Split AC indoor unit making noise when off

When your air conditioning system is functioning as it should, it should make minimal noise. While all air conditioning systems make some noise when they complete a cycle, a loud, overly noisy air conditioner could be indicative of something wrong

Check out these common air conditioning noises homeowners encounter, what they mean, and what you should do about it.

1. Squealing Noise

A squealing noise can come from your air conditioner whenever there is high internal pressure.  High internal pressure can build up inside the compressor over time — and although most air conditioners have a sensor that will signal the system to shut off automatically when this happens, those sensors don’t always work.

Since high pressure can be dangerous, turn your air conditioner off right away if you hear this noise.

2. Hissing Noise

A refrigerant leak can cause a hissing noise to come from your air conditioner. Refrigerant leaks can occur in either line or a coil and can cause inefficient cooling.

This chemical is not only costly and necessary in order to cool your home, but a leak can be dangerous to humans, so if you suspect there’s a leak, call a professional technician right away.

3. Buzzing Noise

A buzzing noise coming from your air conditioner is almost always indicative of an electrical issue with the condenser fan motor, relay switch, wiring, or another component of the system.

Electrical issues can be dangerous and should not be taken lightly.

If you hear a buzzing or sparking sound from your system, turn off your air conditioner and call a professional technician to assess the problem.

4. Rattling Noise

A rattling noise may mean that something has come loose inside the air conditioner and is blowing about the unit.

This could be a fan blade, a cover plate or something as simple as a screw.

Turn off your air conditioner to reduce the risk of damage and schedule an appointment with a technician.

5. Clicking Noise

What many homeowners aren’t aware of is that it’s normal for your air conditioner to make one audible click every time it starts up. Usually, a single click on startup is the thermostat communicating with your unit.

If there’s a constant clicking air conditioning noise, you could have a problem.

A clicking air conditioner noise that starts slow and gets faster could come from an obstruction. There may be something damaging the blower fan.

If the unit is making a continuous clicking noise but won’t turn on, it could be an electrical problem.

If the clicking noise is coming from outside your home, it could be a problem with the compressor.

Either way, you’ll want to get a technician out to your home as soon as possible to resolve the issue causing the clicking because it’s almost always a bad sign.

6. Banging Noise

Similar to rattling, a banging noise likely means that something has come loose inside your air conditioning system. This could be anything from a crankshaft to a connecting rod inside of the compressor.

A banging noise can also be a sign that your indoor blower is unbalanced and that your system’s compressor is worn out and needs to be replaced.

In any case, if you hear this noise, we recommend turning off your air conditioning system to avoid damage.

7. Clanking Noise

A clanking noise is another sign that something has come loose within your air conditioner.

This noise can also signal that the indoor blower or outdoor fan and its blades are out of balance and colliding with other parts.

Don’t ignore this sound — shut off the power to your system and schedule an appointment with a professional.

8. Humming Noise

This is perhaps that least insidious noise on our list. For the most part, a light humming noise is completely normal.

However, loud humming may be a sign that there are loose parts within your air conditioner.

In certain cases, loose parts combined with refrigerant piping can cause excess vibration, leading to serious issues later on.

9. Whistling Noise

A high-pitched whistling noise is usually a bad sign. We recommend turning your air conditioner off right away and calling a professional.

Whistling typically means there’s a refrigerant leak somewhere in your system, which needs to be handled by a technician.

10. Gurgling Noise

A gurgling or bubbling noise that occurs whenever your air conditioner is running may mean that the drainline is clogged or cracked.

If you feel comfortable checking your drain line yourself, turn off your system and inspect the drain line. If not, schedule an appointment with a technician.

Repair Air Conditioning Noises with Energy Air Today

Ultimately, if your AC is making any of these air conditioning noises, don’t ignore it! Think of these sounds as a cry for help from your air conditioner.

Let the team at Energy Air diagnose and assess any strange air conditioning noises. Our team of skilled professionals has been providing quality HVAC services for nearly 40 years, so we guarantee we will provide a solution.

Have questions? Give us a call today or schedule your appointment online.

Schedule Service Online
(407) 501-6275 (Orlando) or (813) 314-7261 (Tampa)

Have you ever heard your air conditioner buzzing when off? Well, there is more than 1 meaning on why this happens. First, you might want to stop everything that you are doing once you hear a buzzing sound.

You may panic about why does this thing happen. But don’t worry, a simple buzzing from your AC unit may indicate a simple repair.

You must never ignore any sounds coming from the AC unit since it could lead to bigger problems in the future.

There are many more things that you should know about your air conditioner, especially if it’s buzzing. So, without further ado, let’s start!

AC Buzzing When Off

If you wonder why your air conditioner is buzzing when off, well, it is a sign that something is wrong with your AC unit. Here are some probable reasons why the air conditioner buzzing when off.

Reason #1. A frozen unit

If you are using you’re air conditioner for a long period; it tends to freeze inside. The freezing will create a buzzing sound. When buzzing occurs due to freezing, the most effective solution is to thaw. Then, please turn it off and let it stay that way for a few hours for the freezing to melt.

After thawing, your air conditioner should work fine when you switch it back on. The freezing occurs due to the refrigerant leaks making it freeze. If it happens frequently, and it happens for a few more hours, call for a professional to fix it.

Reason #2. Loose parts

Your Air conditioner consists of many parts. Although it is a given in every appliance, there will come a day when some of these parts become loose. It may seem like no big deal has loose parts inside, but note that these small parts are responsible for a good and working unit.

Missing some of these small parts or having some of them loose may result in an insufficient air cooling experience or may damage your AC unit.

Reason #3. AC condenser fan not working

Another reason why your AC unit is buzzing is because of its condenser fan. The condenser fan is responsible for blowing the cool air out. If the blower inside doesn’t work, but the fun does, the fan will create a loud buzz. The buzz may also be caused by small falling debris reasons for an immobile fan.

Reason #4. Electrical issues

Your AC may have small electrical issues causing it to buzz even when turned off. Having this issue is also one of the main reasons for the buzzing sound. Well, one of the easiest electrical repairs that you could do is replacing the contactor relay switch. It is a low-voltage switch located on the exterior part of the unit controlled by the thermostat.

Types of Noises

If you have noticed that your AC unit produces loud noises, it is a sign that something is not right. If you have a hard time distinguishing each noise that your air conditioner makes, here are some guides.

Type #1. Banging

A banging noise coming from your air conditioner is usually a sign of loose or broken parts inside. It could either be the piston pin, connecting rod, or the crankshaft inside the compressor. Banging noise may also be a sign that you have to replace your air conditioner compressor already.

Type  #2. Clanking

A clanking sound is another sign of a loose part or broken component inside the AC unit. A compressor may also be one of the problems. The sealed parts are most likely have failed and loosened up.

Type #3. Clicking

A clicking sound may be heard whenever you start any electrical components such as Air conditioners. Although this may be true, a constant clicking and continuous clicking sign that something is wrong.

It could be caused by a defective thermostat or a failing control component in the system. This is critical for the most electrical unit because it could lead to electrical issues or may result to fire if left untouched and unrepaired.

Type #4. Buzzing

Buzzing in AC units is an alarm system that notifies if something is wrong with the AC unit. It could be caused by loose parts, debris, fan failure, or if your Air conditioner unit needs repair.

Type #5. Squealing

A squealing sound may come from your AC unit if the fan motors are bad or are failing. The blower wheel also squeals if the motor is malfunctioning. It may sound normal at initial start-up, but it is not okay after continuous use.

Type #6. Humming

Humming AC units are not that serious, although it also warns you that something is wrong. For example, a loose part in the refrigerant piping could cause vibration that makes the AC seem humming. It may not look like anything serious, but if you leave it like that for a long time, it could lead to a more serious maintenance issue.

Type #7. Chattering

You may start to hear your AC produce a chattering or a rattling noise, especially if your unit is already old. It can also be caused by twigs or leaves trapped inside the unit. An electrical contractor may also make the clattering sound.

Type #8. Screaming

If you ever hear screaming like high-pitched screaming, you might have to call the professional right away. Internal pressure in your compressor may also produce a high pitch sound. Do not panic when your unit turns off on its own.

Conclusion

So if you ever find your air conditioner buzzing when off, you don’t have to panic right away. Instead, knowing these little things will make you feel calm whenever you hear these coming from your AC unit.