Although it might be easy to ignore at first, that funny noise that your air conditioning unit makes will slowly drive you mad and could be an indicator that something is wrong with the system.
A banging, clicking, or scraping sound is not something you should continue to put to one side. You should probably get it looked at sooner rather than later, as the system could be doing greater damage to itself every day it isn’t checked. This can lead to potentially costly repairs.
Is a Noisy Air Conditioner Dangerous?
An air conditioning system that is making an irregular noise could be damaged somehow, meaning that it could be a cause for concern for the owner. This being said, a low-level sound shouldn’t worry people unnecessarily.
The best policy for a noisy AC system is to get it inspected by a professional, who will tell you with certainty if it is dangerous or not and what the potential problem might be.
In most cases, the severity of the sound should indicate the level of danger that the AC system poses. For example, a banging sound is usually a sign that a part has come loose and is ratting around the unit.
This shouldn’t be much cause for alarm, however, you should get a professional to look at the unity at your earliest possible convenience to prevent the problem from getting any worse.
On the other hand, a loud screaming sound is a terrible sound that could indicate a very dangerous unit. In cases where a screaming sound can be heard emanating from the unit, it is recommended that you shut off the system immediately and contact a professional as soon a possible.
Why is My Air Conditioner Making Pulsating Noise?
A pulsating noise that can be heard very clearly above the average sound of the AC unit probably means that some part of the unit has come loose and is vibrating with the fan’s movement.
Parts that are liable to do this include the fan blade, fan motor, or some nuts or bolts that affix parts together. The good news is that a pulsating noise is not as serious as a banging or squealing noise, so repairs should be pretty straightforward and not overly costly.
How do I Stop My Air Conditioner from Making Pulsating Noises?
Your first port of call with your AC unit’s problem should be to contact a professional to come and inspect the faulty unit. The chances are that it should be a simple fix, however, it is always worth consulting the opinion of a specialist rather than trying to tackle the problem yourself.
If the noise represents a larger problem, such as general wear and tear that cannot be fixed with a couple of replacement parts, you may have to consider purchasing a new, more efficient model.
Other Air Conditioner Noises you Should be Aware Of
In addition to banging, pulsating, and squealing noises, your AC might make several other noises.
One of the most common is a hissing sound. This is most likely the consequence of a refrigerant leak. This means that the liquid used to cool the air is escaping somewhere inside the unit and evaporating rapidly into steam.
This isn’t a huge cause for concern. However, it is worth considering that refrigerant is quite a nasty chemical and shouldn’t be touched or inhaled by humans.
Again if you discover that your AC unit is making a hissing noise, you should contact a professional to address the issue.
Another noise that you should be aware of is a buzzing noise. This consistent buzzing or humming noise is, in most cases, a clue that there is an electrical problem with the AC unit.
This could pertain to the wiring, condenser fan, or motor. If you hear this noise make sure to shut off the unit and call a professional technician to look at the issue.
Lastly, if you can hear a kind of gurgling noise that sounds like liquid being trapped, this should also alert you that there is something wrong with your system.
A gurgling noise usually means that the system’s drain line has been broken or is hampered in some way. This is a less dangerous noise but one that still warrants inspection either by yourself if you feel that you can make the repairs or get a professional to take a look for you.
Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips to Prevent Noise
If you want to keep your AC unit in top shape, there are a few tips that you should take on board.
The first is to change the air filters of your unit regularly. This won’t only improve the unit’s efficiency but prevent a build-up of debris that could cause problems for you further down the road.
Next, you should keep an eye on the condition of the unit’s evaporator and condenser coils. Dirt and grime can build upon these over time and restrict airflow through the unit.
Ensure the outside of the unit clear of leaves and other detritus, preventing air from entering the unit and clog up the insides leading to problems.
Lastly, now and then, make sure that the coil fins in your unit haven’t been bent or broken in any way, as this again can prevent air from entering the unit correctly.
Summary
If your air conditioning unit is making any unusual sounds at the end of the day, it’s probably wise to get it checked by a technician. The sooner you take action, the better, too, as prolonged noises can equate to more significant damage.
In addition to keeping an ear out for strange noises, you should also make an effort to inspect your unit at least every 6 months or so to make sure it is still functioning as it should.