Air conditioners typically produce some noise during operation, but it is usually not loud enough to disturb people’s daily activities. However, if your air conditioner is making unusually loud noises, it indicates a problem with the unit. There are several potential causes for this issue.
Loud Noises Coming From the Indoor Unit (Evaporator)
- Faulty Air Swing Louvres
The indoor unit of an air conditioner has air swing louvres that direct the flow of cold air. If these louvres become stuck, damaged, or unbalanced, they may produce loud, creaking noises.
- Dirty or Dry Fan Motors
The fan motor is responsible for drawing in cold air from the evaporator and blowing it out. If the fan accumulates dirt or lacks lubrication, the motor may struggle to function normally and generate noise.
- Broken Fan Blades
Prolonged use without proper maintenance or physical impact can cause fan blades to break. As a result, the motor has to work harder to compensate for the broken blades, which may lead to unusual noises.
- Faulty Fan Motor
If the fan motor itself fails, it will affect the normal operation of the fan and also contribute to the loud noises.
- Leaking Gas Pipe
A leaking gas pipe not only reduces the cooling efficiency but also leads to noisy operations.
When the indoor unit is making unusual noises, you can inspect and clean the fan if it is dirty or lacking lubrication. For other issues, it is advisable to contact a professional technician for repairs and part replacements.
Loud Noises Coming From the Outdoor Unit (Condenser)
- Dirty or Faulty Outdoor Fan
The outdoor fan draws in cool air from the surroundings to cool the refrigerant gas. Over time, this fan can become dirty, clogged with debris, or faulty, leading to increased noise levels and reduced cooling efficiency.
Fan blades can break due to prolonged use or impact, requiring the motor to work harder and potentially causing unusual noises.
- Faulty Outdoor Fan Motor
The outdoor fan motor powers the fan in the outdoor unit. If this motor fails, the fan may not work properly or may stop altogether, resulting in loud noises.
- Foreign Objects in the Outdoor Unit
As the outdoor unit is exposed to the elements, it is susceptible to having foreign objects fall into it. These objects can cause loud noises when the unit is operating.
If the noise is coming from the outdoor unit, you can clean it to remove any dirt or foreign objects. In case of broken fan blades or a faulty motor, it is advisable to contact a professional for repairs.
- Improper Installation
Loud noises can also be a result of improper installation, causing the unit to vibrate excessively.
Loose mounting screws on the indoor unit’s mounting bracket can also cause the unit to vibrate and produce loud noises during operation.
