Today, air conditioners are built to be quiet. That means you should trust your gut when you hear a strange sound coming from your air conditioner, the same way you trust your gut when you hear something out of the ordinary from the engine of your car. If your AC is making loud noises, then something might be wrong.
Some AC noises are minor. Others are a warning that your system should be turned off and looked at right away. As soon as you notice any of the following noises coming from your AC, call us. If you catch your air conditioner’s problem early enough, you might avoid an expensive repair or replacement.
Common air conditioner noises include:
Each signals a different common issue, and some are easily repairable when caught early. Below, we explain what each one might mean in detail.
A gurgling noise while your air conditioner runs is usually:
Differentiating between the two issues can be tough just by listening.
If you’re experienced, you can check the condensate drain line and ensure it has a proper trap. We don’t recommend anybody mess with refrigerant in an air conditioner. Refrigerant issues need the right tools, training, and safety handling.
Give us a call if you’re unsure and we’ll help sort it out.
A high-pitched screaming sound usually flares for the first 10 to 15 seconds after you turn on the AC. It’s loud enough to hear from inside the house, and sometimes the AC starts and stops itself several times while this noise is active.
The problem is usually pressure building somewhere in your air conditioning system. The compressor may be venting, causing the screaming sound.
This is one of the more dangerous sounds your air conditioner can make. Pressure problems are serious. Your air conditioner has safety controls designed to shut things down if pressure gets too high, but it’s still a concern. Turn the system off and book a service, immediately when you hear this sound.
Clanging and banging noises happen any time your air conditioner is on. This usually means the fan is bent or loose, hitting something as it spins. Some sort of obstruction may have worked its way into the AC fan area, or the fan may have come loose from the mount.
The longer it runs like this, the more damage your AC unit sustains. Enough damage might result in a significant repair bill.
Turn your AC off, call us and book a maintenance visit. Most homeowners prefer the minor cost of a maintenance visit to the relative expense of a repair.
A metal-on-metal rubbing sound that persists while the AC runs usually comes from run-down fan motor bearings. This part can’t be replaced alone, so you’ll need a new fan motor.
Rubbing sounds are your system’s way of saying something mechanical is wearing down. It’s best not to wait until the part fails completely.
You can continue running the AC if it’s uncomfortably hot outside, but the sooner you get it repaired, the better. Every small problem has the potential to lead to a larger problem if left unattended long enough.
Clicking can mean a few things:
Even if this problem is minor, we recommend getting your AC looked at the moment you notice anything wrong. It’s best to be safe.
Air conditioner noises won't fix themselves. If your system is gurgling, screaming, clanging, rubbing, or clicking, there is usually a reason behind it.
Call us in Burlington or Oakville if your AC makes any of these noises and we’ll make sure your family has cool air all summer long.
