Fall is just around the corner, but summertime sizzle doesn’t end for a few more weeks. And to combat the high temperatures and humidity levels, we turn to our trusty air conditioners to keep everything cool. But as it’s operating, you start to hear strange sounds that weren’t present before.
It’s common knowledge that AC units produce sound, which is typically a low humming noise. If we’re talking about loud bangs, knocks and constant clicking, however, then you might have a problem on your hands. Granted, it should be noted that not everyone may be able to pick up on the signs of a malfunctioning AC unit.
In this article, we’ll be covering why your AC is making weird noises, the problems associated with them and how you can fix it.
Banging Noises
The first type of noise, and one of the most common ones at that, is a banging noise. In most cases, a loud banging sound is usually a sign that the compressor is starting to malfunction. The compressor in air conditioning systems is what’s used to disperse a fluid known as refrigerant throughout the system.
This is done to get rid of any extra heat from within a person’s home. Over time, it’s not uncommon for wear and tear to start taking effect. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons why the compressor stops working properly. It usually occurs when a unit is nearing the end of its lifespan. Though it’s worth mentioning that a malfunctioning compressor can also occur during the middle of your AC’s lifespan.
Either way, there are two ways you can solve this problem; repairing or replacing the compressor. It’s definitely possible there are a few parts loose where the compressor is located. This is an easy fix for a technician and doesn’t generally cost too much.
However, the thing about repairs is the costs can rack up quickly if the problem continues to persist. If that happens, you’re much better off replacing it. Another case of replacing the compressor is when it stops working entirely.
Humming Noises
It was mentioned before that a humming noise coming from your AC is normal. It’s only normal if you can only hear when you’re right next to the machine. If you’re able to hear it from afar, then something isn’t right. There are a few causes of this problem, but the two most common ones include a frozen condenser and an issue with the contactor relay switch.
Frozen condensers sound like something that would occur during the winter months, but that’s not exactly the case. A frozen condenser can occur when there’s no hot air blowing through the machine. Without hot air, the refrigerant cools down the condensers too much, which leads to them freezing over.
As for the relay switch, this is the component that activates the condenser unit. When this component malfunctions, it’s considered to be an electrical issue and can only be properly handled by a certified technician. Never leave any electrical issue unsupervised as it can cause almost irreparable damage. Make sure to contact an HVAC technician at the first sign of this problem.
Clicking Sounds
Clicking sounds can either be normal or problematic depending on the situation. In some instances, there may be a tiny amount of clicking at the start and end of your AC’s cooling cycles. However, it’s not normal for you to hear clicking every time you turn your unit on.
Whenever this occurs, it’s a leading sign that something is wrong with your thermostat. This is a relatively simple fix as all you need to do is call up a certified technician and have them replace your old thermostat with a new one. Alternatively, clicking sounds may also be the result of malfunctioning fan blades are blocked or broken entirely.
Rattling Sounds
If you start hearing rattling sounds, there’s generally nothing to worry about. The main cause of this is usually due to a build-up of debris. This debris can include rocks, twigs, leaves and dirt, which are located in the condenser unit. Despite being less of a severe issue than what was previously mentioned, leaving this problem to fester can cause long-term damage.
Furthermore, debris isn’t the only cause of hearing a rattling noise. In some cases, the electrical contractor might be damaged. The electrical contractor is what provides the unit with power, and if it’s damaged, it can cause issues with the other components, like the compressor and condensers.
