If your air conditioner is suddenly louder than usual, you’re not alone — and it’s definitely something you shouldn’t ignore. Whether it’s a banging, buzzing, or screeching sound, your noisy AC might be trying to tell you something.
At Waldorf-Riley Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we’ve helped homeowners from Arkansas City to Ponca City track down the cause of strange HVAC sounds, and we know that catching these issues early can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common AC noises, what they might mean, and a few simple troubleshooting tips you can try yourself before calling in a professional. Let’s bring back the peace and quiet to your home—starting with your cooling system.
Normal vs. Abnormal AC Noises
Not all AC noise is bad. In fact, a certain amount of sound is expected when your system is running. Knowing the difference between what’s normal and what’s a red flag can save you a lot of stress, and possibly money.
What’s Considered Normal AC Noise:
- Soft Humming – The low, steady hum of the motor and fan is completely normal.
- Clicking at Startup/Shutdown – A single click when the system turns on or off is standard. This is usually just a sign that the thermostat is communicating with the unit.
- Air Wooshing Through Vents – This is the sound of air flowing through your ducts and into your home. As long as it’s not overly forceful or high-pitched, it’s nothing to worry about.
When to Be Concerned:
- Sudden Changes in Sound – If your AC suddenly gets louder or develops a new noise, something may be off.
- Persistent or Repetitive Noises – Clicking that keeps going, or rattling that doesn’t stop, could mean loose parts or electrical issues.
- Unusual Tones – Screeching, banging, buzzing, or hissing are not part of normal operation and should be checked out.
- Volume Spike – If your AC starts drowning out conversation or TV noise, it’s likely running harder than it should.
At Waldorf-Riley, our team of experts works hard to keep your cooling system running efficiently all summer long. If your old air conditioner is making loud noises, our certified technicians can quickly diagnose the problem and offer repairs, or if more cost-effective, a replacement for your AC system. At Waldorf-Riley, we are trained to install, repair, and maintain both central air conditioning systems and ductless mini splits.
Common AC Noises and What They Mean
Your AC can make all sorts of noises. While some are benign, others may indicate a larger problem that requires attention. Some of the most common AC noises include the following:
1. Banging or Clanking
If your AC unit making a loud, metallic banging or clanking noise when it’s turned on and running? This could indicate that there is a loose or broken component inside the compressor, or possibly an unbalanced blower assembly. If you’re dealing with loud banging or clanking noises, turn off your system to avoid further damage and contact an HVAC professional immediately.
2. Buzzing
An air conditioner making a constant or intermittent buzzing noise is often a cause for concern. This sound could mean that there’s an electrical problem, failing motor, debris in the outdoor unit, or a possible refrigerant leak. For buzzing sounds, you’ll want to safely check for visible debris. If none is found, or the buzzing persists, call in an expert.
3. Clicking
A clicking sound coming from your HVAC system may appear as repeated clicking, either when the AC turns on or during operation. Clicking may indicate a faulty thermostat, relay issue, or electrical malfunction. While clicking at startup is normal, ongoing clicking may mean that your system needs a check-up.
4. Squealing or Screeching
Squealing or screeching sounds coming from your cooling system can be alarming, especially when they happen at startup. These sounds could mean there’s a worn belt, motor bearings that are going bad, or issues with the blower motor. If you encounter this issue, schedule a professional inspection.
5. Hissing
A hissing sound, whether subtle or sharp, will often be continuous and occur during operation. This type of AC noise could signal a refrigerant leak or possibly high internal pressure. For hissing sounds, you’ll want to shut down your AC system immediately and call a certified cooling specialist to diagnose the issue.
6. Rattling
Air conditioning systems may make rattling or vibration noises, especially from the outdoor unit. This problem could mean a variety of things, ranging from loose screws and debris inside the unit to internal parts starting to wear out. Check for loose panels or visible debris. If the noise continues, bring in a professional.
7. Whistling
Some air conditioning systems will make a high-pitched whistle, similar to wind blowing through a narrow gap. This could mean that airflow is restricted, often by dirty filters, blocked vents, or ductwork issues. Start by replacing filters and checking vents. If the noise persists, an inspection may be needed.
When your air conditioner starts making loud or unusual noises, you may be concerned about what the underlying problem is and whether it’s going to be expensive to fix. When you choose Waldorf-Riley as your HVAC specialists, you can enjoy affordable services, convenient financing, and regular discounts and specials. Call our team today to see what great deals are available.
When to Call in a Professional
While a little DIY troubleshooting can go a long way, such as replacing a dirty filter or tightening a loose panel, there are times when it’s best to call in a professional for your personal well-being and the safety of your equipment.
Examples of DIY fixes that you can try yourself before calling in the experts include replacing or cleaning air filters, clearing debris from around the outdoor unit, checking for obvious loose screws or panels, and making sure that vents and registers are not blocked.
If the noise from your AC persists after performing these DIY tasks, it’s time to call in the professionals. Consider contacting Waldorf-Riley if you hear persistent or loud banging, buzzing, or clicking. You’ll also immediately want to call a professional if you notice electrical smells, see visible sparks, hear hissing, or see signs of a refrigerant leak. Grinding or screeching from the motor, or any noise that’s new, recurring, or getting worse should be evaluated.
It’s important to remember that electrical problems and refrigerant problems are not just complicated but can also be dangerous. Handling them without the right tools and training puts your safety and your system at risk. A certified HVAC professional will not only fix the problem correctly but can also prevent minor issues from turning into big repairs.
Contact Waldorf-Riley for Prompt and Reliable HVAC Service
A noisy air conditioner can be more than just a nuisance — it can be an early warning sign that something’s not quite right. While some sounds can be addressed with a simple filter change or a quick check of your outdoor unit, others may point to a bigger issue that needs professional attention.
If you’ve tried these basic troubleshooting tips and your system is still making odd noises, don’t wait for a minor problem to turn into a major breakdown. The expert team at Waldorf-Riley Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is here to help. Whether you’re in Arkansas City, Wellington, KS, or Ponca City, OK, our trusted technicians can diagnose the issue and get your home back to cool, quiet comfort.
Call us today to schedule your AC service — and enjoy the sound of silence again.
