Why Is My Air Conditioner Rattling?
Your air conditioner can create a pleasant white noise when it’s operating effectively. However, when something isn’t right with the unit or its parts, you may notice sounds out of the ordinary. These sounds can be described as “rattling” or “clunking.” To help you know what kind of air conditioning repair services you may need, we’ve created a list of four reasons your air conditioning unit is rattling.
Loose Panel
Sometimes, the rattling noise is created by a loose panel in your AC unit. When this is the case, you can easily fix the problem by tightening any loose screws or replacing the broken or missing screws. The loud noise should then go away once the panel is secure once more.
Accumulated Debris
Since your air conditioner is located outside, dirt, leaves, sticks, and rocks may fall through the openings in the unit. Over time, this debris will build up and disrupt the functioning of the AC system. It may even bend the fan blades.
Before you turn on your air conditioning for the season, it’s best to have an HVAC professional clean the outdoor AC unit, so you do not experience any unpleasant sounds or broken AC parts. While they’re there cleaning the unit, you can also have them perform an air quality check. As an indoor air quality testing company in Minnesota, we will test your home for indoor air pollutants and clean your vents and air ducts to help keep your family healthy.
Misaligned Fans
Your air conditioner has a few fans (the fan in the air handler and the fan in the condenser coil). As time goes by, these fans may become misaligned, causing the fan blades to hit the sides of the AC unit. If this is the source of your rattling air conditioner, the fix is fairly simple. Realigning and securing these fans in place can get rid of the rattling sound and prevent any further (more expensive) damage to your unit.
Broken Motor
A broken or damaged motor can cause internal parts to rattle around inside of the AC unit. These sounds are not only irritating but are also warning signs of permanent damage. If you suspect your compressor or fan motors need replacement, call a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible.
Repairing a Rattling Air Conditioner
A rattling air conditioner should not be ignored. These irritating sounds indicate there’s an issue with your unit. If you put off addressing the problem, you could risk causing damage to your HVAC system.
As soon as you hear rattling sounds coming from your AC, contact a professional. Northern Services offers air conditioning repair services that can help you get to the root of your troubling AC sounds. To fix any air conditioner rattling sounds, get in touch with our team of HVAC technicians today.
