Why Is My Air Conditioner Making A Noise?

Hearing odd noises when your air conditioner is on? There’s probably something wrong with your unit. If you don’t fix it, it could lead to major—and expensive—troubles down the road. We’re going to help you figure out what’s occurring with your air conditioner and what you can do to change it. 

8 Common Air Conditioning Noises 

• Gurgling – Gurgling normally indicates a problem with your refrigerant line. If you can’t identify where the noise is coming from, that’s alright. An expert can help verify where this noise is occurring.
• Crackling – Crackling could be due to debris in the unit or aging ductwork. Debris in the outdoor unit will generate a noise outside your house. Old ductwork can cause noise inside your house.
• Hissing – Hissing can be caused by a damanged refrigerant line, an internal valve leak or the compressor.
• Buzzing – Buzzing is likely an electrical issue.
• Clicking – Clicking can mean you have a loose part or that the fan is misaligned.
• Pulsating – Pulsating can come from a loose part.
• Loud Noise – A loud noise from your outside unit can indicate an issue with your compressor, damper, fan or air handler.
• Humming – Humming can arise from fan motor issues or a busted relay switch. Check out our humming noise guide for more information. 

You can find further information about frequent air conditioning problems on energy.gov 

Should I keep operating my system when it’s making a noise? 

There are some cases where you can continue to run your AC, but you do so at your own risk. It’s hard to answer this question without looking at your system. 

Usually, we recommend shutting off the unit off and bringing in a professional. 

When should I do something about the noise? 

We recommend calling a professional as soon as you suspect there’s an issue with your unit. While AC repairs can be stressful and an unexpected spend, it’s best to get problems taken care of right away. Getting a professional could help reduce future expenses and keep your system running longer. 

Not sure if your air conditioner is making any of these noises? Please schedule online for a free, in-home consultation.