A cool, refreshing home is a joy during the hot days of the panhandle summer and it can be stressful when your AC shows signs of breakdown. When your AC is loud inside, there’s a good chance it needs cleaning, repair, or replacement. Let’s discuss reasons for AC noises and troubleshooting techniques to ensure a cool summer for you and your family.
What Should a Normal AC Sound Like?
A normal air conditioning unit should sound like a gentle humming or whooshing noise. Think of a quiet vacuum drawing in air and the sound of a fan circulating the air through your home.
The closer you are to the central interior unit, the louder the noise from the AC is. The volume of the average conversation is 60 dB and an air conditioner ranges from 19 to 50 dB. If you have to raise your voice to be heard when your AC is running, you probably have a noisy air conditioner.
Reasons Why AC Is So Loud
A loud or new noise coming from your air conditioner is usually a sign that one of its components is faulty, loose, or dirty. This is normal wear and tear for any AC unit, especially if you skipped the regular air conditioner maintenance recommendations.
Dust, dirt, and debris around the coil fins, air ducts, and outdoor condenser unit are common causes of noise. Loose or misaligned parts like the fan blades or belt, lack of lubricant, blockage in the drain pipe, copper lines, or vents, and a malfunctioning thermostat can also lead to a noisy air conditioner.
An air conditioner in need of repair will run less efficiently and that can increase your electricity bill. Save energy and prolong your unit’s lifespan by following a regular maintenance schedule.
What Does a Bad AC Sound Like?
New air conditioner noises usually signal that maintenance is needed. Other sounds are a sign you need to call a technician for AC repairs or replacement. Our personable team at Frank’s Repair Plumbing can troubleshoot noises, perform a thorough parts inspection, and get your AC unit running smoothly again.
This list of common noises and their causes can help you troubleshoot a solution.
Banging or clanking
Loose parts and imbalanced fan blades cause a banging or clanking sound. A loose piston pin or connector rod in the compressor or imbalanced fan blades will bang into other components, causing damage to the AC unit.
Bubbling or gurgling
These sounds usually indicate liquid is involved. Suspect a refrigerant leak or a damaged or blocked drainage pipe.
Buzzing
Loud buzzing noises indicate the outdoor condenser fan could have loose or unbalanced blades or an electrical issue with the motor.
When the rubber isolation feet the unit sits on have worn away or been damaged, the AC unit will buzz whenever the compressor runs.
Clicking
Clicking is common when the AC unit starts up, but it shouldn’t continue for any length of time. A malfunctioning thermostat and a fault in your electrical signals can cause a clicking noise.
High-pitch vibrating
A vibrating noise usually indicates blocked vents. Throughout the dormant months, it is common for debris to get into the vents and collect. As soon as the AC turns on, the debris is blown through the vents and builds up.
Hissing
Hissing from your AC unit usually means you have an air duct leak. It could also mean there’s a Western Diamondback rattlesnake trapped in your unit — but it’s less likely, even in Texas.
Humming
A constant loud humming noise usually indicates a faulty contactor relay switch.
Rattling
Rattling is usually a sign of loose dirt, leaves, or sticks indicating your outdoor condenser unit. After a winter’s worth of debris collects, it is common when you first turn the AC unit on in the summer.
Screeching
A metal-on-metal screeching sound from the inside unit indicates the problem is with your bearings, either a lack of lubricant or damaged bearings. You have a damaged fan motor or loose fan belt if the sound comes from the outdoor unit. If the screeching only lasts about 10 to 15 seconds when your AC first turns on, you likely have high pressure in your condenser unit.
How To Fix a Loud Air Conditioner
Many common issues that cause your AC unit to make excess noise are easy to resolve. Clear away any debris in and around your outdoor unit before you turn it on. Clean your vents and ducts regularly and inspect your system for damage, including holes, kinks, and loose parts. Tighten what you can.
The best way to keep your AC running smoother is to follow a service schedule. Our expert technicians perform a multi-point inspection, tackle necessary cleaning, and take care of any repairs.
Enjoy extra perks and join our Diamond Club to help keep your system running smoothly. Diamond Club members get discounted pricing on all services on any property you own. Enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ll receive priority scheduling and skip the after-hours or holiday fees. You’ll also receive a free seasonal system inspection each year.
Call Frank’s Repair Plumbing for AC Repair and Maintenance in Amarillo, TX
Frank’s Repair Plumbing is your go-to resource for air conditioning maintenance and repairs in the Amarillo area. We identify and repair problems before they become a major hassle. Contact us online or call (806) 374-4357 to schedule an AC inspection or repair.
