Solving AC Noise Issues: Troubleshooting Tips for Bangladeshi Residents

Air conditioners have now become a daily necessity for us. When you hear an unexpected noise from it, it becomes a source of concern. Sometimes air conditioners are simply loud, and other times the sounds are warnings of larger problems that must be dealt with. When your air conditioner begins to malfunction, the very last thing you would like to do is wait for it to subside and end up with a malfunctioning AC unit in the middle of summer. Not to worry! We've got some solutions for ac noise. If these suggestions don't work, it's time to consult an expert.

A Guide to Tackle AC Noises for  Residents in Bangladesh

You might be unsure whether a strange sound coming from the air conditioner is something to be concerned about or not. Different noises indicate different problems, and these problems can range from straightforward dust and debris that you can remove at home to mechanical issues that call for the assistance of a skilled technician. This article discusses how to resolve AC noises. 

Solving AC Noise Issues

01. Identify the Noise and Solution

Finding the source of your air conditioner's noise is the first step in getting it fixed. Finding out what noise the air conditioner is producing will help you figure out what the problem might be. 

• Rattling or Banging

Dealing with a banging noise from your air conditioner can be very frustrating.  AC noises can be due to wear and tear of components. If they collide with the compressor, the outer casing can be damaged and the refrigerant won't move. This means your AC won't cool your room.

The loud noise is usually an indicator of a broken or loose part. It could be due to slack fan blades, broken components, or even large debris that got stuck inside the air conditioner. If the dirt is only near the air filter, it can be easily removed using a vacuum cleaner. However, if the AC noise persists after cleaning the filter, it is important to check for any broken parts.

• High-pitched screeching or Squealing

If you hear hissing or squealing sounds coming from your air conditioner, it can indicate a variety of issues. 

• One of the possible causes could be a refrigerant leak, which is a serious problem. In such a situation, it is recommended to turn off your air conditioner immediately and unplug it from the power source to avoid any accidents. Do not attempt to inspect the air conditioner for gas leaks yourself, as it can be extremely dangerous. 

• The fan motor bearings have worn out or become faulty when your air conditioner starts making a metal-on-metal screeching noise. 

• Squealing sounds can also be brought on by an outdated or broken fan belt. Most ducted/central air conditioners produce this type of noise. A belt connecting the motor and the fan in older models is prone to deterioration over time. 

• Your compressor may have developed high pressure.

• Pulsating

There might be no cause for concern if your air conditioner produces slow pulsating noises. The noise, however, indicates a problem if it is loud and rhythmic.

• The fan blade or coil may have become loose over time which may make the AC noise. 

• A vibrating sound may be produced by a refrigerant line touching a wall as a result of the lines' friction and vibrations.

• If the base of your air conditioner is made of plastic, the motion of the compressor may cause both the base and the entire unit to pulse.

• Hissing

A refrigerant leak may be one cause of the hissing sound. The refrigerant lines can break down with use over time, which could result in leakage. Hissing sounds can also be caused by compressor valve leaks. This is due to the valves' control over the pressurisation of the refrigerant. It's a compressor problem if, after some time, you hear the hissing sound turning into a shrieking sound. Your outdoor air conditioning system may have developed high pressure.

• Humming

It's not unusual for an AC motor to emit a soft humming sound, but when it becomes loud, it raises concern. If: 

• A motor that needs lubrication will initially produce a humming sound, your air conditioner may be humming. But if you keep using it without resolving the problem, you'll start to hear a loud grinding sound. 

• The fin coils themselves could make humming noises if they bend.

• An evaporator coil covered in dirt can make a low humming sound.

• Your air conditioner makes humming noises as it receives power but is unable to turn on due to contactor failure. If you continue to ignore the problem, it might soon start to buzz unbearably.

• Whirring

A whirring sound, as opposed to a rattling or banging sound, indicates that the air conditioner has particles stuck inside of it. This is frequently a soft piece of trash, like a paper sliver, in the indoor unit because the thin sheet makes a whirring sound when air moves around it. However, a loud noise that appears more like a helicopter blade is a sign that the fan motor or blades are broken. These components of your air conditioner begin to deteriorate and make loud whirring noises. To avoid any further harm, shut off the air conditioner right away. 

• Clicking

It's appropriate for a cooling cycle to begin and end with a clicking sound. If the clicking noise continues, there may be a problem. Let's examine the potential reasons:

• If the outdoor unit is emitting clicking noises, one of its fans probably has an obstruction that needs to be cleared.

• The switches may frequently click on and off as a result of faulty electrical signals.

• Your outdoor unit's case may occasionally become loose on the AC fan, which causes the clicking AC noise.

• The capacitor could lose charge over time. If this occurs, the capacitor is unable to supply electricity to the compressor, and the clicking sound you hear is the unsuccessful attempt of the outdoor unit to turn on.

• If your thermostat is broken, it will prevent the device from turning on and make a loud clicking noise. The relay will keep sending power but won't be able to turn the device on if the relay is damaged or there is a wiring problem.

• Bubbling and Gurgling

The following are some potential causes of bubbling and gurgling:

• Typically, these noises indicate a refrigerant issue. A gurgling sound is produced when air gets sucked into the refrigerant lines. In addition to a hissing sound, a refrigerant leak can also cause bubbling.

• Bubbles may be audible due to the AC's excess moisture. Moisture accumulation results from a blockage in the condensate drain line. This line is in charge of removing the moisture that your home's AC accumulates. Water makes a bubbling and gurgling sound because it cannot leave the queue.

• The same problem may arise if the condensate pump is damaged. From the condensate line, where it leaves your home, it circulates water from the drain pan. The pump may make bubbling noises if there is too much moisture. 

• Cracking

The coils in the evaporator of your HVAC system can freeze if the temperature has been adjusted too low, the moisture is not draining properly, or the fins are dirty. Your system is shaken by the cracking sound of the ice slipping from these coils.

• Dripping

An air conditioner that makes a dripping sound should be investigated. When excessive condensation is the cause of the dripping sound, it might start to be a problem.

• If there is a lot of condensation, the drip pan might overflow.

• You will also hear a dripping sound as the ice from the frozen coil melts. There are many potential causes of coil freezing, including clogged air filters and broken thermostats.

• Grinding

Your AC's motor or compressor may be malfunctioning if you hear grinding noises coming from it. A compressor problem is indicated by the outside unit making a grinding noise. When operating, a faulty compressor's pistons make a loud grinding sound. If the interior unit is making grinding noises, a motor failure in your HVAC system may be to blame.

• Buzzing

A buzzing noise can indicate a variety of issues:

• If you hear a noise from an AC compressor, it has most likely failed. However, if it continues to receive power after it has stopped working, a buzzing sound is produced.

• If your HVAC system has loose parts, they may trigger vibrations that sound like buzzing while running.

• A faulty capacitor can prevent the fan from starting and prompt a buzzing sound due to friction. 

• Buzzing can also be caused by a faulty motor. Furthermore, obstructions near your AC's copper lines or copper lines abrasive against each other can cause a buzzing noise.

• When the HVAC unit tries to start but is unable to do so due to a faulty contactor, your air conditioner will emit loud buzzing noises.

• A constant buzzing AC noise is most likely caused by loosening exposed wires.

• If your indoor air conditioner is buzzing, it could be due to frozen parts.  Many factors may lead the indoor unit to freeze, including a low thermostat setting, low refrigerant, and so on.

02. How to Fix the AC Noise

• Regular Maintenance

The secret to maintaining your air conditioner is air conditioner maintenance. To keep them in good condition, air conditioning units should be cleaned thoroughly once every six months and given a chemical wash once a year. 

• Clean the Air Filter

Your air conditioning system won't become clogged with dust and debris if you regularly clean your air filter. When the filter is defective, debris easily enters the unit and produces the rattling, whirring, or buzzing sound associated with an air conditioner. After washing the filter with soap and water, allow it to dry naturally before reinstalling it in your device. 

• Tighten Loose Parts

A common problem that can cause an air conditioner to be noisy is the dislocation of bolts and other components. Because of regular use and wear and tear, the device is bound to acquire loose parts, especially screws and other supports. To see if it makes the machine run less noisy, try tightening them.

• Clean the Outdoor Unit

Even though we clean the indoor unit frequently, we frequently forget to maintain the outdoor unit, which needs regular vacuuming because it is outside. To get rid of the dust and debris, give the appliance a thorough spray with the hose.

• Lubricate

You could want to lubricate your air conditioner occasionally to maintain everything functioning smoothly. Use lubricant and inspect the engine and any belts that might be making too much noise to ensure everything is operating effortlessly.

• Clean the Coil Fins

By releasing heat from the air as it circulates through the unit, coil fins are a component of your air conditioner that aids in the process of heat exchange. Airflow can be slowed down and an air conditioner can become noisy when these coils are occasionally bent improperly.

• Repair

If the noise continues even after trying the aforementioned fixes, get a repair done or get a technician.  This will stop further damage from occurring and lower future repair costs.

If you are looking for the perfect air conditioning unit to escape the deadly summer heat, Haier AC is what you need. Haier has a wide selection of high-quality air conditioning units to suit your specific tastes and needs.

Summary

Your air conditioner is designed to keep your house comfortable and requires little upkeep. But if your air conditioner produces a noise prior to, during, or following a cooling period, that might be a sign that something isn't right with your system.

Finding the noise is the first step. It can sound anything from humming or buzzing to crackling or rattling. Once the source of the noise has been located, possible fixes include tightening the screws, lubricating, performing routine maintenance, and cleaning the coil fins, outdoor unit, and air filter. You should get a repair done or call a technician if nothing else works. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What does it mean when my air conditioner hisses? 

A hissing sound suggests a coil or line leak in your refrigeration system. This may result in ineffective cooling. 

• What does your air conditioner's rattling sound mean?

Rattling might be a sign that your appliance is beginning to deteriorate. Your system's internal components, like a fan blade, cover plate, or screw, may be losing their grip. Debris-like twigs and leaves may also be in your system. 

• What does my AC unit's squealing sound mean? 

Your air conditioning system may squeak occasionally as a result of blower and fan noises. While starting up, your blower wheel might also make squealing noises. To determine whether the noise is a typical component of a startup or something new, you will need to exercise some assessment.

• What does your air conditioner's gurgling sound mean?

Your drain line has become blocked or cracked if it is making a gurgling noise. The air gathered by the evaporator coil as it is being passed over is expelled through the drain line. It transforms the humidity in the air into water by removing it.