3 Air Conditioner Noises and What They Mean
Is your AC making noises? Any kind of noise from your air conditioner may be a sign of fault, and we’re glad you’ve decided to investigate before it conks out entirely or causes damage.
AC units can live for up to 20 years and you should have them serviced every 6 months. Since your AC was installed, there may have been a change in the regulations and planning permissions, which we recommend you check before replacing your unit.
We hope this guide to mysterious air conditioner sounds helps you save your beloved unit or at least cut down on different costs in the long run. So, what do you need to know?
Why is My AC Making Banging Noises?
What’s that sound coming from your AC? An outdoor unit is more likely to make a banging sound than an indoor unit, which could mean you’ve managed to block out the sound for some time. Try to look out for strange sounds and keep an eye on them if they get worse. However, instead of fixing them yourself, it’s better to call a professional.
If your AC makes this sound when turning off and on, it’s likely the internal springs are broken or out of place. Whereas, if this air conditioner sound is heard while running, a piece of the unit could have broken off inside and is banging against the walls, such as the fan. We recommend turning your unit off until it has been serviced as it could further damage it.
Why is My AC Making Buzzing Noises?
You may think your AC making buzzing noises is natural, but it’s actually not. Air conditioners are pretty much soundless, and you should only hear a gentle ‘whooshing’ noise when the room is quiet, like at night. You may not hear a buzzing from outside as it’s also gentle, so we urge you to check this monthly when you change your filters.
A buzzing noise indicates that you have an electrical problem within the unit. This could be for a number of reasons, such as your fan motor, switches, or circuits. While it may seem fine on the outside, it will eventually overheat and start to spark, causing a fire. So, don’t take any risks and keep your unit off until you have it serviced.
Why is My Air Conditioner Making Crackling Noises?
While a low buzzing or loud banging noise are the main signs of a broken air conditioner, you may notice other weird sounds that could blend into your surroundings. Such noises include hissing, whistling, screeching, squealing, grinding, humming, or crackling.
Usually these either don’t last for long and it just means your AC is getting old, or they are continuous, which means you need to completely shut off your unit and have it serviced. In that case, it’s likely your unit has reached the end of its time and needs to be replaced.
After identifying the sound, you may be thinking ‘why is my air conditioner making crackling noises?’ You may have a refrigerant leak or internal pressure issues. It could be something as simple as a loose belt, but it could also be a major leak that could spark, so never ignore these air conditioner sounds and be honest when communicating with your AC provider.
Here at Southern Counties AC, we offer expert domestic and commercial air conditioning repair services. We’ll be honest and tell you whether it’ll cost more to fix or replace your AC, be it at home or at your restaurant. Our extensive list includes:
- Supermarkets
- Speciality food stores
- Bars and pubs
- Butchers and fishmongers
- Hospitality businesses
- Restaurants and cafes
- And more!
If your AC is making noises and you’re in need of a replacement, we will install your new AC with the highest quality equipment and most experienced technicians. With every team member being F-Gas J11 Cat-1 qualified, there is no better option than Southern Counties.
Request a free, no obligation quote today by contacting our expert team. Alternatively, give us a call at 07810 692 494 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.