Many of us enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with spending time at home. After all, our private residence is meant to be a safe, comfortable haven, far away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case — and your air conditioner could be to blame.
It can happen seemingly out of nowhere. You wake up one day and notice that your AC is making a loud noise. These strange, infuriating sounds can come in the form of buzzing, clicking, whistling, and more. You may also be surprised to learn that newly-installed cooling systems can also experience these types of problems as well.
So, why is your new AC so loud? Let’s walk through the potential causes of these strange noises and what you can do to address them.
Should New AC Units Be Loud?
When it comes down to it, many types of modern AC units are specifically designed to operate quietly. For example, air conditioning systems with variable-speed blower motors are known for being much quieter than units with single-speed or two-speed blower motors, as they run at a lower power capacity.
So if your cooling system is making strange, loud sounds, there’s a good chance that something is wrong and requires attention. In some cases, this problem can have a simple fix, while other situations may require the help of trained AC technicians. Now, let’s go over a few potential reasons why your AC is making a loud noise when operating.
Broken Parts
Your air conditioning system is designed to last a long time and withstand even the highest outdoor temperatures. However, this doesn’t mean that the unit won’t eventually fall victim to wear and tear. As your cooling system starts to age, it may start to accumulate wear that takes a toll on its performance — or even leads to odd sounds.
So if you’re wondering why your AC is making a loud noise inside your home, it may come as no surprise that a component could be damaged. You could be dealing with a malfunctioning blower fan or a broken motor. At the same time, the compressor could even be starting to wear out.
In any case, it’s always a good idea to contact your local AC company to diagnose and fix the complication as soon as possible. This way, you can potentially catch the problem early enough that it doesn’t worsen and cause more of an issue down the road.
Loose Components
It’s no secret that there are many annoying sounds out there — but a loud buzzing noise is usually one of the most frustrating. So if you’re wondering why your new AC is so loud and won’t stop buzzing, it’s understandable if you want to get to the root cause of the issue sooner than later.
All-in-all, your air conditioning unit may be buzzing due to loose parts. Some components that can become detached and loose include fan blades, refrigerant piping, and other internal parts. In some cases, the loose part can be adjusted and tightened to fix the problem. However, in other scenarios, a more comprehensive AC repair may be necessary.
Trapped Debris
If you want to know why your new AC is so loud, you might want to consider inspecting the outdoor unit (otherwise known as the condenser). Since this important component of your cooling system is exposed to the outside elements, various types of debris — including dust, dirt, tree branches, and leaves — can become trapped inside the condenser fan.
If you’ve noticed a rattling noise coming from the condenser unit, there’s a piece of debris stuck inside the outdoor fan. The good news is that this particular issue can be easy to fix. You can usually clean the outdoor unit yourself and remove any debris you see. Of course, you’ll need to first shut off the air conditioning system before starting the cleaning process.
How Do You Clean an AC Condenser?
It’s important to take care of your air conditioner’s maintenance needs. If the outdoor unit has been sitting exposed for a long time, where outdoor debris can get stuck inside the fan, it’s a good idea to inspect the unit and perform a thorough cleaning.
Firstly, you can start by manually removing any large pieces of debris. Afterward, you can clean the condenser’s coil fins with a soft-bristle brush. Alternatively, you can use a spray nozzle to clean the fins with water.
Do you not feel comfortable cleaning your air conditioning system all on your own? If this is the case, don’t hesitate to call an experienced technician for help. The expert can provide you with a professional AC maintenance service.
Leaking Refrigerant
Does it sound like your cooling system is producing a whistling noise? Unfortunately, this strange sound could indicate that your AC unit has a refrigerant leak. As an air conditioning system gets older, it can experience many problems, including regular wear and tear or corrosion. If the unit becomes worn down and forms holes or cracks, this can lead to refrigerant leaking out.
It’s also worth noting that refrigerant leaks can be caused by improper installation. When components are installed incorrectly, or the parts are overtightened, this can result in an unexpected leak later down the line. In the end, you may find yourself needing a comprehensive repair or complete replacement.
If you need an AC installation in Fresno, CA, or one of the surrounding communities, rest assured that Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating are the experts to call. We’re here to walk you through your options and commit ourselves to deliver top-notch service.
What Are the Signs of an Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak?
Besides a noisy air conditioner, there are various other warning signs that can suggest you’re dealing with a refrigerant leak. For example, you’ll want to be on the lookout for insufficient cooling inside your home and a sudden spike in your utility bills.
When there are low levels of refrigerant inside your air conditioner, this can cause the system to become inefficient. Unfortunately, an inefficient cooling system can have many negative effects, including discomfort and higher energy consumption. When your system loses its efficiency, it has to work twice as hard to keep your home cool. As a result, you may find that your living spaces never feel as cool as you’d like them to — and your energy bills might also seem higher than usual.
Additional red flags to be on the lookout for can include poor airflow, frozen evaporator coils, and high humidity levels inside your home. Although you might only spot a few of these issues, don’t hesitate to contact a professional as quickly as possible for help.
Refrigerant leaks may seem like minor inconveniences at first, but they certainly require immediate attention. Not only do these leaks pose a threat to your family’s comfort, but they can also put your safety at risk if you aren’t careful. It’s important to know that prompt action is always necessary where the leaky refrigerant is concerned.
Electrical Issues
Have you checked for all the issues above but still find yourself wondering why your new AC is so loud? When push comes to shove, if you’ve noticed a clicking noise coming from the unit, your cooling system could be dealing with an electrical problem. The complication and loud noises may have to do with loose electrical wiring, a circuit board issue, or a faulty thermostat.
Perhaps it goes without saying, but if your air conditioner is experiencing electrical issues, it’s crucial that you reach out to a trained technician for assistance. Attempting to fix the problem yourself can potentially be dangerous and result in more problems with the air conditioning system. When in doubt, turning to an expert in the field is always the best course of action.
Choose Lee’s for Your AC Needs
When your AC is making a loud noise that disrupts your comfort, enjoyment, and peace of mind, you deserve a quick solution. Hopefully, this guide will help you identify the cause of the problem. It’s clear to see that many different complications can cause these annoying sounds, from loose parts to refrigerant leaks. As a result, it can sometimes be challenging and a little daunting to try and pinpoint the root cause of the problem. Fortunately, you never have to go at it alone.
At Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating, our team of trained and experienced technicians is here to provide you with a dependable solution. We’re proud to offer a wide variety of services to our customers in Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas. So whether you need an HVAC maintenance service or AC repair in Fresno, we’re the team to turn to.
If the time has come to call a professional for your air conditioning needs, be assured that we’re standing by and eager to come to your aid. We can help you set up an appointment that works within your schedule and walk you through the best solutions for your needs. Contact us today to get started!
