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Book NowAfter a long summer day, you are ready to rest on your couch and kickstart the air conditioner to cool off. However, you immediately hear noises from the AC loud enough that you have to increase your television’s volume. So you start to wonder, “Why is my air conditioner loud?”
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Why Is My Air Conditioner Loud: Top 5 Reasons
May 21, 2024
4 min
From banging noises to screeches, our technicians at Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric have dealt with all sorts of problems associated with loud heating and cooling system sounds for over 15 years. Whether it’s a loose component or a faulty part, our technicians have been able to repair ACs dealing with loud noise issues.
Various problems can cause air conditioners to make loud noises, but the top common reasons are:
- Loose parts and connections
- Problems with the fan motor
- Dirty condenser coils
- Damaged fan fins
- Ductwork issues
In this article, we’ll review each of these issues and how they may be responsible for the loud noises coming from your air conditioner. With this insider information at your disposal, you’ll feel even more confident in working with a technician as they repair your noisy central cooling system.
Top Reasons Why Your AC Is Loud
It’s normal for air conditioners to make some noise, such as soft humming or light clicking at startup, but a technician should investigate any abnormal loud rattling or banging. If the air conditioner is located in a utility closet, the room itself can be soundproofed to reduce the sound.
After inspecting your air conditioner, the technician should be able to determine what’s causing the loud noises. One of the most common reasons for this is loose connections throughout the AC unit.
Loose Parts and Connections
Central air conditioners can make banging, rumbling, and clanking noises if there are internal parts with loose screws and connections. When an AC is powered on and operating, it can vibrate slightly, which, over a long period, can loosen up the bolts and nuts within the system.
Even though loose connections are sometimes common in air conditioners across Los Angeles homes, they can be prevented through yearly maintenance. Tightening parts and loose connections are some services usually included in AC tune-ups and maintenance.
Although it may seem easy for most homeowners to tighten screws with power drills, it’s best and highly recommended to leave it up to a professional technician. Not only are they certified, but technicians have a better understanding of air conditioning parts and can perform maintenance without causing any damage to the system.
Tightening any loose bolts is an easy fix for most noisy ACs. But sometimes other parts, like the fan motor, can cause strange sounds when it starts to fail.
Issues With the Fan Motor
The fan motor is located in the indoor unit of a heating and cooling system and can make any of the following unusual sounds:
- Squealing
- Screeching
- Grinding
- Buzzing
Most of the strange, loud noises could be related to an issue with the bearings. If the fan motor bearings aren’t lubricated, they can make loud noises from friction from metal rubbing on metal. The motor can also experience electrical issues that can create a buzzing sound.
The blower fan motor is integral to a heating and cooling system because it blows the warm or cool air circulated throughout the ducts. Once a noise issue is narrowed down to the fan motor, it can be replaced, eliminating the odd loud sounds.
Another issue that could cause your AC to make weird noises is problems with the condenser.
Problems with the AC Condenser
Issues with the air conditioning system condenser can create loud noises such as squealing and screeching. The AC condenser also has a fan motor that may experience electrical problems, producing a buzzing noise.
Because it’s located outside, dirt and debris can get caught in and around the condenser, causing strange noises. With routine maintenance, any annual debris buildup in the condenser unit can be removed, eliminating any chance of strange noises being heard.
There are fans near the condenser and the blower motor. In the next section, we’ll review how damaged and obstructed fans can make abnormal, sometimes loud noises when they’re damaged or instructed.
Damaged and Obstructed Fans
Dirty fans or damaged fan blades could cause loud and out-of-the-ordinary sounds from your air conditioner. If the blades from the fan are loose, it can produce a rattling noise.
Neglecting to routinely maintain a central AC system can cause the fans to get dirty and clogged with debris. The fans will start making clanky sounds because they can’t spin properly.
Investing in AC maintenance services includes cleaning the indoor and outdoor units where the fans are located to prevent clogs that can lead to loud noises. Damaged fans will need to be further serviced by a professional to see if they can be repaired or replaced.
The last probable cause of weird noises from your AC may be ductwork issues.
Ductwork Problems With Your AC
An air conditioner with punctured or damaged ductwork will likely produce loud banging and popping noises. Aging ductwork is prone to loose seals and damage from outside forces and, in some cases, rodents.
Dirty ductwork may also produce weird sounds, but a thorough duct cleaning from a professional can address them. If the loud noises come from damaged ductwork, a technician will most likely need to replace it.
Any loud and unusual noises should be gone once the ductwork is cleaned or replaced entirely.
Fixing a Noisy Air Conditioner
Whether it’s a minor loose screw or extensive ductwork damage, loud and strange noises can come from a variety of sources within an air conditioner. By now, you should be up to speed with some of the most common causes behind loud air conditioner noise. With this information, you can better understand a technician when they provide a diagnosis of your AC’s noise issues.
At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’ve heard all the unusual noises that can come from an air conditioner and seen what issues are causing them. Since 2007, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners deal with all the bad noises you shouldn’t hear from a central cooling system.
If you’re interested in having your air conditioner’s weird noises looked into further, contact us using one of the buttons below. You can also directly book an appointment through our online HVAC scheduler.
Weird noises from air conditioners aren’t the only issues that can occur. Your cooling system can have a whole list of issues. Find out what they are and possible solutions to these problems.
