Top reasons why your AC is making a weird noise and how to fix it

Are you in a situation trying to catch a shut eye or focus on work when your AC decides to be an unruly neighbour? Let’s admit, a noisy air conditioner can be a real mood killer. If your AC is making weird noises, it could probably be an early indicator of some major issue with the appliance.

5 reasons and fixes to troubleshoot your noisy AC

Let’s look into the reasons your AC makes noises and their probable ways to fix them.

1. Dust particles stuck in the condenser  

2. Breakdown of fan motor bearings  

3. Loose screws  

4. High compressor pressure or refrigerant leak from the air conditioner  

5. Improper moisture drainage 

1. Dust particles stuck in your condenser

If you hear your air conditioner aggressively banging, there might be dust particles or tiny leaves or twigs that might have gotten stuck inside your AC condenser. To fix it, open the condenser cover from the condenser unit, which generally sits directly behind the thin metal fins of your outdoor AC unit. Remove the dust or the stuck particles gently with a soft brush and put the cover back on.

2. Breakdown of motor fan bearings 

If your AC is making a screeching noise while turning on, it could be possibly due to the motor fan bearings that lack lubrication. If the bearings are accessible, lubricate them with oil, grease or any other lubricant. Also, clean the dust or debris accumulation, which can restrict the bearing’s operation sometimes. 

3. Loose screws

If your AC is making a rattling noise, it’s the screws that possibly got loosened. When the AC is in use, the indoor and outdoor unit causes vibrations for which screws become loose most of the time. If any screw in the indoor unit is loose and visible, you may tighten it using a screwdriver. 

However, it is not recommended to experiment with the outdoors while finding the screws if that’s not visible at a glance. You can prefer calling for a professional in such instances.

4. High compressor pressure or refrigerant leak from the air conditioner

If your AC is making a hissing sound, it can be due to either high compressor pressure or a damaged leak in the refrigerant line.

To ensure this, you first need to inspect the condenser unit for any blockages in the outdoor unit and surrounding area. Clean the condenser coils with a soft brush to remove the loose dust or debris. Also, verify if the condenser fans are operating properly, giving out optimal airflow.

Unfortunately, if there is a refrigerant leak, it needs professional attention to get fixed. They repair or replace the refrigerant line before refilling the refrigerant gas inside the outdoor unit.

5. Improper moisture drainage

If the moisture cannot escape during low-temperature conditions in your room, the coils in your AC evaporator may freeze. When the ice starts falling, it appears to be a crackling noise coming from the system.

Most of the time, it’s the dirt in the coils that prevents the moisture from escaping. To fix this, you need to disassemble your AC unit to find access to the fins. Consider cleaning the fins with soap and water and let them dry before you assemble them again. If you cannot locate or disassemble the AC, you may take the help of an AC professional to get this fixed. 

If you need professional assistance trying the above methods, check out the ZipCare plans for air conditioners and get your noisy air conditioner fixed like a breeze.