What Clicking Noises From Your AC May Mean

Is your AC making noise? Generally speaking, any unusual sound coming from your air conditioning system is cause for concern.

Common Air Conditioner Noises

Here in Fairfax, VA, our air conditioning repair techs can handle your air conditioning problem. However, it does help if you, as the homeowner, have some idea of what specific sounds could indicate. When you can guess where the noises are coming from, you can point the repair professional in the right direction. Here are some of the most common air conditioning noises and what they may mean:

1. AC Making Clicking Noise

AC clicking noises can stem from fan blades that have been bent or are misaligned which causes the AC to sound like it’s clicking on and off. A stick or piece of detritus could have also gotten caught in the vent, causing the fan to click against the object. In these cases, the cause is apparent, and the repair technician can either properly align the fan or replace it with a new model.

More subtle clicking noises can be a part of the air conditioner’s normal operation. For example, these sounds could come from a relay or a contact performing as expected. In those cases, the clicking should stop shortly. If they repeat, however, it could mean a problem with your thermostat or compressor turning the relays on and off repeatedly and increasing wear and tear in the bargain. If you hear repeated clicking from your AC, you should call for a repair. Possible electric problems should never be ignored when an AC clicks on and off.

2. Buzzing

If your air conditioner is making a buzzing sound, it is likely an electrical malfunction caused by loose or broken parts, leaks or compressor issues. If you suspect an electrical problem, turn off your system and contact a professional.

Buzzing could also be an indicator that your air conditioner’s “isolation feet” — the rubber legs at the base of your machine that support it — are wearing out. Buzzing might also mean a condenser coil, air filter or blower inside your system needs to be changed or replaced.

3. Clanking or Rattling

If your air conditioner is making a lot of loud clanking or rattling noises, it could mean a part has come loose and fallen into a different component of the machine. Before you call a maintenance specialist, make sure you check that all visible screws and bolts are tightly secured, so you can eliminate that as a possibility.

If your air conditioner gets too cold, ice and excess moisture can also build up inside and cause a loud grinding noise, accompanied by rattling movements. If you think your air conditioner has frozen, turn it off and allow it time to thaw.

Dealing With a Noisy Air Conditioner? Oasis Can Help

If you live near Burke or Alexandria, VA, and are experiencing air conditioner problems, Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration is here to help.

If you hear any noises that you aren’t accustomed to — even if they don’t seem to be affecting the performance of the air conditioner — turn the unit off and contact a qualified repair technician immediately instead of trying to fix the issue yourself. In addition to knowing what the noises from your air conditioner may mean, a good repair technician can also correct your machine safely and correctly.

Call Oasis today at 703-339-3877 to make an air conditioning repair appointment!

Contact our team in Northern Virginia to schedule your maintenance service.

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“Would absolutely use their services again. Arrived on schedule.”

-Springfield, VA

Tags: Troubleshooting
Friday, May 22nd, 2020 at 9:31 am | Categories: Air Conditioning |