Receiving Helpdesk

why does my ac make a clicking noise

by Tanner Greenholt Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

That is, this noise could indicate a number of different problems, including:

  • An overfilled air filter
  • Loose components
  • Unbalanced or loose fan blades
  • Unbalanced, loose, or malfunctioning blower motor
  • A condenser coil in need of maintenance
  • The copper lines are intertwined or rubbing against something else
  • There is debris in either the outdoor or the indoor unit

More items...

Constant AC Clicking
Repetitive clicking while the AC runs typically means a fan blade has gotten bent, broken, or blocked. Fortunately, this usually only requires a small repair or blade replacement.
Feb 4, 2022

Full Answer

Why is my car AC making a clicking noise?

  • An air filter that’s slamming against the return grille
  • A closing damper
  • Expanding & contracting ducts
  • Blower motor fan problem
  • Outdoor compressor’s internal support springs are busted
  • The outdoor fan is knocking against the unit

What clicking noises from your a/C may mean?

Noises Your AC Makes and What They Might Mean

  1. Banging. Banging is usually a sure sign that there's a loose or broken part - a connecting rod, piston pin or crankshaft - inside the air conditioning compressor.
  2. Clanking. Clanking is another sign of a loose or out-of-balance part. ...
  3. Clicking. ...
  4. Buzzing. ...
  5. Squealing. ...
  6. Humming. ...
  7. Chattering/Rattling. ...
  8. Screaming. ...
  9. Pulsating. ...
  10. Whirring. ...

What is that Noise my AC is making?

Reasons Why Your Ac Is Making Gurgling Noise

  • Refrigerant Lines. As you know, your air conditioner requires refrigerant in order to operate properly. ...
  • Clogged Drain. Whenever you’re dealing with fluid systems, a clog is possible. ...
  • Condensate Pump. If your aid handler doesn’t drain via gravity, it instead relies on a condensate pump. ...

What could make a clicking noise?

Other possible causes

  • Bad spark plugs or wires. Spark plugs seal off each cylinder, so if one cracks or gets loose, you’ll hear a ticking noise. ...
  • Exhaust leak. Your car’s exhaust system is sealed up tight — any leak will cause the engine to sound louder. ...
  • Bad bearing or accessory. ...
  • Engine fan or loose parts. ...
  • Ignition problems. ...
  • Purge valve, PCV valve or fuel injectors. ...

How do I fix my AC clicking?

It is not normal for your unit to click repeatedly, blow warm air, or not turn on at all if you choose the cooling setting. Two main AC unit components may cause clicking and non-starting: the capacitor or the compactor. The real trick is figuring out which one is bad, so you can get it serviced properly.

Why is my AC clicking on and off?

If your air conditioner keeps turning on and off your AC system is most likely short cycling. An AC system may turn on and off repeatedly due to dirty, broken, or failing parts or for various other mechanical or electrical reasons.

Why does my AC relay keep clicking?

When you adjust your settings, you may hear a quick, soft clicking. This is usually due to your AC's relay turning your AC on and off. If that clicking is loud and/or continues for more than a few seconds, you probably have an issue with a broken relay or a worn wire in your thermostat.

What are the symptoms of an overcharged AC system?

6 Symptoms That Your Air Conditioner Is Overcharged With...Inflating Energy Bills. ... Increasing Heat Discharge. ... Developing Frost Layers. ... Squealing from the Compressor. ... Shutting Down Entirely. ... Measuring Uneven Pressure Levels.

Why does my air conditioner whistle?

If you hear high-pitched whistling or screaming, shut the air conditioner off and call a professional right away. The most likely cause is a refrigerant leak, which not only damages your air conditioner but can also threaten your family’s health.

Why does my AC make a pulsating noise?

An air conditioner making a pulsating noise isn’t necessarily a bad sign — a little pulsing noise can be perfectly normal when the air conditioner is operating. But if your outdoor A/C unit is making a pulsating noise that you can hear from inside the house, it could be a sign that something has come loose inside the unit and needs to be replaced. Some likely culprits include the fan motor and blades, but any loose panel or part could cause a pulsing noise in your AC.

Why does my air conditioner make a humming noise?

Loose parts and refrigerant piping can cause vibration and, if left unchecked, can lead to a more serious maintenance issue. Sometimes humming or buzzing noises point to electrical problems. If the compressor hums and refuses to start, there may be an issue with the motor, though loose wiring could trigger this noise, too.

Why is my air conditioner freezing up?

The condenser coil needs to be cleaned. The air filter needs to be changed. The blower is going bad or out of balance. Refrigerant leaks, resulting in your air conditioning freezing up. If it’s conditioning not cooling, this could be why.

What are the sounds of a duct leak?

This may or may not be accompanied by any telltale noises, depending on how bad the leak is and where it’s located. 5. Squealing. Blower and fan noises such as squeaks, squeals and ra ttles may be transmitted through the duct system. Outdoor fan motors and indoor blower motors squeal loudly when they’re going bad.

What does excessive noise mean on a refrigerator?

Excessive noise from an older unit is usually a sign of its age, and may indicate serious problems like refrigerant leaks or a faulty compressor. Now that R22 refrigerant has been replaced by R410-A, adding refrigerant to an old system has become expensive enough to warrant replacement of the system.

What does it mean when your compressor is banging?

A banging noise may also indicate that your system needs a compressor replacement. 2. Clanking. Clan king is another sign of a loose or out-of-balance part. The parts inside the sealed unit have likely failed, and the compressor itself may have become loose, possibly necessitating a replacement.

Why does my AC keep clicking when it comes on?

Electrical system or circuit box: Each time the indoor temperature gets too high and your air conditioner comes on , you may hear a click (and see a slight dimming of the lights) as the AC pulls the voltage it needs to start up. If you hear a click but your AC doesn’t come on, you likely have an electrical problem.

What to do when you hear a noise coming from your AC?

Anytime you hear unusual sounds coming from your AC, the best thing to do is call Alamance Oil. Trained, experienced technicians will identify the problem and repair it quickly and accurately. Don’t ignore the sound or you could end up with a broken down air conditioner on a hot day. A simple repair done at the right time can save you from having to replace your entire system. Don’t wait, call Alamance Oil today: (336) 226-9371.

What does a central air conditioner sound like?

Central air conditioners emit a variety of noises that range from normal to abnormal. Sounds like blowing air, soft whirring, one soft click when your system comes on, are all normal for a properly operating HVAC system.

Why does my fan make a clicking sound?

An obstruction to the fan blades will cause a clicking sound every time the blades hit the obstruction as they spin. If the clicking starts out slow and gradually gets faster and then persists, you most likely have a fan-related problem. It could also be a bent fan blade causing the clicking sound.

Why does my blend door make a clicking noise?

If the blend doors are not moving because they’re stuck or broken, you will hear a clicking from in your dash. The motor can also fail and cause a clicking noise . The compressor works like a pump to compressor refrigerant. If there is a problem in the air conditioning system, such as a leak, the compressor could turn on, then off, then on, ...

Why do we add dye to refrigerant?

This is because refrigerant is a gas and does not leave a trace where it is leaking.

What does it mean when your car makes a loud noise?

Any abnormal noise your car makes is a sign of wear or damage , but if the only problem you are experiencing is the noise, then there is likely nothing to worry about. That said, if it is left alone for too long you could end up with air conditioning that doesn’t work in the future!

What happens if your air conditioner isn't working?

If your air conditioning isn’t keeping up, then you probably have a leak. This will sometimes cause the compressor to cycle, as we mentioned earlier.

Clicking Sound Coming From Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner is making a clicking noise, it can be a lot more than just annoying to hear—a clicking sound may indicate a serious breakdown, such as an electrical issue with the relay or thermostat. In this case, never attempt an electrical or HVAC repair on your own.

Abnormal Air Conditioner Noises

Some sounds are just a normal characteristic of air conditioning systems. The hums and vibrations which indicate your system is operating, the muffled noises upon starting up or shutting off, and the whistles and buzzing of your vent covers are all fairly normal sounds.

Schedule AC Repair Today

Rick’s Heating & Cooling, Inc. has been the premier HVAC company in the Warren County, Ohio area for nearly three decades. Our reliable and licensed hometown professionals provide installation, service, and repairs. We offer 24/7 air conditioning emergency repair service .

Why does my refrigerator make a gurgling sound?

These sounds usually signal a refrigerant problem. When the air gets trapped in the refrigerant lines, a gurgling sound is the result. A refrigerant leak can also produce a bubbling noise in addition to a hissing noise.

Why does my HVAC make a hissing noise?

A compressor valve leak can also cause hissing noise. The valves control the pressurization of the refrigerant. In this case, you should not wait to contact an HVAC specialist as this issue can lead to severe damage.

Why does my AC compressor make a buzzing noise?

If you hear an AC compressor noise, it has likely malfunctioned. If it is still getting power after it has stopped functioning – a buzzing sound is the result. You will need to replace the compressor, which is pricey.

What is the purpose of a contactor in an air conditioner?

The contactor is responsible for controlling the flow of electricity to your air conditioning unit. A contactor is like a bridge, which connects your air conditioner to the power supply. When the air conditioner is turned off, the contactor opens up, disabling the power supply.

Why does my air conditioner make a rattling noise?

Furthermore, many rattling noises are also the result of loose screws. Both the inside and outside units of an air conditioner vibrate when they are turned on. Over time, this vibration can cause the screws to become loose. This issue is simple to fix, and all you need to do is tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

Why does my HVAC system make a cracking sound?

When the temperature is set too low, and the moisture is not draining correctly, or the fins are dirty, the coils in your HVAC unit’s evaporator can freeze . When ice falls from these coils, it makes a cracking sound that echoes through your system.

How loud is an air conditioner?

Modern HVAC units use sound-dampening technology that keeps the sound level between 25 and 55 deci bels, depending on your air conditioner type. In simple words, 25 decibels is equal to a sound of a whisper, 55 decibels is equal to a normal mid-level conversation at home. The latest window and mini-split ductless ACs tend to be quieter than the central ducted systems. Any AC making noises that are extremely loud and unfamiliar, is most probably suffering from some malfunction or a problem that needs special attention. Air conditioner noises, although quite annoying, can help let you know that something has gone wrong before it gets to the point where it cannot be fixed or is just too costly to fix, such as repairing a fan motor or a compressor.

Why does my air conditioner make a buzzing noise?

If buzzing noises are heard from the indoor air conditioner, the problem is likely frozen evaporator coils. Buzzing noises can often be heard when ice has formed on the coils inside the central air system.

What does it mean when your air conditioner makes a loud noise?

If Your Air Conditioner Is Making Weird Noises, Here’s What to Do. If you hear loud noises that your air conditioner is making, you probably wonder if these sounds are normal. When air conditioning noises differ from the usual humming you’re used to hearing from your indoor air handler or outdoor unit, the sounds you hear could mean common air ...

Why does my indoor blower make a noise?

The indoor blower fan may have loose fan blades rattling around as the motor rotates the fan.

Why does my air conditioner squeak?

Squealing is a sign of high internal pressure and dangerous operating conditions. You’ll hear the squealing sounds as the air conditioner first starts, and they last only about 10 to 15 seconds.

What happens if your air conditioner blades are loose?

If loose parts repeatedly strike against others, banging noise and rattling sounds will worsen and more expensive service may be required to repair the air conditioner. If fan blades on the blower fan or outdoor fan are loose, they can often be reset.

Why does my thermostat make a clicking noise?

When a clicking noise repeats throughout a cooling cycle, it’s a sign of trouble. An electrical problem with a relay switch or capacitors in the compressor could cause the clicking noise you hear, or clicking is the sound of a dying thermostat that needs to be replaced. Fix the Noise.

What does it mean when a fan makes a clanking noise?

Clanking Sounds. Noises that sound like clanking could mean loose parts as well, but clanking noise may also tell you that the fan blades are not in balance. This issue can affect the indoor fan as well as the outdoor condenser fan unit.

Why does my AC unit make a popping noise?

In many cases, cracking and popping noises involve ice forming inside the unit. This can happen if the temperature is set too low or if it’s not draining properly. AC units have a sensor so that they know when ice forms, and they turn off to thaw out.

Why does my air conditioner make a loud noise?

Everything from a bent fan blade to low oil in the compressor could be causing the noise . It’s important to have unusual noises in your air conditioner checked right away, as they won’t go away on their own—and the problem usually gets worse.

How to check if a water heater drains properly?

On some units, you can also check yourself to see if it’s draining properly. Simply pull out the removable drain pan and check the drain. If the pan is full of water and the drain is clogged, clean it out so that it drains normally. This will prevent a backup of cold water that can freeze up the unit.

Does cracking noise lower energy bills?

If that’s the case, having them fixed could not only stop the noise, but lower your energy bills. Ongoing Cracking or Popping Noises Can Be Serious. Unfortunately, sometimes a cracking or popping noise signals a deeper issue—one that needs to be addressed immediately.

Is thermal expansion bad for AC?

This kind of thermal expansion is generally harmless, and if the noises are rare, you may not need to worry much—especially if AC performance is still fine. However, you should tell your AC professional next time their visit for a biannual maintenance visit.

Why does my AC compressor make a rattling noise?

The compressor clutch pressurizes your AC and pumps refrigerant through the system. A rattling could indicate it’s time to replace your worn out compressor clutch (and maybe even the entire AC compressor). Idler pulley. An air conditioner pulley making noise can also come from failing bearings. These typically start when your AC compressor engages. ...

How to tell if you need to replace AC compressor?

AC compressor. Rattling or your car air conditioner making loud humming noises which get worse as you accelerate can both be signs you need to replace your AC compressor. Compressor clutch. This high-wear part often needs replacing, especially if you live somewhere where you’re constantly running your car’s AC.

What does it mean when your AC is squealing?

Loud squealing or screeching is the most common noise drivers experience when they turn on a malfunctioning AC.#N#This sound often signals an issue with your drive belt or serpentine belt .#N#The serpentine belt is responsible for turning the pulley at your air conditioner compressor, which pressurizes the refrigerant lines and makes it possible for cool air to reach your cabin, among other duties.#N#Though squealing or screeching is a good indicator of a worn belt needing attention, you can examine your serpentine belt for signs of wear like cracks and tears, or missing ribs facing the pulley, before you bring your car in for service.#N#You’ll still want a mechanic to diagnose the issue definitively because failing bearings in the compressor pulley can also make noises like squealing, roaring, and grinding too.#N#This next car air conditioner noise is also very common — but not necessarily bad.

Why does my car AC make a noise?

If you’re hearing a car AC compressor noise while accelerating, or a buzzing noise when you first turn on your car’s air conditioner, you may have too much Freon in your system .#N#Often topped off during a routine service visit, an overcharged air conditioner means the refrigerant may be entering your AC compressor intake port — and that’s bad.#N#Your AC will not be able to properly cool your vehicle and it may cause serious damage to your compressor or other components. Get your vehicle checked out ASAP.

What does it mean when your car makes a hissing noise?

A hissing noise is another common sound drivers hear from their car’s air conditioner. The good news is this doesn’t always spell trouble. If you hear the AC hissing after you turn your car off, that’s actually just your car’s way of equalizing pressure.

How to fix a car AC that is clicking?

The loose parts will rattle and shake and you’ll hear a racket when you kick on the AC.#N#To troubleshoot this issue, turn your engine on, pop open the hood, and crank up the AC. Check to see which parts are shaking and then tighten those so they stop. You’ll also want to add thread-locking compound to the parts to prevent them from loosening in the future.#N#This final noise may be the most serious to watch out for.

Why does my AC rattle?

That means rattles can stem from any number of issues like a bad catalytic converter to a failing power steering pump pulley.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9