Your air conditioner is designed to cool your home quietly in the background, not be an intrusive source of noise. If your AC has been making strange noises lately, it’s more than just an annoyance—it may be a sign of a larger problem.
We like to assist homeowners in deciphering what their AC is attempting to tell them before a tiny problem balloon into a majorly costly fix. Here are some of the most common AC sounds and what they could indicate.
Banging or Clanking
Cause: Loose or damaged components
What it means: Typically, something inside your unit — such as a piston, connecting rod, or motor mount — has come loose or disconnected. It could also imply an off-balance indoor blower or outdoor fan blade.
Action: Shut your unit off and immediately call a technician, or you will damage your unit.
Buzzing
Potential Issue: Electrical or dirt
What it means: A buzzing sound could indicate loose material in the unit or something coming into contact with the blades in the fan. Refrigerant leaks and capacitor failure can also be the culprits.
Action: The electrical issue may be dangerous, so call a professional from Aire One Keswick to inspect it and perform a safe repair.
Clicking
Likely Cause: Bad thermostat or relay
What it indicates: A normal clicking, whether heard at the start or towards the end of a cycle, means that something like a relay or control board is working.
Action: If clicking is constant, arrange a service call to prevent system failure.
Hissing
Cause: There is a refrigerant or duct leak.
What it implies: Hissing may be a refrigerant leak, which will not only diminish the cooling efficiency but can damage your system. It could also indicate a leak in your ductwork.
Action: Don’t ignore hissing noises — leaks can ruin your compressor and shorten your system’s life span.
Squealing
Potential Cause: Belts or motor bearings are too worn.
What it means: There could be high-pitched squealing from a belt linking the motor to the blower. More recent systems may mean issues with the blower motor itself.
Action: The unit should be serviced before the belt breaks or the motor burns out.
Rattling
Possible Reason: The cause could be loose screws, panels, or rubbish.
What it means: A rattle can be caused by a loose panel or by something more serious, such as the engine internals.
Action: A simple patch job could work if you catch it early.
What Should You Do?
If your AC starts being noisy, don’t put up with it—take action. Neglecting these signs will cost you a higher repair fee, reduce energy efficiency, and even cause your system to stop working.
Our expert HVAC technicians at Aire One Keswick are knowledgeable enough to troubleshoot and repair simple and complex problems. We’ll get your system back to running quietly and efficiently—so you can be cool without all the racket.
You Can Schedule Your AC Inspection Today
Unusual sounds should not be ignored. For fast, professional help, call us at Aire One Keswick and enjoy peace of mind. We make our rounds to keep your home comfortable — and quiet.
