Having a noisy air conditioner is a nuisance, especially if running your cooling system while you’re sleeping is necessary. But even if you’re simply spending time in your house during the day, listening to the sound of a noisy air conditioner can be frustrating. Moreover, a loud air conditioner might be a sign of bigger problems.
Understanding why your air conditioning unit is making loud noise and what you can do to fix it can help you make the most of your system and increase its life span.
Depending on its age, an air conditioner can be loud even if it works perfectly fine. Older air conditioners can be noisier than newer models because older models weren’t necessarily designed with quietness in mind.
However, as an AC ages, internal parts also wear down, leading to excessive noise even when the parts are operating just fine. If you have an aging AC that drives you crazy with excessive noise, you may want to consider replacing it with a new model. With a new AC, you can look forward to years of efficient and quiet operation.
A faulty compressor can be one of the reasons why your AC is making noise. The compressor is a vital part of the unit that uses refrigerants to cool down the air. The sounds produced by the compressor can vary, indicating different issues. For instance, a banging sound is a sign of loose components within the compressor.
These issues typically happen when the air conditioner parts become unhinged due to years of wear and tear. Because disassembling this part of the air conditioner takes a lot of time, it is often better to simply replace the entire unit, especially if it is an older AC.
Along with banging, screeching is another common AC noise. Typically, screeching is caused by damaged fan motors, which are located near the outside condenser unit. Otherwise, there might be a broken fan inside the compressor of the outside condenser unit. Screeching can also come from a broken fan on the AC unit inside your home. If you hear a screeching or squealing noise, it is a good idea to call an AC company to come and inspect the entire cooling system for broken parts.
A defective contactor relay switch can cause the AC unit to make a humming noise. The contactor relay switch is the part that is responsible for starting the outside condenser unit when the thermostat sends the signal. It may also be impossible to start your AC when the relay switch is defective.
If you hear a loud humming sound, you should have this taken care of as soon as possible so that you don’t have to worry about your air conditioner being damaged even more.
Clicking sounds can be a sign of a faulty thermostat. However, it’s important to note that clicking can also be completely normal. Usually, you’ll hear this at the beginning or end of your cooling cycles, which isn’t cause for alarm. Excessive clicking or clicking accompanied by problems with the unit’s operation is a cause for concern. In that case, you will want to schedule an appointment with an experienced AC company like IT Landes Home Service Team.
If the AC makes a rattling noise, you might have a damaged electrical contactor. The electrical contactor controls the flow of electricity to the AC unit. The rattling sound is usually loud and noticeable when the AC starts up. The rattling sounds happen when the electrical contact within the contactor can’t form a solid connection or when the component is physically damaged.
When left unaddressed, the electrical problems can lead to further damage. However, the best-case scenario with rattling noises could be that you simply have some twigs or leaves stuck in your fan blade on the outside unit. You can fix that issue by disassembling the AC and removing the twigs.
Issues with the air ducts can sometimes cause hissing sounds. For instance, you might have a leak from a crack or hole in your air duct. One of the frustrations of this type of problem is that it causes you to lose conditioned air, which means that you will pay more to run your AC while having less cool air delivered to your living spaces. Getting damaged air ducts fixed can help improve your comfort and save you some money.
Bubbling sounds could be a sign of a blockage or hole in the drain line, which is located mainly in the house. The drain line gets rid of the moisture that the air conditioner pulls out of the air, so if it’s clogged, you might hear the water making noises. If you notice any of these signs, you’ll want to have a professional HVAC technician look at your unit to find any problems before they become even bigger.
A buzzing sound produced by the AC calls for immediate action, as it always indicates a problem. Several issues with your AC can create buzzing sounds. Some of the causes include:
Whenever you hear buzzing sounds, you shouldn’t ignore them because taking care of these types of problems early can help you avoid bigger and more expensive problems later.
Reducing loud noises from an air conditioning unit can greatly improve your comfort and peace of mind. Here are a few ways to reduce loud noises from your existing AC or after you’ve installed a new one:
If possible, place your AC in a spot where the noise won’t be as disruptive. Choose a space away from the living room and bedroom windows or other areas where noise may be bothersome. It’s also wise to keep the outside AC unit away from brick walls, which can cause an echo effect.
Consider installing soundproofing materials around the AC, like a sound blanket. These materials are specifically designed to muffle or dampen the noise AC units generate. You can also find out from the AC manufacturer which blankets are made for your model.
Install a fence around your AC to help reduce the noise. The fence acts as a barrier between you and the AC, absorbing and deflecting some of the sounds. However, be sure to maintain a gap around the perimeter so the fence doesn’t block airflow to the unit, as that could cause it to overheat or function inefficiently.
There are also some special steps that you can take if you’re concerned about the noise coming from an attic unit. For instance, if you’re hearing vibrations every time the unit starts up, you should invest in a sound-absorbing mat. You can also enclose the vents with sound-absorbing materials if the noise comes from the ceilings or walls.
If you are unable to identify the source of the noise or reduce it on your own, consult a professional. They can diagnose the issue and recommend solutions tailored to your specific situation.
Whenever you’re working to make your home more comfortable, the noise levels of the equipment around your property are a major concern. When you know your air conditioner is working well, you can use some of the tips outlined above to muffle the noise or distance it from you.
The best way to ensure that your AC operates quietly, however, is by only trusting trained technicians with your AC repairs, maintenance and installations. At IT Landes, we offer a full range of AC services in and around Harleysville. We also provide heating, plumbing and air quality services. Contact us today to find out more about how we can serve you.