Air conditioning units can develop a lot of issues over their lifespan, but they shouldn’t start to sound like a helicopter straight away. If your AC has developed an issue then a sound can be a clear sign of what is wrong.
It isn’t worth taking any risks with your AC. As a malfunctioning model can cause a potential hazard, the second you are worried about any sort of issues with your AC unit, you need to call an air conditioning service professional as soon as possible. You can always find out if the contractor has a verified license for the job or not.
Why Is My Air Conditioning Making Noises?
Your air conditioner may just make a noise in its standard day-to-day operation. No air conditioner is totally silent. However, there are certain noises that can cause some concern and that you shouldn’t ignore. If your AC unit has recently become much louder or started to make a new, continuous noise, it is probably because something has broken.
Some noises can be caused by vibration or simply from a part coming loose. It could be a relatively simple job to fix.
What Are Common Noises An AC Could Make and What Do They Mean?
Let’s dive into some of the common noises that an AC unit makes and what they tend to mean for your system, including the helicopter sound mentioned above.
AC Making a Squealing Sound
Squealing sounds may be coming through the duct system or it could be that the motor is starting to fail. There is a possibility that the blower wheel can also squeak if it goes wrong, but this depends on the function of the unit itself. Some will make this noise when they start naturally, so it might not be a concern unless the sound continues long after the AC has started, or if it is a new sound you haven’t heard the unit make before.
AC Making a Buzzing Sound
Buzzing sounds can be a big cause for concern, but there are many potential causes.
Loose parts and debris in both outdoor and indoor unit can cause a buzzing sound to develop. If the fan blades are loose or damaged, or the condenser coil is unclean then these could also be causes of a buzzing.
If the refrigerant leaks then it could cause a buzz, too, which is a potential danger. It is important to stop the system and get it checked as soon as possible.
AC Making a Whirring Sound Like a Helicopter
This can be caused by debris in the mechanism, or it could be a problem with the indoor fan motor. Either a fan breakdown or simply bad bearings can cause a whirring or chopping sound like a helicopter. Loose blades can also start to cause this kind of sound. It could be a relatively simple repair, or it could mean that your system is on its way out.
AC Making a Clicking Sound
A constant clicking is a potential sign of your thermostat failing or potential electrical issues so it is worth getting checked as soon as possible.
AC Making a Banging Sound Like a Metal
A metallic banging sound is a sign that a connecting rod, crankshaft, or piston has come loose somewhere in the unit, or that the blower itself is unbalanced and that this is causing a banging in the machine. Turn it off and get it seen professionally. You should contact an air conditioning contractor the second you are worried about any sort of issues with your AC unit, as these type of issues might become bigger ones if left unchecked.
How To Decrease The Noises or Make Them Disappear?
There are very few air conditioner units that it is safe to fix yourself. You may be able to change the filters or dust the system, or perform other very basic maintenance, but this is not likely to fix many of the problems. It’s a good idea to get a professional HVAC contractor to check out your system if it develops a new issue. Only repairing the issue will get rid of the noises.
When Is The Right Time To Replace a Loud AC?
Many air conditioners can last for 15-20 years if they are well-maintained. If your system is getting old and starts to become loud and develop issues regularly then it is a good idea to think about replacement rather than continue to spend money on repairs. A new system may even be more economical as technology has improved.
Author Bio: Ted Davis is a content marketing specialist working with FreonX. Always been passionate about creating content pieces aimed to help the reader to solve an issue, he currently lives in Glendale, California and turns his love of DIY projects into incredibly practical and useful how-to guides on home improvement topics.