So you’re still having a tough time figuring out why your air conditioner makes loud noise when starting. You’ve come to the right place. Make sure you read on to find out why this is happening to your AC unit.
It’s definitely not a good thing if your air conditioner makes loud noise when starting. It could be a sign of damage or some other issue. And you could be in for even bigger problems if this is not taken care of immediately.
Although it’s likely that the issue could be fixed by just a bit of cleaning, some may require professional expertise. Here are the possible reasons why you’re hearing things that you shouldn’t when you’re powering up your AC unit.
A Quick Walkthrough on Why Your Air Conditioner Makes Loud Noise When Starting
Just a few simple reminders before we get right to it. Some of the possible reasons why your air conditioner makes loud noise when starting can be fixed DIY style. However, others should be handled by the pros.
Make sure you contact a professional if the problem is too technical for you. Besides the chance that you will make the problem even worse, you could also be in for a bigger bill. Let’s check out the possible reasons why your air conditioner makes loud noise when starting now we’ve got that covered.
#1: Your air conditioner makes loud noise when starting because it might have loose or wobbly screws.
An air conditioner’s internal motor causes it to vibrate when switched on. While an AC is designed to withstand this, sometimes it causes some screws and other small parts to become loose. These parts will eventually cause clunking sounds when your unit is in operation.
Loose screws and other small parts could also get to places they shouldn’t be sooner or later. This could easily damage other internal components, which will lead to even more problems before you know it.
A quick way to fix this is by ensuring that all screws, bolts, and similar components are tightly secured during cleaning and maintenance. You can even do this by yourself if you’ve got the right tools and know-how.
However, it’s best if you contact a qualified technician if you aren’t that acquainted with your unit’s mechanical workings. Remember that this issue could be remedied by asking a pro to tighten any loose parts during routine maintenance.
#2: Your air conditioner might already be low on refrigerant.
An AC unit needs fluid or gas called a refrigerant to process hot air into cool air. This chemical compound typically does its job by traveling all around the air conditioner’s internal refrigeration system. Keeping your AC working in optimum condition requires sufficient refrigerant levels.
Your air conditioner’s refrigerant is usually contained in copper coils. It starts to make its way around the unit’s internal components as soon as the machine is powered up. It plays a crucial role in the overall performance of your AC by ensuring that the device works properly.
A low refrigerant supply is one possible reason why your unit is making a loud noise when it’s starting. This noise can be anywhere from a low bubbling sound to a full-on hiss. It is caused by the copper coils either freezing up or overheating. Not taking care of this issue can damage the refrigerant line, which could be pretty expensive.
#3: Your air conditioner makes loud noise when starting because its fan blades may have debris caught on them.
Your unit pulls in dust and other small particles as it traps hot air to be converted into cool air. While this may sound odd, your air conditioner tends to suck in minute pieces of debris when it is working. However, these pieces of debris will accumulate over time if your unit is not regularly cleaned and maintained.
If your unit makes a loud noise when starting, there could be debris trapped in the fan blades. This could be dust layers or other foreign particles like leaves, small twigs, and even tiny pebbles.
Cleaning and removing the unwanted debris is the most straightforward remedy you could do to fix this issue. It is very possible that these particles could get inside your unit’s inner system and wreak havoc there. Make sure that you take out all of them while you’re at it.
#4: Your unit’s condenser coil is a bit dirty.
Your AC’s refrigeration system features a part called a condenser coil. This is where the refrigerant travels along to convert hot air into cool air. It is also one of the components you need to check if your air conditioner makes loud noise when starting.
See, a dirty condenser coil results in a loud buzz or chattering when an AC unit is powered up. This can be either attributed to the refrigerant having trouble making its way around, or the coil itself is overworked.
Make sure you take care of this issue as soon as possible. Neglected condenser coils can lead to even more serious problems like a refrigerant leak or a busted refrigerant line. And you could either be paying more for professional help or even buying a new unit when this happens.
#5: Your air conditioner makes loud noise when starting because its filter needs to be cleaned.
Your AC unit’s filter is its first line of defense against unwanted particles that could interfere with the device’s performance. These could be anything from dust, lint, and similar tiny fragments. And if these particles keep on accumulating in the air filter, you’ll hear loud noises each time you switch on your air conditioner.
Your unit’s blower motor tends to work twice as much when the air filter is dirty. This is because it will have a difficult time pulling in air from the surroundings. And you will eventually notice a decrease in your air conditioner’s overall output.
The simplest way to fix this is by giving your unit’s air filter a thorough cleaning. Keep in mind to be meticulous but gentle as you go along to avoid damaging the filter. Make sure you get into the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies because some particles tend to accumulate there.
Allowing your air filter to stay dirty won’t just significantly lessen your AC’s cooling capabilities. It will also lead to damage in your blower motor, which could make your unit break down altogether sooner or later.
#6: Your AC’s belt needs replacing.
An air conditioner has a belt that connects several of its internal components together. It gets into action as soon as the device is switched on. Although this belt is typically designed to be durable, it will become worn out over time.
A worn-out AC belt tends to create a squealing sound that gets more pronounced as time goes by. It could also result in a complete malfunction of your unit if left unchecked. Remember to contact a professional as soon as you notice this loud squealing noise.
Interestingly, there are times when your air conditioner’s belt makes a sound because of the weather. It is not unheard of that AC belts expand or shrink depending on the weather. This belt could expand during the summertime because of high humidity levels. Call a pro just to be sure.
#7: Your air conditioner makes loud noise when starting because its fan could be obstructed.
Make it a point to check the fan if your air conditioner tends to make a loud noise the moment it starts. Your unit’s fan usually traps in small pieces of debris that can accumulate over time. This could lead to noises when you switch on your machine.
Although the things that typically get trapped in your AC’s fan are organic, like leaves and twigs, there will be instances when other “unnatural” items make their way there. These include pieces of plastic and foam that could have been sucked in when the unit is doing its job.
A thorough cleaning usually does the trick. Moist fans tend to pull in more dirt and dust. Remember to let the fan dry completely before you turn your unit on again. This will only take a few minutes.
#8: Your AC’s blower may be defective.
Your unit’s blower works by moving cool air produced by the AC through its vents. It also plays a key role in trapping warm air so it can be converted into cool air. One of the signs that the blower may be already breaking down or might be defective is a loud rattling noise.
It is also possible that the sound is caused by an imbalance in the blower’s housing and wheel. These parts need to be realigned to prevent even more damage. Moreover, make sure you consult a professional if the blower needs replacement to help save you time and money.
#9: Your air conditioner makes loud noise when starting because it might be installed incorrectly.
Almost all of the modern ACs produced these days emit a sound that is lower than 55 decibels. There’s a big possibility that your unit could be improperly installed if it is louder than that. It is likely the positioning or the placement of parts like the coil fins that’s the problem.
Although most people who are knowledgeable with tools and electronics can install window-type air conditioners, other models require professional expertise. These include the ductless mini-split, the ceiling type, and the central AC variety.
Besides needing proper placement, these air conditioner models also require the installation of technical parts. Not installing these correctly won’t just lead to loud noises and possible damage to your unit. You won’t also maximize the full cooling capabilities of your AC.
#10: Your air conditioner makes loud noise when starting because its compressor motor might need attention.
Just as its name suggests, the compressor motor “compresses” the refrigerant to transform it into a high-pressure gas. Your AC unit won’t be able to do its job if this part of the operation is out of commission. A defective compressor typically creates a loud screaming noise.
Make sure you contact a pro straight away if you hear this screaming noise when you turn on your unit. Apart from the possibility of a refrigerant leak, it could lead to a complete malfunction of your air conditioner. Most units also contain a sensor that immediately shuts off the device in case of a failing compressor motor.
#11: Your unit’s base may be loose or unstable.
Chances are you’re using a “base” for your AC if you have a standing floor type or a split model. These bases are typically made of plastic and can last for a long time. However, these things tend to become loose bit by bit until your unit becomes wobbly.
Unwanted vibrations likely cause the loud noise you’re hearing when the air conditioner starts. Since the base isn’t supporting your unit as snug as it should, it just whirs around uncontrollably during operation.
The best solution for this issue is to replace your plastic base with a firmer material like wood. It is also recommended to check for any wayward debris that may be causing the base to tilt like small rocks. And while you’re at it, make sure the base’s surface is not wet or slippery.
#12: Your air conditioner makes loud noise when starting because its capacitor might need replacing.
An AC unit has a part called a capacitor that works by storing and absorbing electrical energy. One of the signs of a defective capacitor is the sudden fluctuation of the overall operation of your device. Your air conditioner won’t be able to switch on or remain functioning if this component is absent.
Another indication that your unit’s capacitor is going bad is a loud banging sound when the machine is switched on. It’s the sound of the motor having trouble getting ready for action. This could be the unexpected powering down of your AC or a sudden loss of coolness.
Unless you know what you’re doing, leave the replacement of your unit’s capacitor to the professionals. Besides ensuring that things are done correctly, you’ll also save a lot of time and effort (not mentioning money) in the process.
Now that you know the 12 Possible Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Makes Loud Noise When Starting you might want to read about “10 Likely Reasons Why You Always Notice Your Air Conditioner Line Frozen“.
Home Air Quality is founded by Bernard K to provide information on Indoor Air Quality in Homes and enlighten people about what they need to know about creating and maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment.
We believe that “Quality air brings a healthy life.”
