Air Conditioner Noises You Can’t Ignore and What They Mean

The HVAC technicians at Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating can handle any HVAC-related project you throw our way. Contact us today for more information.

Your air conditioner can be a lifesaver during warm and hot seasons, but if not properly maintained, it can also be a nuisance. You may start hearing mysterious noises from your unit.

24/7 Service Call Now

At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we pride ourselves in being a locally owned and operated HVAC company. With more than 30 years of experience and a master technician and mechanical engineer as our owner, we can replace, repair, and provide maintenance for your business or home’s HVAC system.

(314) 471-7625

Sometimes the noises can be harmless. Other times the noises could be a sign of major mechanical issues. Let’s take a look at some of the most common AC noises and why they happen:

Rattling/Clicking

If your AC unit is making rattling or clicking noises, it means there’s something loose. If the rattling sound happens when you turn on the AC and continues once the unit is running, it could be a loose part in either the blower wheel assembly or the motor. It could also be a sign of debris in the drain pan.

If your rattling is coming from a different component, like the coil, then there’s an issue with the refrigerant flow that will require professional help.

Screeching

If your air conditioner lets out a loud screeching sound, it’s probably because the fan blades are hitting something. It can be anything from debris in the blower wheel assembly to the center brace on top of the unit.

You may also have some rust build-up that has allowed the fan blades to make contact with a metal part of your air conditioner. The good news is that screeching doesn’t cause any permanent damage, but it still means there’s a problem with the fan blades, and you’ll need to seek professional help.

Humming/Buzzing

If your air conditioner is making a loud humming noise, it’s probably not moving enough air across the coil. As the AC unit sucks in cool air and pushes out hot air, there needs to be enough moving room for the internal coils of your AC system to work efficiently.

Clicking/Ticking

Unfortunately, clicking and ticking sounds are always a bad sign. If you’re hearing any of them from your AC unit, it’s either the sound of damage to the motor coil or compressor seal, both of which will require professional service. While the clicking/ticking sound indicates something wrong, the good news is that it means your compressor is still working correctly.

Rumbling/Grinding

If you hear a rumble from your air conditioner, there may be an issue with the fan motor, and it will need replacement. You might also have some foreign objects lodged in your AC unit (such as construction debris or a large bug) that make the motor work harder than it should.

If your air conditioner rumbles for more than a second or two at a time, then you probably have something stuck in the fan blades, and it will need removal.

Get Professional Help

If you notice any of these noises, call an HVAC technician immediately so they can help you fix the problem before it turns into a severe problem that could be difficult or more expensive to fix.

Are you looking for an experienced HVAC repair or installation technician in St. Louis, Missouri? The HVAC technicians at Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating can handle any HVAC-related project you throw our way. Contact us today for more information.

24/7 Service Call Now

At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we pride ourselves in being a locally owned and operated HVAC company. With more than 30 years of experience and a master technician and mechanical engineer as our owner, we can replace, repair, and provide maintenance for your business or home’s HVAC system.

(314) 471-7625

Leave a Comment