Why Is My Air Conditioner Making A Noise?

Hearing weird noises when your air conditioner is running? There’s probably something wrong with your AC. If you don’t fix it, it could lead to major—and expensive—problems down the road. We’re going to help you find out what’s occurring with your air conditioner and what you can do to correct it. 

8 Common Air Conditioning Noises 

  • Gurgling – Gurgling usually indicates a complication with your refrigerant line. If you can’t pinpoint where the noise is originating from, that’s alright. A technician can help determine where this noise is occurring.
  • Crackling – Crackling could be due to debris in the unit or aging ductwork. Debris in the outdoor unit will cause a noise outside your house. Mature ductwork can cause noise inside your house.
  • Hissing – Hissing sounds coming from your AC can come from a damanged refrigerant line, an internal valve leak or the compressor.
  • Buzzing – Buzzing is likely an electrical issue.
  • Clicking – Clicking can indicate you have a loose part or that the fan is misaligned.
  • Pulsating – Pulsating can be due to a loose part.
  • Loud Noise – A clear noise from your external unit can indicate an issue with your compressor, damper, fan or air handler.
  • Humming – Humming can arise from fan motor issues or a broken relay switch. Check out our humming noise guide for more information. 

You can find additional information about frequent air conditioning troubles on energy.gov 

Should I keep running my AC when it’s making a noise? 

There are a few cases where you can continue to run your AC, but you do so at your own risk. It’s difficult to answer this question without examining your system. 

In most cases, we recommend shutting down the unit off and contacting a professional. 

When should I do something about the noise? 

We recommend calling a professional as soon as you suspect there’s something wrong with your air conditioner. While AC repairs can be stressful and an unexpected cost, it’s best to get problems fixed right away. Getting a professional could help reduce future expenses and keep your system running longer. 

Not sure if your air conditioner is making any of these noises? Please schedule online for a free, in-home consultation. 

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