Why Is My Air Conditioner Making A Noise?

Hearing weird noises when your air conditioner is working? There’s a strong probability there’s something wrong with your AC. If you ignore it, it could lead to major—and expensive—issues eventually. We’re going to help you understand what’s occurring with your air conditioner and what you can do to fix it. 

8 Common Air Conditioning Noises 

• Gurgling – Gurgling usually indicates a problem with your refrigerant line. If you can’t determine where the noise is coming from, that’s alright. A technician can help find out where this noise is occurring.
• Crackling – Crackling could be due to debris in the unit or aging ductwork. Debris in the outdoor unit will create a noise outside your house. Aging ductwork can produce noise inside your house.
• Hissing – Hissing can be caused by a faulty refrigerant line, an internal valve leak or the compressor.
• Buzzing – Buzzing is probably an electrical issue.
• Clicking – Clicking can mean you have a loose part or that the fan is misaligned.
• Pulsating – Pulsating can be caused by a loose part.
• Loud Noise – A loud noise from your outside unit can mean an issue with your compressor, damper, fan or air handler.
• Humming – Humming can arise from fan motor issues or a broken relay switch. Read through our humming noise guide for more information. 

You can find additional information about common air conditioning troubles on energy.gov 

Should I keep running my system when it’s making a noise? 

There are a few cases where you can continue to run your AC, but you do so at your own risk. It’s almost impossible to answer this question without looking at your system. 

Usually, we recommend turning the unit off and contacting a professional. 

When should I do something about the noise? 

We recommend calling a professional as soon as you recognize there’s an issue with your unit. While AC repairs can be stressful and an unexpected spend, it’s better to get problems fixed right away. Calling a professional could help minimize future expenses and keep your system running longer. 

Not sure if your air conditioner is making any of these noises? Please schedule online for a free, in-home consultation.