All machines make sounds. Homes are not a hundred percent quiet when dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and fans are in operation. Air conditioners also produce a faint noise. However, a loud noise, like when an air conditioner makes a loud sound when starting, isn’t normal. Investigate the source if you hear unusual noises. It may be pointing to a bigger air conditioner issue. This article discusses several reasons for loud air conditioners and possible solutions.
Air Conditioner Makes Loud Noise When Starting
Contents
- 1 Air Conditioner Makes Loud Noise When Starting
- 2 Types Of AC Noises And Their Causes
- 3 Common HVAC Contractor Fixes for Loud Air Conditioning Units
- 4 Steps A Homeowner Can Take If The Air Conditioner Emits A Loud Noise
- 5 Preventive Measures for Air Conditioner Starting Problems
- 6 Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
Homeowners often hear loud noises when the air conditioner starts. Listen closely as there are various types of noises. Each sound points to a unique problem that needs to be addressed. You shouldn’t repair it on your own, as you should always call an HVAC technician for assistance.
Types Of AC Noises And Their Causes
Here are several of the out-of-the-ordinary air conditioning noises and their causes:
Clanging & Banging From Air Conditioning Unit
The outdoor unit of your air conditioner has a blower motor. This component moves the air inside your home. A damaged blower motor can make odd sounds. Parts may also move out of place and start hitting the cage. Other likely causes include damper movement, fallen debris, and thermal expansion.
Pulsating Cooling System
You can expect to hear a low-level pulsating sound across the system. However, you shouldn’t hear it inside if the noise comes from the outdoor unit. If you do, you may have problems like broken fan blades or branches in the unit.
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Screeching Air Conditioner
If it sounds as if the metal is grinding against metal, the fan motor bearings may be broken. It is not an emergency, but you should keep the problem from worsening. Hire an HVAC technician to fix it before using your cooling system.
Clicking Air Conditioner
Electrical issues may cause clicking sounds. You may try to start the air conditioner, but it may never actually switch on. HVAC professionals should resolve this issue. They will check your thermostat, capacitor, and compressor to find the cause.
Whirring Air Conditioner
This noise suggests that there’s a mechanical issue with your air conditioner. Both indoor and outdoor units can emit this sound. Common reasons include bad bearings, damaged belts, malfunctioning blades, and blown fan motors. Switch the unit off right away and call an HVAC technician to repair it.
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Buzzing or Humming Coming From Air Conditioner
Check for debris trapped inside if your outdoor AC unit emits an audible hum. Twigs, leaves, and flowers may have slipped through the holes. You should remove them immediately. A buzzing sound can also point to a faulty fan.
Rattling Air Conditioner
Rattling is typically caused by loose air conditioner parts. They may have become loose over time because of the vibration. Check the bolts and screws of the unit, as they may need to be tightened. It is also recommended to clean the coils and replace the air filters. An even better solution is to ensure that you call a reliable HVAC company to book air conditioner maintenance at least once a year.
Common HVAC Contractor Fixes for Loud Air Conditioning Units
Here are some common repairs for loud air conditioner noises:
Clean & Straighten Coil Fins
The coil fins should be kept clean to enhance their efficiency and performance. Contact an HVAC technician and schedule a yearly air conditioner tune-up. The HVAC tech may straighten the coil using a fin comb and remove the dirt in this area using a vacuum with a brush extension.
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Tighten Loose Screws
It is normal for air conditioners to vibrate while running because they have many moving components. However, the screws may loosen after some time, and you will hear rattling clearly whenever the air conditioner is on. Tightening all these screws should be part of routine HVAC tune-up.
Remove Debris in the Blades
Take a better look inside the air conditioner cabinet. Open it and check for debris. Remove them immediately. Pay careful attention to foreign objects around the fan blades. Anyone can do this quick and simple task.
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Straighten Bent Blades
Be sure to check the blades for any problems after removing dirt and debris. Uneven blades need to be bent back into shape. Contact your trusted HVAC technician if you see that they are bent. They can carefully do the job to prevent it from getting worse. They will check each blade until everything is back to how it was.
Lubricate Motor
Screeching noises can be due to poor motor lubrication. Lubricating the unit usually happens during maintenance to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. An HVAC professional will use the right oil to eliminate the noise. They will also add oil to the oil ports close to the fan motor’s base.
Steps A Homeowner Can Take If The Air Conditioner Emits A Loud Noise
Keep reading to learn more about what homeowners can do to address odd air conditioning noises.
Check the Outdoor Fan & Inspect the Unit
Before doing anything else, check the condenser fan at the outdoor unit’s center. Check how the blades are rotating if they can spin. Debris in the casing can cause signs of off-balance or sudden contact. Examine the refrigerant piping and the coils. Skip this step if you are unsure of what you’re looking at. Leave it in the hands of a professional instead.
Change Your HVAC Air Filters
This is a crucial job all homeowners must do. An air conditioner cannot perform well if it has clogged filters, as the airflow will be compromised. The unit will work harder than needed and may produce a humming sound. Habitually check the air filters once a month and replace them as needed.
Clean Your Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit
The outdoor unit is vulnerable to the elements of its immediate surroundings. Debris and dirt may slip through the slits. For your safety, switch off the air conditioner before opening the case. Remove the grille and take out any fallen items. Make sure you close it again properly.
Check the Run Capacitor
Turn the air conditioning unit on again to check if the fan is spinning after cleaning it. If it still doesn’t move, try to jumpstart it with a long stick. Use it to push the blade and create momentum. You likely have a faulty run capacitor if the blades start spinning.
Inspect Your Indoor Air Handler
There may be times when the outdoor unit isn’t causing the problem. Once you have finished your inspection, check the indoor air handler. There may be ice accumulation or bent coil fins. Turn off the power to allow it to thaw. Let it dry before you switch the unit on again.
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Call an HVAC Company
There are many steps homeowners can take to avoid air conditioner issues and prevent common noise problems. However, untrained homeowners have limited capabilities. Call a reliable HVAC professional to help you if you still hear the noise after going through this list.
Preventive Measures for Air Conditioner Starting Problems
- Install Noise-Reducing Barrier: Air conditioner noise can make it hard to focus on your day-to-day activities. It can also keep you awake all night, ruining your sleeping pattern. Don’t let this happen to you, and install a barrier for noise reduction. The ideal solution is to have a noise-reducing fence or a sound blanket. Consult an HVAC technician first.
- Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance: Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Technicians have trained eyes to find problems at the earliest stages. They can step in with immediate solutions to prevent them from escalating into worse problems. They will do a deep cleaning so you won’t have to. In turn, there are fewer chances for loud air conditioner noises to develop.
- Call in an HVAC Expert: Contact an HVAC technician at the first sign of odd air conditioner noise. Ignoring them can cause the noises to worsen. Repairing minor AC problems is always better and more affordable than remedying full-blown failures.
Conclusion
Be attentive to your air conditioner. Listening to it will tell you if something is wrong. Keep in mind that manufacturers do all they can to reduce noise. You can determine what is normal after observing your cooling system for some time. Investigate immediately if you notice something is off. Consult a reliable HVAC professional for advanced repairs.
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Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning provides exceptional heating and cooling services throughout the Greater Princeton, NJ area. Our best professionally certified HVAC contractors can provide excellent HVAC replacements, repairs, tune-ups, and installations. All our techs are experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable to service your HVAC system promptly and correctly.
Are you looking for the area’s most affordable heating and cooling service rates? Look no further than PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. Our tune-up services can increase indoor air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency while lowering home heating and cooling expenses. We can suggest the best, budget-friendly solutions if you need an HVAC repair or replacement system. Your satisfaction is important to us, so all our work is guaranteed. Give PFO Heating & Air Conditioning a call today and receive a free, in-home estimate.
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