New Jersey is humid in the summer, with temperatures potentially reaching the mid-90s on the hottest days. Residents often spend their days at the beach or camping in the Garden State, but when you’re at home, you want to stay cool and comfortable with a reliable air conditioner.
A large percentage of Edison-area homeowners have air conditioning systems, but not everybody knows what to do when their AC unit starts making a loud noise. Normal air conditioner sounds are soft, with a slight humming noise, airflow sounds, and some clicking when the system turns on and off. It’s not normal for your AC to screech, buzz, bang, or hiss.
If you’re hearing unusual sounds coming from your cooling system, Sam’s Air Control can help. We offer professional AC maintenance services and timely air conditioner repair, with 24/7 emergency service available. We’ll help you stay cool, improve your air quality, and reduce moisture in your home with high-quality air conditioner repair, maintenance, and replacement at a reasonable price.
Common AC Noises and What They Could Mean
Your air conditioning system is designed to run quietly, averaging 40 to 70 decibels (around the volume of your refrigerator), including the noise level from your AC unit. Loud sounds are a sign of an underlying problem. Some are easy fixes, while others may require professional repairs or parts replacements. Sam’s Air Control brings local AC expertise to your home at a reasonable price.
Explore some of the most common noises that indicate an underlying problem with your home cooling system, what they might mean, and how we can help.
1. Banging or clanking
Banging could mean a problem with the compressor, restricted airflow in the system, or an issue with a fan. It might also be the sound of your metal ductwork expanding and contracting with the temperature changes. Clanking metallic sounds often indicate loose parts banging together or debris stuck inside the inner workings of your air conditioner.
When you schedule service with Sam’s Air Control, a technician will look over every part of the system to find the source of the sounds. If you hear banging or clanking, stop using the air conditioner and call our team for assistance.
2. Buzzing
Buzzing sounds can have multiple causes, including unbalanced condenser fan blades, loose fan components, dirty condenser coils, refrigerant leaks, debris caught in moving parts, or electrical issues.
If you remove any obvious debris stuck in your air conditioner and the sound continues, schedule service right away. A neglected mechanical or electrical problem will only worsen the longer it goes on and could seriously damage the inner workings of your cooling system.
3. Squealing or screeching
Not only is a squealing air conditioner annoying to listen to, but the sound often indicates that the blower fan motor is failing, the fan belt is worn out, or part of the condenser system is malfunctioning.
You should never ignore a squealing or screeching sound. At best, it means worsening efficiency as the AC struggles to operate, but any issue causing those sounds can eventually lead to serious motor wear and tear, and ultimately, breakdowns. Middlesex County residents can count on us to resolve the screeching with precise repairs.
4. Clicking
Most air conditioners make a clicking sound when they turn on or off, but continuous clicking isn’t normal. Ongoing clicking sounds may indicate a malfunctioning thermostat that requires repairs or replacement. It could also be the sound of a loose bolt or tube inside the AC, electrical problems, fan issues, or other mechanical problems.
Even if the clicking is soft, if it occurs regularly while the air conditioner is running, it means something is wrong inside your cooling system. Contact our team and schedule a service call to locate and eliminate the source of the sound. We’ll get to the bottom of the problem and fix it at its source.
5. Hissing
Depending on where the hissing sound is coming from, it could mean the air ducts are leaking, a filter isn’t connected correctly, or there’s a malfunctioning expansion valve. It might also be the sound of refrigerant leaking from the coils.
These problems are usually repairable but require quick action to prevent high energy bills and further damage to the AC system. Contact Sam’s Air Control for service, and we’ll evaluate the issue and provide our expert recommendations.
6. Rattling
Rattling noises often indicate serious electrical damage or loose parts inside the air conditioner. Alternatively, it could be something simple, such as leaves stuck inside the outdoor AC condenser unit or a loose screw in the ductwork.
A professional inspection by a licensed and qualified HVAC technician is the best way to determine the right course of action. We’ll listen to the rattling, find the source of the sound, and fix it at your earliest convenience, so you can stay comfortable in the Jersey heat.
7. Humming
While quiet, steady humming is normal, a loud humming sound may indicate an electrical problem in the contact relay switch, which is the component that activates the outdoor condenser unit. Electrical problems are serious and require immediate repairs by an AC expert. Keep your air conditioner turned off, and call Sam’s Air Control for help.
Regular tune-ups can prevent most of these issues from occurring. By scheduling annual maintenance, you’ll keep your air conditioner running safely and efficiently, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for costly repairs.
When a Loud AC Unit Needs Immediate Attention
If your air conditioner starts making new, loud sounds, it’s best to turn the entire system off and call for immediate service. A noisy air conditioning unit could indicate serious compressor issues, electrical problems, or a faulty mechanical system.
Along with a loud air conditioning unit, some other signs you need to schedule immediate air conditioner assistance include:
- No cool air
- Low airflow
- Water leaks
- Refrigerant leaks
- Thermostat issues
- Electrical problems
- Short cycling
- Bad smells
- High humidity
Don’t let an annoying sound go unchecked. The sooner you schedule service, the better your chances are of fixing the issue before your air conditioner is beyond repair. Contact Sam’s Air Control for advice you can trust from New Jersey locals who understand the urgency of an AC issue.
Contact Sam’s Air Control for AC Service
If your AC is noisy and you’re not sure why, Sam’s Air Control is here to help. We offer 24/7 emergency services for after-hours emergencies. Our technicians will provide straightforward answers to your questions, offer accurate price quotes, and let you know whether repair is the best option or if upgrading to a new air conditioner would be a more cost-effective solution.
We serve communities within Monmouth, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, Hudson, Essex, Union, Bergen, Morris, Passaic, and Mercer Counties. If you’re in the area and need assistance, contact us today to schedule your air conditioner consultation or tune-up with our experienced, local team.
