Are you at your wit’s end? Is the constant racket coming from your A/C driving you crazy? 

You know — the banging, clanging, rattling, screeching noises that keep you awake at night and exhausted all the next day. The same noises that force you to play music or have the TV on all hours of the day so that you don’t have to listen to CLING CLING CLING CLING CLING.

You’re not losing your mind! But your air conditioner may be on the fritz. We’ve written this blog post to offer practical, DIY fixes for when your A/C starts acting up.

Identifying Noises

To find what’s wrong, we need to first be able to describe the noises your unit is making. Different sounds mean different problems.

Here’s what to listen for:

• Banging or Clanking
• Buzzing
• Squealing or Screeching
• Clicking
• Humming
• Rattling

These noises can be tricky to tell apart, but accurately identifying them is essential for diagnosing the problem. For instance, persistent buzzing might point to issues with the motor or fan blades, while continuous clicking likely means electrical problems.

What Do Air Conditioner Noises Mean?

Now that you know what to listen for, it’s time to finally take care of that endlessly irritating noise that’s costing you your sanity. 

But before diving into DIY solutions, keep these tips in mind:

• ALWAYS turn off the A/C unit before inspecting it.
• Check your filter first! A dirty filter is often a simple fix and can be the reason your A/C isn’t functioning properly.
• Listen closely. Identifying the noise and where it’s located is the first step to fixing the problem.
• If you’re not comfortable with repairs, don’t be afraid to call Orange County Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning!

Banging or Clanking

Possible Causes: Loose or broken parts, such as a connecting rod, piston pin, or crankshaft.

Solution: This often indicates a serious problem. Turn off the unit and call our expert technicians at Orange County Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning for inspection and repair.

Buzzing

Possible Causes: Loose parts, debris in the unit, or issues with the motor or fan blades.

Solution:

1. Turn off the unit and check for visible debris around the fan blades or motor. Carefully remove any obstructions.
2. Check for loose parts, tightening any loose screws or bolts.
3. If the noise persists, contact one of our expert technicians.

Squealing or Screeching

Possible Causes: Worn-out belts, misaligned blower motor, or insufficient lubrication in the motor.

Solution: Turn off the unit and inspect the belts for wear. If they’re worn, they need replacing. If you feel confident, lubricate the motor following the manufacturer’s instructions. If the noise still continues, schedule professional maintenance with Orange County Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning.

Clicking

Possible Causes: Electrical issues, such as a failing thermostat or a faulty control panel.

Solution: First, replace the thermostat batteries and ensure it’s set correctly. If that doesn’t work, check for loose or frayed wires, but DO NOT attempt to fix electrical issues yourself. Have one of our HVAC technicians inspect the electrical components instead.

Humming

Possible Causes: Problems with the fan motor, capacitor, or electrical components.

Solution: Ensure the fan blades are not obstructed and can spin freely. If the blades are clear, and the noise persists, call a professional to examine your A/C’s electrical components.

Rattling

Possible Causes: Loose screws, bolts, or panels, or debris trapped in the unit.

Solution: Turn off the unit and tighten any loose screws, bolts, or panels. Check for and remove any noticeable debris in or around the unit.

Conclusion

When in doubt, call a professional!

The expert technicians at Orange County Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning are standing by and ready to help you. We’ve been serving Greater LA for over sixty years, so you can be assured that we have the expertise and tools to fix your A/C!

To schedule a service call, contact (714) 400-2913.