Why Is My Air Conditioner Making A Noise?

Hearing weird noises when your air conditioner is on? There’s a strong probability there’s something wrong with your unit. If you don’t pay attention to it, it could lead to extensive—and expensive—troubles eventually. We’re going to help you understand what’s going on with your air conditioner and what you can do to correct it. 

8 Common Air Conditioning Noises 

  • Gurgling – Gurgling usually indicates a complication with your refrigerant line. If you can’t determine where the noise is originating from, that’s alright. An expert can help find out where this noise is occurring.
  • Crackling – Crackling could come from debris in the unit or aging ductwork. Debris in the outdoor unit will cause a noise outside your house. Aging ductwork can create noise inside your house.
  • Hissing – Hissing sounds coming from your AC can be created by a faulty refrigerant line, an internal valve leak or the compressor.
  • Buzzing – Buzzing is probably an electrical issue.
  • Clicking – Clicking can indicate you have a loose part or that the fan is misaligned.
  • Pulsating – Pulsating can come from a loose part.
  • Loud Noise – A clear noise from your outside unit can indicate an issue with your compressor, damper, fan or air handler.
  • Humming – Humming can arise from fan motor issues or a busted relay switch. Check out our humming noise guide for more information. 

You can find additional information about common air conditioning troubles on energy.gov 

Should I keep running my system when it’s making a noise? 

There are some cases where you can continue to run your AC, but you do so at your own risk. It’s almost impossible to answer this question without inspecting your system. 

Usually, we recommend shutting down the unit off and calling a professional. 

When should I do something about the noise? 

We recommend calling a professional as soon as you think there’s a problem with your system. While AC repairs can be stressful and an unexpected cost, it’s better to get problems taken care of right away. Contacting a professional could help reduce future expenses and keep your system running longer. 

Not sure if your air conditioner is making any of these noises? Please schedule online for a free, in-home consultation. 

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