If you’ve ever been in a room with an air conditioner before, you know that a completely silent air conditioner is a rarity. But this prompts an important question – how do you know when a noisy air conditioner is worth worrying about?

You may be surprised to find the range of noises your AC unit is capable of making, and not all air conditioner noises are created equal. Fortunately, we’re here to break down the 7 most common types of air conditioner noises and what they might signify.

1. Humming Noise

Perhaps the most common sound coming from your air conditioner is a humming noise. This isn’t usually a serious problem, and a light humming noise can be completely normal.

However, if the humming noise is getting increasingly loud, it is possible that there is something loose within your unit. These loose parts can cause extra vibration, which might lead to problems later on.

2. Clanking Noise

Speaking of loose parts, one of the biggest signalers that there is something loose in your unit is a clanking noise. This could also mean that that the indoor blower or outdoor fan blades are hitting other parts of the unit.

3. Buzzing Noise

Buzzing is another common noise that can have several different causes. These can include loose or out of balance fan blades, loose parts or debris, and dirty or old condenser coil or air filter, among other potential causes.

A buzzing noise could also be caused by a refrigerant leak, so it is crucial to pay attention to this sound and hire a technician.

4. Clicking Noise

A clicking noise when your AC unit first turns on or shuts down is relatively normal. However, if there is an incessant clicking noise, there might be a problem.

This constant clicking could be a sign of a failing thermostat or a defective control. This is almost always an electrical issue, so it’s a good idea to call a technician.

5. Gurgling or Bubbling Noise

A gurgling or bubbling noise coming from your air conditioner can definitely catch you off guard. This likely means that your drainline is clogged or cracked.

It is possible for you to inspect the drainline yourself while the unit is off. However, if you aren’t comfortable with this, you can always call a technician as well.

6. Chattering or Rattling Noise

Similar to a clanking sound, a chattering or rattling noise means that there are loose parts in your AC unit, or some parts are beginning to loosen.

The best way to evaluate is to disassemble your unit and check for any loose parts or debris. However, if this doesn’t resolve the issue, there might be deeper electrical issues.

7. Hissing or Whistling Noise

A high-pitched hissing or whistling noise is not usually a good sign. This likely means there’s a refrigerant leak or at least an air duct leak in your home.

In this scenario, it’s best to turn your air conditioner off right away and call a technician.

Air Conditioning Noises You Should Know

Hopefully, now you can familiarize yourself with the full range of air conditioner noises. With just a little bit of knowledge, you can know when not to worry and when it’s time to call a technician.

Contact us at Perfect Climate Heating & Air to schedule an appointment in Southern Indiana today!