From Buzzing to Banging: Understanding the Noises Your AC Makes and What They Mean

Strange AC noises can be alarming. Your air conditioner is the only thing standing between you and the Abington, PA summer heat. In this HVAC noises guide, we’ll go over the different sounds your air conditioner should make, and when a sound might be a sign that it needs repair.

Chud Cooling and Heating is your one-stop source for Montgomery County’s local expertise on all things air conditioning. If your cooling system sounds weird, or if you’re not sure whether it’s supposed to rattle like that, give us a call, and our professional air conditioner technicians will come take a look.

Common AC Noises and What They Mean

By getting to know what your loud AC unit sounds mean, you may be able to better understand what’s wrong with it and whether it just needs some maintenance, or there’s a bigger problem that needs fixing.

Buzzing or Humming

Some problems that can lead to a humming or buzzing noise from your air conditioner are:

• Loose or worn-out parts
• Electrical issues
• Debris is stuck in the outdoor portion of the system

Try cleaning around the outside unit first before calling an AC expert. If that doesn’t stop the sound, you may need to call Chud to diagnose the problem. It might require a part replacement or another expert repair.

Rattling or Banging

If you hear a rattling or banging noise in your AC system, you might have one of these problems on your hands:

• Loose fan blade
• Loose motor mount
• Debris trapped in the system

These issues are usually very loud. You won’t be able to ignore them for long. Seek assistance from a licensed Chud HVAC technician who can diagnose the issue and correct it.

Clicking

If your AC’s making a clicking noise, it’s likely an electrical problem. An electrical relay within your system may have failed.

Clicking sounds coming from an AC system can also suggest something might be wrong with the capacitor, the part that sends power to an AC system’s motor. You’ll need to remedy this situation quickly to ensure your AC system continues to turn on.

Squealing or Grinding

A squealing or grinding sound coming from your AC system can mean:

• Broken or loose belt
• Misaligned pulley
• Worn-out motor bearing

Don’t delay calling an AC system repair service to assist you. If you ignore it, the sounds you’re hearing will only get worse.

Hissing or Bubbling

If you hear a hissing sound from your AC system, it might mean you have a refrigerant leak. This is one of the hardest AC noises to hear, but it won’t be the only sign of a leak. You may also notice:

• Poor cooling performance.
• Visible moisture on or under the air conditioner.
• Ice on or around the AC unit.
• Longer running times, as the system has to work harder to cool your home.

If this is happening, call us right away to schedule an inspection and repair from a certified expert who knows how to properly handle and dispose of refrigerant.

When Should You Be Concerned About AC Sounds?

Under normal circumstances, the AC system in your home should maintain climate control without producing too much noise. After it has been running for a few minutes, its sounds should blend into the background and go unnoticed.

When it comes to AC noises, it’s time to worry when you hear your home’s AC system make noises that are out of the ordinary, or happen when your AC is turned off. Depending on the sounds you’re hearing and the related issues, you may need to repair or replace your home cooling system. Chud Cooling and Heating offers emergency services, and we can also schedule an AC inspection at your earliest convenience.

DIY vs. Professional Help: What to Do About Noisy Air Conditioners

When you hear strange sounds coming from your AC, it’s best to try and mitigate the problem before it worsens. You can try:

• Investigating the potential sources of your AC noises.
• Shutting off your AC system to avoid further issues.
• Getting in touch with Chud and scheduling an appointment.

It’s usually in your best interest to schedule service with a professional in air conditioner repair near you. If you try taking the DIY approach to making AC repairs, you risk:

• Additional damage done to your AC system.
• Reduced AC system efficiency.
• Premature AC system failure.
• Breaking the terms of your manufacturer’s warranty.

Instead, allow an experienced HVAC technician with Chud to work on your AC system. They can identify why your AC system is making sounds and find a long-term solution.

Can AC Noises Impact Your Comfort or Efficiency?

What does a noisy AC mean for your home cooling system’s functionality? A noisy AC can impact functionality in two ways: comfort and efficiency.

Lower Comfort Levels

Some of the ways your noisy air conditioner will lower your at-home comfort levels include a loud, unpleasant home and added stress as you worry about what’s wrong. Your AC is making strange sounds that mean something is wrong. A malfunctioning air conditioner means poor indoor air quality and climate control.

Worsened Efficiency

A loud air conditioner is struggling to meet your cooling needs and likely needs maintenance or repairs. Depending on what sounds it’s making, it could lose its ability to cool your home while using up excessive energy. Over time, if you ignore the sounds, your air conditioning system will become damaged and may break down completely.

Trust Chud Cooling and Heating for Expert AC Repairs

Chud Cooling and Heating provides fast, comprehensive diagnosis services. Our expert technicians are knowledgeable in all types of residential cooling systems, and they’re excellent problem solvers. We’ll find the cause of the sound your air conditioner’s making, and fix it for you quickly.

Contact us online or call today at 215-445-1222 to make an appointment in Abington, PA, and the rest of our service area. Not sure if we serve your neighborhood? Give us a call to learn more.