Why is My Air Conditioner Making Noises?

5 Common Air Conditioning Noises and What They Mean

Ideally, your HVAC system should run as quietly as possible. Less noise and cool temperatures are a big part of personal comfort. But most air conditioners will make some noise as they generate and transport cool air.

Knowing what your air conditioner is supposed to sound like will make recognizing strange noises easier. In many cases, these sounds are a sign something is wrong. Here are some of the most common noises you should be listening for.

1. Banging, Clanking or Rattling

These sounds are loud and sometimes metallic. They are most often evidence of loose components or debris trapped in your system. Resolving the problem may be as simple as removing a stick or tightening a bolt. But it could also be your system’s compressor.  If your compressor fails, it’s often better to replace your air conditioner instead of repairing it.

2. Humming, Buzzing or Whirring

These sounds are steady and repetitive. A faulty motor or fan can be the culprit. These issues are often electrical and may be hazardous to repair safely. Damaged or faulty wiring is best handled by a qualified professional. Repair costs will vary depending on which component needs to be replaced.

3. Hissing, Whistling or Screeching

While these sounds may point to a problem with indoor or outdoor fans, they are also caused by leaks. These leaks may be in your ductwork or elsewhere. Because the sound carries through your ductwork, they can be difficult to find without help from an HVAC professional like Diamond Blue Air.

4. Trickling, Bubbling or Gurgling

You should look for water damage or condensation when you hear these sounds. In severe cases it may point to a refrigerant leak, which should be resolved as quickly as possible due to the environmental impact. If your house feels too hot or your air conditioner is struggling to keep up, those are sure signs that you’re dealing with a refrigerant leak. The cost to resolve leaks will depend on what is leaking.

There’s a reason why we recommend scheduling air conditioning maintenance two times a year. This important service helps us spot problems like leaks before they cause major issues. We make it easy to stay on top of routine service with our Diamond Blue 360 maintenance plan. This plan covers both your heating and air conditioning systems to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns, improve performance and may even help your equipment last longer.

5. Clicking, Pulsating or Ticking

Many air conditioners produce clicking sounds when a cooling cycle begins. These are normal as electrical components direct the air conditioner to start. But clicking constantly or at random is a frequent sign of electrical problems. In this case, we recommend having a Diamond Blue Air professional inspect your thermostat or wiring.

Trust Diamond Blue to Solve Your Air Conditioning Repair Problems

As you can see, there are a wide variety of sounds and related problems. One sound may be caused by multiple problems or vice versa. Our certified cooling technicians provide air conditioning repair in Carrollton, TX, and surrounding areas. They have years of experience and can quickly provide solutions based on the sounds you’re hearing. Read this post on how to make your air conditioner quieter.

If your air conditioner is getting old, strange noises can be more serious. They can be a warning that your system might soon quit working for good. Don’t worry, because we also provide prompt air conditioning installation in Carrollton, TX and neighboring suburbs like Irving. We’ll walk through energy-efficient options to find the replacement model that’s right for you.

Whatever sound you’re hearing, Diamond Blue Air can offer exceptional support from start to finish backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.*  To get in touch, give us a call today at 469-200-3100. We’ll help you request an appointment or consultation right away!

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