AC Unit Noises and What They Mean

Whenever a noise suddenly starts from an appliance in your home, it’s time to get it checked by a professional. This is especially true for your HVAC system. When your AC is making an unusual noise, there is always a possibility that a bigger issue is causing the sound.

The noise may be your first warning sign, but if left unchecked, can progress to more serious issues like a system that no longer cools your home the way it should. In a way, noises are a great indicator it’s time to call your trusted HVAC repair service team before the issue starts to affect your day-to-day life.

However, a lot of homeowners may not know what a certain sound means and hesitate to call a professional due to their lack of knowing what the sound means. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some common sounds your AC might make, and what they can signal, so you can better identify your HVAC systems issues and get the maintenance you need.

Buzzing Noise

If you hear a buzzing noise coming from your AC unit, it could signal a few common issues. Most commonly, a buzzing noise will start on an older AC unit that has components that have loosened over time. This sound can occur from a variety of loose components such as loose screws, loose fan blades, or a loose or failing fan motor.

Another reason you may hear a buzzing sound from your AC is dirty components, particularly dirty coils on your condenser. Debris in the indoor and outdoor units can also create a buzzing sound heard from within the home.

Finally, a buzzing sound can also be caused by an issue with the electrical wiring within the AC. This type of problem is complicated to diagnose and dangerous for someone who is not a professional HVAC technician to attempt to fix. If you attempt to fix this yourself, you have a high risk of electric shock. That’s why if you hear buzzing, you should call your trusted HVAC technician to diagnose the cause.

Banging or Clanking Noise

If you are hearing a banging or clanking noise from your AC unit, not only will it be annoying to hear, but it could signal work is needed to bring your HVAC back to good working condition.

This sound typically signals a loose or unbalanced component somewhere within your HVAC system, such as your compressor or blower assembly. Anytime you hear a banging or clanking, it should not be ignored. You should call your HVAC technician as soon as possible. In great Las Vegas, you can always call Elite Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, as we have expert technicians who can perform professional diagnoses for you any day of the year.

Hissing or Whistling Noise

Your HVAC system contains ductwork which is important to its function. Ductwork connects the AC unit to the many vents throughout your home. Essentially, your AC ducts ensure no conditioned air is lost while traveling from the unit into your home.

Unfortunately, over time ducts can sustain holes or cracks. Rodents can also gnaw into ductwork creating holes. If you have holes in your ductwork, this will result in a hissing or whistling noise when the AC unit is on. Holes in your ductwork can also cause your AC to not blow air as hard as it used to or distribute cooled air unevenly from room to room. In any case, this is an issue you’ll want to have checked out ASAP by a trained HVAC technician.

Bottom Line

Unusual sounds from your AC unit indicate something is wrong. However, as you have read, many different issues may cause a variety of sounds. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to call a reliable HVAC technician out to your home as soon as a new noise develops. They will be able to diagnose the issue and fix it safely and accurately.

Here at Elite Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer professional diagnoses and repairs 365 days a year. Our technicians are trained to quickly and accurately identify the issues your HVAC system is having and fix them properly. If you’re hearing an unusual noise in your AC unit in the great Las Vegas area, contact us to get a professional diagnosis.