ABC Blog

Help! Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Clicking Noises?

Spoiler alert: That’s not supposed to happen

Even the quietest modern air conditioners make some noise as they cool your home, but there are some sounds your AC just shouldn’t be making. Clicking, banging, clanking and hissing sounds are signs of trouble, and if you hear them, you’ll need to take action to identify and resolve the problem. Here are some common indicators of AC maintenance issues.

First, listen for vibration noises. A humming sound generally isn’t an indicator of a serious issue, but it probably means that something inside your air conditioner is slightly out of order. Loose parts and too-tight refrigerant piping can cause vibration, and if left unchecked, lead to a more serious maintenance issue.

Buzzing or humming could also be a sign of an electrical problem with your air conditioner. Shut off the power and check around the wires for any signs of corrosion, rust or other damage. If the compressor hums and refuses to start, there may be an issue with the motor. Either way, your air conditioner needs professional service.

Like vibration, rattling is usually a sign of a fairly simple maintenance issue. It might just mean that the screws or bolts that hold the casing in place have come loose. After shutting down your air conditioner, try tightening those screws and see if that fixes the problem. If not, it’s important to have your system inspected by a professional.

If your air conditioner hisses during normal operation, that could be a sign of a leak in the duct system. Left unchecked, that leak could cost you quite a lot in lost cooling power. More seriously, hissing could be a sign of a refrigerant leak, which needs to be professionally repaired immediately. An AC service professional will be able to check the refrigerant gauge to see whether it’s still in the recommended range.

Clicking, clanking and banging sounds are all indicators of serious issues. A loose connecting rod or crankshaft, for instance, might be making the noise. We recommend immediately shutting down the air conditioner and taking a look before anything breaks.

Finally, 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. Screaming might also indicate high internal pressure, which again is very dangerous.

To take care of any of these air conditioning issues, you’ll need to call a trained, certified HVAC professional. At ABC Home & Commercial Services, we’re proud to be the Austin area’s AC repair and maintenance specialists. Give us a call and we’ll be right there to diagnose the issue and fix your air conditioner.

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