Air conditioners should run silently without vibrations. If you notice sounds like humming or even banging and clanging, there are many potential causes. Without proper diagnosis and repair, vibrating can cause damage to your system, costly repairs and loss of heating and cooling. Read on to learn what your vibrating air conditioner means and what to do next.
What Causes an Air Conditioner to Vibrate?
Whether it’s a soft hum or a loud rattle, vibrations mean there are loose connections somewhere in your system. Dirty, bent or damaged fan blades are often the culprits, as they can become wobbly over time. This is often due to debris buildup or simply old age.
In either case, having them repeatedly run without being balanced can lead to more damage. Getting a professional to check your air conditioner fan motor and blades will help you identify the cause of the vibrations and make any necessary adjustments.
Another potential issue is loose screws or hardware from age. Wear and tear are a natural part of air conditioning systems, which is why annual maintenance is so important. Tune-ups catch issues early, so you can avoid going without AC down the line and extend your system’s lifespan.
Any type of loose hardware, such as bolts, can make different parts of your air conditioner rattle when running. This is risky as well as frustrating. Address it with a professional to find the source and make sure you get the right fix the first time.
Keep an Ear Out for Sounds
Vibrations in an AC can sound like humming, banging, rattling or buzzing depending on the source of the problem. For example, issues with the compressor often cause loud humming or banging noises, while humming or bubbling sounds are more common with low refrigerant levels.
Listen closely to the vibration so that you can describe it to the electrician. Your clues can help them find the cause faster.
Remember, no air conditioner should make noise. Modern systems, whether they’re window units or full HVAC systems with ductwork, are all designed to operate silently. Even if your AC seems to work fine, unusual sounds and vibrations indicate a problem.
When to Call an Air Conditioning Expert
It’s best to address issues with your AC as soon as you can, especially if the vibrations are accompanied by faulty or irregular cooling. Early intervention is always best to prevent extensive damage, wear and tear and even premature replacement.
When your AC makes strange sounds, don’t just guess what’s wrong. Get real answers and fast solutions from our experts at Blaze in North Carolina, where we offer everything from routine maintenance and repair to AC installation.