. Remember always to engage the services of experts who have proven experience. Unqualified technicians will just cause more problems for you.
In conclusion, a central air conditioner making loud noise is something to be concerned about. However, you should not wait until your ac develops a fault to get it checked. Try to run routine maintenance to ensure that your ac in always in good shape.