United States homeowners spend a collective $29 billion each year on air conditioning their houses. Keeping your air conditioner well-maintained can save you a lot of money on electricity bills and troubleshooting costs.
While central air is the most popular type of air conditioning in the US, window air conditioners are common in northern states where the summers are shorter and milder. While convenient and less expensive, window air conditioners can be noisy.
If you’re wondering how to fix a noisy window air conditioner, you aren’t the only one. Keep reading for tips to fix noisy window air conditioner issues.
How to Fix a Noisy Window Air Conditioner: Rattling
Is the rattling sounds in your air conditioner too noisy? Rattlings sounds are the most common complaints among window unit owners.
If the rattling noises are coming from inside the noisy window air conditioner, there are likely loose parts or missing gaskets. Simply tighten the loose parts or replace the gaskets, or seek air conditioning services if your unit was professionally installed.
If the rattling noise is coming from your window, it means that the air conditioner isn’t fitted right. Make sure your unit is level before securing it properly.
Be sure to check your window panes for any cracks. Re-caulking your window panes will prevent them from rattling.
Noisy Fan
The fan in your window AC unit shouldn’t make noise. If you have a noisy air conditioner blower, the fan is likely dirty.
Over time, dust and dirt accumulate on the fan blades, which can make them unbalanced. When your fan blades aren’t balanced, they can cause a huge racket.
To fix this issue, wipe off the fan blades with a damp cloth or paper towel. Do this often if you constantly run your AC to ensure it runs well during the summer.
Serious Noises
Some noises that your window AC makes can indicate a more serious issue with your unit. It’s important to know how to fix a noisy air conditioner that makes these sounds before your unit is unrepairable.
Loud banging or clanking noises are not normal. This indicates an issue with the AC unit’s compressor. You may need new parts for the compressor, or to replace it entirely.
Hissing noises indicate a refrigerant leak. This issue needs to be addressed immediately, as refrigerant leaks can risk the health of you and your loved ones.
Clicking sounds can indicate a faulty thermostat. With a broken thermostat, you should also notice that your AC doesn’t shut off when it normally does, or it might not blow the cool air at all.
Lastly, humming noises from your AC might be caused by a faulty starting capacitor. If you hear humming noises, your capacitor is either already dead or on its way there.
Keep Your Cool
By now you should know how to fix a noisy air conditioner based on the sounds it’s making. Now it’s time to fix it yourself or find an HVAC company in your area to fix it for you.
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