• Real Estate Professionals
  • Service Providers
First American Home Warranty
  • Request Service
  • Sign In
  • 888.875.0533
  • Get a Quote
  • Menu
Request Service Sign In

Homeowner

  • Overview
  • Why Buy a Home Warranty
  • What's Covered
  • How to Request Service
  • Home Warranty Reviews
  • Get a Quote
  • Home Appliance Warranty Coverage
  • Budget Protection
  • What is a Home Warranty?

Service Provider

  • Overview
  • Why Join Our Team
  • Home Warranty Network 101
  • Service Provider Testimonials
  • Service Provider Application

Real Estate Professional

  • Overview
  • Why Choose First American
  • Sample Coverage
  • Locate Your Area Manager
  • CRES Home Warranty
  • Real Estate Testimonials
  • Marketing Materials

Resources

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Case Studies and Testimonials
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Home Maintenance Tips
Menu

Sign In / Register

  • Email Address is required.
  • Password is required.
Register Forgot Password
Request Service Sign In
  • Blog Home
  • Budget Smart
  • Home Care
  • Home Maintenance
  • Home Warranty
  • Homeowner Tips
  • Lifestyle
  • Real Estate
  • Archives
Why Is Your AC Making Noise?
Homeowner Tips

Why Is Your AC Making Noise?

Is your air conditioner making pulsating noises? Perhaps it’s making noise when off? Or maybe you’re just wondering, “why is my AC so loud?” Banging, buzzing, squealing, hissing, and clicking — these are some of the most common air conditioner sounds that you may suddenly start to hear coming from your system. A noisy air conditioner isn’t just annoying, it can be concerning.

Ignoring unusual air conditioner noise can allow minor issues to develop into significant expenses. If your AC is making noise, it could be a sign that it needs a tune-up, repairs, or even replacing. Therefore, the sooner you determine why your air conditioner is making noise, the better.

In this post, we’ll discuss some everyday AC noises and what they mean, provide some information on how to fix these problems, and share the signs that indicate your AC unit needs replacing.

Different Noises an AC Makes and What They Mean

Wondering what those air conditioner sounds mean? Whether your air conditioning making a loud buzzing noise or your AC system is gurgling when it’s switched on, there are multiple reasons for your AC making noise.

Different noises correspond to various components. Here are some noises air conditioners make when they have certain problems:

Banging Noises

When your AC is making noise, banging can be a sign of a loose or broken part. This could be a piston pin, connecting rod, or crankshaft that has made its way into the AC compressor. Alternatively, banging noises could be a sign that your compressor is failing.

Clicking

Clicking sounds when your AC unit powers up or shuts down can be perfectly normal. However, constant clicking is unusual and could be a sign that the thermostat is failing. There are many electrical components inside an AC unit, so it’s vital to pay attention to clicking noises as these could signify considerable problems.

Squealing

The blower and fan inside your AC can create noises such as rattles, squeals, and squeaks. Indoor blower motors and outdoor fan motors also squeal when they are deteriorating. Additionally, the blower wheel will squeal if it’s malfunctioning.

With some AC units, these sounds are a regular part of powering up. However, if your AC starts to squeal mid-flow, it’s worth seeking professional advice.

Clanking

Clanking can be a sign of out-of-balance or lose parts. If your AC is making a clanking noise, some parts could have failed or the compressor may be loose. A clanking sound can also happen when the outdoor fan and its blades are out of sync. This is something that should be repaired as soon as possible, as these kinds of problems only get worse over time.

Humming

Humming sounds coming from your AC unit are generally not very serious. Refrigerant piping and any loose parts will vibrate, which can create a humming sound. Additionally, buzzing/humming noises could signal an electrical problem. Either way, it helps to get your AC inspected and repaired by a professional for peace of mind and safety.

AC Making Noise? How to Fix It

If your AC is making a loud noise, there could be something seriously wrong with the unit. Therefore, we recommend that you contact a professional to diagnose the problem and fix the AC issue.

For minor issues, here are a few things you or your AC repair technician can do to try and stop your AC from making noise.

Tighten any Loose Screws

The vibration when your AC is running can cause screws around the unit to loosen. This can cause a rattling noise and lead to important components loosening over time. We recommend having all the screws tightened during a routine tune-up to avoid unwanted noise and potential damage.

Clear any Debris Caught in the AC Blades

Again, when your technician comes to tune up your AC unit, ask them to remove any debris that has collected around the blades. This helps to prevent and eliminate clanging or banging noises coming from your AC unit as it powers up.

Straighten and Clean Coil Fins

Maintaining the coil fins inside your unit can increase its efficiency. Ask your technician to straighten the coil fins with a fin comb and clean any lingering debris with a portable vacuum.

How Long Do AC Systems Last?

Regardless of your AC making noise, air conditioning units tend to last 10-15 years. Heating systems can last slightly longer, averaging 15-20 years, if they are well-maintained. If you start to notice your cooling system working less efficiently and the temperature in your home fluctuating, it might be a sign that your AC needs servicing, or could be on its way out.

Home Warranty Coverage for Air Conditioning

Here at First American Home Warranty, we can help protect your budget from expensive AC repair and replacement costs with our home warranty plans. When you have our AC home warranty coverage, you’ll also have a simple solution when your air conditioning system breaks. Get a free home warranty quote today.

Resources to Help Keep Your AC System Maintained

  • Air Conditioner Tune Up Guide
  • How to Change the Air Filter in Your HVAC System
  • Fall Maintenance for Your Air Conditioner
  • Spring Maintenance for Your Air Conditioner
  • How Does AC Work?

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

This article is about...
  • Air conditioners
  • HVAC
  • Home repair
How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell: The Tips You Need
Homeowner Tips

How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell: The Tips You Need

How to Remove Water Stains on a Ceiling
Homeowner Tips

How to Remove Water Stains on a Ceiling

How to Fix a Sink Stopper
Homeowner Tips

How to Fix a Sink Stopper

Couple shopping online

Get a personalized home warranty quote

It only takes a few minutes

View home warranty plans that could save you hundreds to thousands of dollars each year.

Get Started Today

Popular Articles

water heater temperature
What's the Best Temperature for Your Water Heater?
Finding a home's shutoffs
Where to Find Your Home's Shutoff Valves
Ceiling fan direction
Which Way Should Your Ceiling Fan Turn?
When to change water filter
How Often Should You Change Water Filters?
Home warranty repair
What is a Home Warranty?
Change dishwasher filter
Does Your Dishwasher Have a Filter?
garbage disposal tips
What Can Safely Go in the Garbage Disposal?
Grout cleaning guidance
Guide to Care, Cleaning, and Maintenance of Grout
Changing air filter
How to Change the Air Filter in Your HVAC System
Converting your garage
Garage Conversion Ideas

This website uses cookies and similar technologies to manage your sessions, manage content, and improve your website experience. To learn more about these technologies, your options, and about other categories of personal information we collect through this website and how we may use it, please see our privacy policy. This notice is effective for your use of this website for the next 14 days.

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • Sitemap
© 2022 First American Home Warranty Corporation and its licensed subsidiaries. All rights reserved.