My Air Conditioner Sounds Weird | Naperville HVAC 2020

It’s not unusual for a relatively quiet air conditioner to suddenly make strange sounds. Although it’s usually a good idea to contact the experts when your system might be malfunctioning, you may be hesitant to call your local HVAC specialist just over a strange noise. Nortek Environmental, Inc., your Naperville, IL. Area HVAC repair and maintenance specialists are always happy to assist – even if it’s just to help diagnose a weird noise! To help ease your mind and make your decision on how to react a little easier, we created this little guide to some of the most frequent kinds of sounds we hear reported, and what they might mean.

1. Buzzing Sound

A buzzing noise coming from your outdoor AC unit may very well mean that it’s malfunctioning. The possible issues include:

• Loose parts
• Damaged or missing isolation feet
• Debris in the unit
• Failing fan motor
• Malfunctioning compressor
• Refrigerant leaks

All of these are issues that shouldn’t be ignored, are signs that it’s a good time to call an AC specialist in the Chicago west suburbs to come take a look.

2. Banging / Clanking Sound

A banging noise from your AC unit can indicate that the blower is unbalanced, that there’s a loose or broken part inside the compressor, or that the compressor needs to be replaced. Having a local HVAC professional come take a look at it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

3. Clicking Sound

If you hear a clicking sound only when your AC unit first comes on or while it’s shutting down, there’s usually nothing to worry about as this is typical. You don’t need to call in the professionals in this instance.

However, an ongoing clicking sound is not normal. This could be due to a defective relay, a failing thermostat, or an issue with some other electrical part. In that event, it’s important to get your system evaluated by an expert before it turns into a serious issue.

4. Squealing Sound

Indoor blower and outdoor fan motors can make a really loud squealing sound when they are going bad, or if the belt connecting them has slipped. Now, some AC units normally make a squealing sound during start-up, but if noise is something your system only recently started making, that’s an indication that something is wrong. Consider calling a local HVAC professional to check it out.

5. Humming Sound

A humming noise could signal the beginning failure of your AC’s motor or starting capacitator. Loose parts and wiring could also cause a humming sound, as well as other electrical issues.

6. Screaming Humming Sound

If your AC sounds like it’s screaming, we recommend turning it off and calling a professional right away. A screaming noise could indicate that your compressor is failing or there is high pressure within it which could be dangerous.

7. Rattling Sound

Leaves and twigs caught in the external unit could cause a rattling noise, as well as loose bolts and screws on the AC unit’s casing, so you may want to first check for these things.

If that’s not the issue, it could be a loose component within your air conditioner or compressor. The louder the noise, the greater the problem potentially is.

8. Screaming Humming Sound

If your AC sounds like it’s screaming, we recommend turning it off and calling a professional right away. A screaming noise could indicate that your compressor is failing or that there is high pressure within it which could be dangerous.

If you suspect something is wrong with your AC unit, or even if you’re not sure, you can Nortek Environmental, Inc., Naperville heating and cooling specialists, at (630) 548-1500. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.