DIY Solutions — How to Deal with Strange Noises from Your Air Conditioner

Is your A/C keeping you up at night? Has its constant whining taken a toll on your sanity?

Don’t worry — it’s not just in your head. When air conditioners start malfunctioning, they often make funny noises. Which is why we created this blog. Keep reading for practical, DIY solutions to fix your A/C when it starts making funny noises.

Identifying Noises

Let’s start by pinpointing the problem. First, we need to identify the specific noises your unit is making, as different sounds point to different issues.

Here’s what to listen for:

• Banging or Clanking
• Buzzing
• Squealing or Screeching
• Clicking
• Humming
• Rattling

These noises can be hard to tell apart, but accurately identifying them is crucial to finding the underlying problem. For example, continuous buzzing might suggest issues with the motor or fan blades, while persistent clicking often indicates electrical problems.

Understanding Air Conditioner Noises

Now that you know what to listen for, it’s finally time to tackle that annoying noise!

But before you start, be sure to keep these tips in mind:

• ALWAYS turn off the A/C unit before inspecting it.
• Check your filter first! A dirty filter is a simple fix and a common cause of unusual noises.
• Listen carefully. Identifying the noise and its source is essential to resolving the issue.
• If you’re not comfortable with these repairs, don’t hesitate to call Pomona Valley Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning!

Banging or Clanking

Possible Causes: Loose or broken components, such as a connecting rod, piston pin, or crankshaft.

Solution: This usually indicates a serious issue. Turn off the unit and contact one of our expert technicians at Pomona Valley Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning for inspection and repair.

Buzzing

Possible Causes: Loose parts, debris in the unit, or issues with the motor or fan blades.

Solution:

1. Turn off the unit and check for visible debris around the fan blades or motor. Carefully remove any obstructions.
2. Check for loose parts, tightening any loose screws or bolts.
3. If the noise persists, contact one of our expert technicians.

Squealing or Screeching

Possible Causes: Worn-out belts, misaligned blower motor, or insufficient lubrication in the motor.

Solution: Turn off the unit and inspect the belts for wear. If they’re worn, they need replacing. If you feel confident, lubricate the motor following the manufacturer’s instructions. If the noise continues, schedule professional maintenance with an HVAC contractor at Pomona Valley Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning.

Clicking

Possible Causes: Electrical issues, such as a failing thermostat or a faulty control panel.

Solution: First, replace the thermostat batteries and ensure it’s set correctly. If that doesn’t help, check for loose or frayed wires, but do not attempt to fix electrical issues yourself. Contact one of our HVAC technicians to inspect the electrical components instead.

Humming

Possible Causes: Problems with the fan motor, capacitor, or electrical components.

Solution: Ensure the fan blades are not obstructed and can spin freely. If the blades are clear and the noise persists, call one of our professional team members to examine your A/C’s electrical components.

Rattling

Possible Causes: Loose screws, bolts, or panels, or debris trapped in the unit.

Solution: Turn off the unit and tighten any loose screws, bolts, or panels. Check for and remove any noticeable debris in or around the unit.

Conclusion

When in doubt, call a professional!

The expert technicians at Pomona Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are standing by and ready to assist you. We’ve been serving LA and OC counties for over sixty years, so you can trust that we have the expertise and tools to fix your A/C!

To schedule a service call, contact (909) 764-3214.