Lawn mower squealing noise. Various AC Noises and What They Might Mean

Various AC Noises and What They Might Mean

Since you’ve grown to rely on your A/C unit to get you through the heat, it can be troubling when you hear unfamiliar or exceptionally loud noises coming from your air conditioner.

Ignoring any mysterious A/C noise can allow minor issues to become major expenses. These noises can signal anything from your air conditioner needing a simple tune-up to the repair or even replacement of the entire unit. The sooner you can determine the cause of the noise and resolve your A/C issues, the better.

Here are some common sounds your A/C unit can make, what they may signify, and how to resolve the issues.

What Kind of Noise is the A/C Making?

Banging Noise

If your A/C compressor is making a noise that sounds like banging, there is probably a loose or broken part in the compressor. Hearing an outside A/C unit noise like banging usually means that your unit has experienced wear and tear over time, causing compressor parts to come loose and bang or rattle around. The loose or broken part may be a connecting rod, a piston pin, a crankshaft, or support springs and screws. Alternatively, if you hear the banging noise from inside your home, your indoor blower could be unbalanced.

To fix a banging noise from your A/C compressor, you can use the Frontdoor® App to call an HVAC professional to help you fasten or replace your system’s loose or broken parts. If that doesn’t solve the issue, a full compressor replacement may be required.

Clanking Noise

Clanking is another sign of a loose or broken part. If the noise is coming from your inside unit, the parts inside the sealed unit have likely failed. The compressor itself may have become loose, possibly necessitating a replacement. A clanking sound can also mean that the indoor blower or outdoor fan and its blades are out of balance and hitting other parts.

To fix a clanking noise, you may need to repair your A/C unit’s indoor blower or outdoor fan to set the unit back in balance. It’s always a good idea to call a professional to check out clanking noises before they become bigger problems.

Clicking Noise

It’s normal if your A/C is making a clicking noise at the start-up and shutdown of a cooling cycle. However, constant or ongoing clicking is not typical. If you hear these noises from your A/C unit, it could be a sign of:

• An obstruction in the A/C fans
• The capacitor losing its charge
• Faulty electrical signals
• A loose A/C fan
• A malfunctioning thermostat

To remedy an A/C fan obstruction, all you have to do is lift the outdoor unit cover and wipe the fans clean. If your A/C unit is constantly clicking due to the capacitor losing its charge, faulty electrical signals, a loose fan, or a malfunctioning thermostat, you call an HVAC professional to fix the issue.

Buzzing Noise

If your A/C is making a buzzing noise at the outdoor unit, it could indicate a variety of issues:

• Loose parts
• Debris in either the indoor or outdoor unit
• An outdoor fan motor that is loose or about to fail
• Fan blades that are loose or out of balance
• The copper lines running from the outside to the inside are rubbing against something
• The condenser coil needs to be cleaned
• The air filter needs to be changed
• The blower is failing or out of balance

Depending on the source of the issue, you can resolve it by either conducting routine maintenance or calling in a Pro.

If your A/C unit seems to be running outside but isn’t cooling inside, the problem is likely due to refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant leaks result in the air conditioning unit freezing up, and this may or may not be accompanied by buzzing noises depending on how bad the leak is and where it’s located.

Squealing Noise

Squeaks and squeals transmitted through the duct system suggest a mechanical or air pressure issue, which could be caused by a malfunctioning blower and fan. Outdoor fan motors and indoor blower motors squeal loudly when they’re going bad, and the blower wheel and housing will also squeal when they malfunction.

Sometimes an A/C unit making a noise like squealing is normal upon start-up. If it’s a sound your unit has always made, it’s probably okay, but if the squealing noise is new, be sure to call a Frontdoor HVAC Expert to diagnose and help repair the issue.

Humming Noise

Thankfully, a humming sound coming from your A/C unit generally isn’t serious—but it still signals that something inside your air conditioner is off. Loose parts and refrigerant piping can cause vibration. If left unchecked, you could encounter more serious maintenance issues down the road.

However, some humming noises may be a sign of electrical problems. If you notice loud humming noises from the outside A/C unit and that the compressor hums and refuses to start, it may be because of loose wiring or a faulty motor. Regular A/C maintenance conducted by qualified professionals can help prevent and repair the root of these electrical concerns.

Chattering/Rattling Noise

If you hear the A/C condenser making a rattling noise, it can mean that your air conditioner is starting to break down and that some of its parts are deteriorating. Another cause could be twigs or leaves that are clogging the A/C system. If the electrical contractor in the equipment makes a chattering sound, it can indicate damage to the A/C unit components, including the compressor. Another culprit could be the rattling caused by a loose fan.

To try and remedy an A/C rattling noise yourself, check for loose screws or bolts in the unit’s casing, clean its condenser coils, and change your indoor air filter. If you take these steps and your A/C is still rattling, the next step is to call in a professional.

Whistling Noise

If you hear a high-pitched whistling or screaming A/C noise, the culprit is most likely a refrigerant leak, which can be dangerous for the health of your air conditioner and your family. It can also indicate high internal pressure in the compressor. Shut off your air conditioner immediately and call a professional.

If your A/C unit starts whistling or screaming and then turns off on its own, that means that the sensor is doing its job and protecting you from a potentially hazardous situation. However, this signals that you need a professional to help immediately. Power off the unit until a repair person can diagnose and fix the issue.

Pulsating Noise

An air conditioner making a pulsating or rhythmic thumping noise isn’t necessarily a bad sign. This A/C noise can be perfectly normal when the air conditioner is operating. However, if your outside A/C unit is making a loud noise like thumping that you can hear inside the house, it could signify that something has come loose inside the unit. Some likely culprits include the fan motor and blades, but any loose panel or part could cause a pulsating noise in your A/C.

To mitigate the thumping, see if you can refasten any loose components.

Whirring Noise

If your A/C sounds like a helicopter, you could have one of any number of mechanical problems with either the indoor blower or the outdoor unit. Typically, a whirring sound in an A/C is the result of bad bearings in the indoor blower fan motor or a faulty fan in either the indoor blower unit or outdoor unit. When the blades start to come loose or the fan starts to fall apart, a whirring A/C noise can occur. If it seems like a mechanical issue is the culprit, be sure to call in a professional.

Sometimes whirring can be caused by a bad or broken belt somewhere in the system or a piece of paper or other debris trapped in either the indoor blower fan or the outdoor fan unit. If it seems that the whirring noise is caused by debris, simply clear out the inside and outside of the unit with a hose and soft-bristled brush.

What Do I Do About a Noisy but Not Malfunctioning A/C Unit?

If you ask a service professional to come by and they find nothing wrong with your loud A/C, or you are just looking for ways to lessen the sound of the unit, there are some options to muffle the noise.

Soundproofing is a great way to keep outside A/C unit noises from being heard inside your home. Here are some ideas:

• Remove the top of your A/C’s outdoor unit and install a sound blanket over the compressor—the blanket sits right on top of it.
• Install shrubs or sound-dampening fencing with overlapping boards around your A/C unit. This option can also hide the outdoor component, which many homeowners find aesthetically pleasing. Make sure to place the fence at least three feet away from the air conditioner, so it can get the airflow it needs to work properly.

You can place some large houseplants or soundproof drapes in front of the Windows on the side of the house facing the A/C.

When Should I Replace a Noisy A/C Unit?

If your unit is getting older, replacing it may be the best solution. How long HVAC systems last varies depending on the type of unit, where you live, and how often you conduct HVAC inspections. However, excessive noise from an older unit is usually a sign of deterioration. Investing in a new air conditioner will likely allow you to have a quieter, more energy-efficient household.

Ready to take the next step in home ownership? Frontdoor offers a variety of ways to get things done. Whether you prefer connecting via video chat with trade industry Experts, receiving a list of vetted Pros for repairs, or utilizing our how-to library to DIY, we’ve got you covered.

With the Frontdoor App, completing tasks has never been easier, so why wait? Open the Frontdoor and start taking control of your home repairs. Download the app today!

Frontdoor assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.

What to Do When Your Dryer Is Making Loud Noise

So, your dryer suddenly started making a noise you don’t recognize. You tried listening harder to what it has to say but realized, dryers can’t talk. Or can they? The specific noise your dryer is making may be the key to figuring out what the problem is, how serious it is, and whether you should start shopping for a new one. Narrowing down the type of noise your dryer is making is the first step to figuring out exactly what it’s trying to tell you. Here are some of the more common noises your dryer might make:

Dryer Is Making a Grinding Noise

Nothing is more alarming than the sound of metal grinding against metal—especially when there is an appliance running. If your dryer is making a grinding noise, the culprit is usually the drum bearing. The drum bearing is in the back of the appliance behind the dryer drum. When this part gets worn down, the drum rubs against the back of the casing and causes a distinct grinding noise. Sometimes this grinding is also accompanied by a high-pitch squealing or squeaking noise. The drive belt will need to be removed to diagnose such a problem. So, for that reason, it’s best to call a dryer repair professional as soon as you hear a grinding sound.

Don’t ignore this dryer noise! If you continue to use a dryer with a worn drum bearing, you could end up burning out the motor. Then you’ll be dealing with a much more complicated and expensive problem to repair.

Dryer Is Making a Screeching Noise

Another common, but unsettling dryer noise is a loud screeching sound when you turn it on. A screeching noise when you turn the dryer on is usually caused by a broken idler pulley, sometimes called a tensioner. To identify if this is the problem, follow these steps:

• Unplug your dryer, and carefully move it to an area where you have enough room to inspect the back of the appliance. You may need to disconnect the air vent duct.

• If your dryer is gas-powered or hardwired to your home’s electrical system, stop here. The safest next step is consulting a professional who is highly qualified to inspect the dryer without causing an additional problem to the existing connections.

• If you are able to move the unit away from the wall, inspect the idler pulley. It looks like a wheel on a moveable bracket just above the dryer belt that loops around the drum. (The drive pulley is just beneath the belt; don’t confuse this part with the idler pulley.) If you can turn the idler pulley manually, it’s in working order. If it doesn’t turn or is difficult to turn, have it replaced by an expert.

If this is the case, stop using your dryer until you can have it repaired. If you continue to use your dryer with an idler pulley that is not functioning properly, the belt could emit a burning smell and will eventually fail completely.

Dryer Is Making a Thumping Noise

A dryer that is making a thumping noise is perplexing indeed. If it is making a thumping noise while running, you’ll need to determine if there are any balled-up towels or heavy objects in the dryer drum that may be causing the sound. If you’ve inspected your laundry and can’t find any reason for the noise, it’s most likely coming from one of the dryer’s inner components.

Here are a few possible causes of dryer thumping:

• A flattened roller. If you don’t use your dryer frequently or it’s been sitting unused for a while, it may have a flattened roller. The thumping noise could be from the flat spot on the roller making the rotation as the drum spins. Try running an empty cycle to allow the roller to re-shape. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, you’ll need to have the roller repaired.
• A worn-out roller. When your dryer is making a loud noise, whether it’s thumping or creaking, a worn-down roller is often the cause. When this part no longer makes a solid connection with the drum, you’ll hear a sound as the drum rotates. The part will need to be replaced entirely.
• A damaged belt. If your roller is in good condition, the thumping may be coming from a damaged or frayed dyer belt. However, most repair companies will replace your roller, belt, and idler pulley at the same time to ensure all three are working correctly together and wearing out evenly.

Peace and Quiet, Coming Right Up

A dryer, like other major appliances, is something you rely on consistently. And if you have a large family, your dryer is essential to help you keep pace with your family’s needs. So when your dryer starts making noise, the best way to fix the problem is to call a local appliance expert.

No matter what strange sound your dryer is making, or what it’s trying to tell you, Mr. Appliance can diagnose the problem quickly, and fix it so you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to dry all that laundry. Don’t let a noisy dryer get you down, give us a call, or schedule an appointment online today.

Why Is My AC Unit Making Loud Noises?

A functioning HVAC works so well, you won’t even notice it’s there. So when you hear a squealing, rattling, banging, or other unwelcome sounds, it’s time for a repair.

Knowing how to face these issues will keep your AC problems from becoming a hot mess. And, as with any machine, keeping up with service and maintenance is always a good idea for preventing breakdowns.

Squealing and Screeching

If you hear a squealing or screeching noise (think nails on a chalkboard or a fork scratching on a porcelain plate) coming from your air conditioner, it’s caused by moving parts in your AC unit wearing out and breaking. For example, the belt may need replacement. Or, the motor bearings may be damaged, which will cause the motor to be off-center—thus the screeching.

Repairing and replacing belts and motor bearings before they stop working altogether will prevent your HVAC from shutting down. Maintenance is the most important thing you can do to keep these parts in good shape.

Another reason these noises happen is that your motor needs lubrication. Make sure to use the correct type of oil (either a mineral or synthetic) if you choose to do this yourself. The oil you use shouldn’t have any detergent in it, and common oils used around the house, like WD-40, are too light for this issue.

Rattling

A rattling sound coming from your AC unit could mean:

• A part has come loose: Turn off the power to your unit. This needs to be repaired by a pro before the part breaks or disconnects completely
• The motor is damaged: If the motor appears to be damaged, leave it to a professional to replace it
• The panels or doors are loose: Check if the panels and doors outside your unit are firmly attached. Tighten any loose screws
• Debris is caught in your AC: There may be some twigs or other material caught in the mechanism

Thumping

It’s normal to hear a thumping noise when your air conditioner powers down, but continuous thumping means something is not working correctly.

Thumping can occur inside your house when the filter hits the return grille (the piece that covers the duct and filter) or when the blower fan has come loose. Thumping can also indicate a broken seal or hole in the ductwork.

If you hear thumping from outside, your compressor springs may be broken, or the fan is hitting metal. If you hear thumping repeatedly and it’s getting louder, it may be time to contact a local HVAC pro to take a look.

Thwapping

If you hear a thwapping sound, similar to playing cards on bicycle spokes, something may be stuck in the blower blades or touching the blower from inside the unit. This issue is not severe, but it could cause the belt or motor to wear out more quickly than it should.

Repeated Clicking

Repeated clicking can be caused by:

• The relay process: A repetitive clicking noise in your HVAC means there’s a problem in the relay process in the thermostat that regulates the air temperature
• An electrical problem: Clicking can indicate an electrical problem connected to the HVAC, which causes the relay to stop working properly
• The contactor: The contactor, the connection between the thermostat and the compressor unit, may be damaged and need replacement

These problems should be fixed by a local professional technician.

Buzzing

If there is persistent buzzing coming from your outside HVAC unit, it’s a good indicator that there’s a refrigerant leak or that your unit is freezing up from too much usage. Turn off the air conditioner for a few hours and then start it up again. If this happens a lot, your unit needs repair.

Buzzing can also mean that your condenser fan is not working. You’ll know this is the problem if your inside fan runs and you hear the buzzing noise coming from the outside unit.

Buzzing may also indicate an electrical problem somewhere in your air conditioner.

Banging

When there’s a loud banging as your unit runs, it’s broken and needs repair. For example, you may have a damaged piston pin or connecting rod. Banging can also mean you need a compressor replacement. You should stop using the unit until it is repaired or replaced.

Keep your home cool and your bank account happy

Grinding

A grinding sound from your AC usually indicates an issue with vital AC parts.

• Damaged blower fan bearing or blade
• Damaged AC compressor valve
• Damaged condenser fan bearings

Depending on the part, you could pay anywhere from 200 to 700 to replace AC blowers and fans.

Dripping

As your AC cools, it pulls moisture from the air and into the drip pan. A dripping sound suggests the condensation—or moisture—isn’t draining properly. This may also appear as condensation on your AC. Check the drain tube in the drip pan for blockages preventing the water from flowing out of the unit. If it’s dirty, use compressed air or vinegar to remove the clog and get water flowing again.

Whistling

A high-pitched whistling noise suggests something is blocking airflow in your ducts or supply vents. Ensure the vents have enough space to work—with no furniture, dust, or debris blocking them.

Then, move on to your ducts. Blockages and improper installation block airflow, which produces a whistling noise. Call a top-rated ductwork contractor to inspect your ducts for blockages and the proper configuration. If they need a good cleaning, budget 370 to 490 for the cost to clean your air ducts.

Hissing

When refrigerant leaks in your air handler, it can produce a hissing sound. You should address refrigerant leaks immediately, as refrigerant is harmful to the environment. Your HVAC pro mustn’t just refill the refrigerant but also find the source of the leak and repair it. R-22 refrigerant costs 20 to 50 per pound.

How to Prevent a Noisy HVAC System

Regular maintenance will help prevent many of the most common HVAC noises. But if you want to soundproof your unit even further, consider installing vibration panels or liners along your ductwork. Strategically-placed plants, shrubbery, and fencing can also act as a noise barrier, but be sure to leave enough space for your HVAC to circulate air.

Consult a reputable HVAC pro in your area to see what other soundproofing methods they might recommend for your home.

Why Is My Dryer Squeaking?

Laundry day can come with a lot of annoyances, but a squeaky dryer shouldn’t be one. A few common issues that cause dryer squeaking include unlubricated bearings or roller wheels, a failing drive belt, and a motor problem. These simple descriptions below can help you identify which parts of your dryer need to be repaired.

Without the guidance of an experienced technician, fixing these issues yourself can prove to be complex. If grabbing your work gloves, screwdrivers, and putty knife doesn’t sound appealing, your local Mr. Appliance is a reliable source for eliminating your squeaky dryer problem wiht expert dryer repair services.

Is a Squeakey Dryer Dangerous?

While a squeaky dryer doesn’t pose an immediate danger, it should raise a red flag. That bothersome squeaking sound is a sign that one or more of your dryer’s parts are malfunctioning. Be careful not to dismiss this as a simple machine malfunction. If the problem is related to insufficient lubrication to the roller wheels or bearing, the friction between these parts can create a fire hazard./p

Common Causes for a Squeaking Dryer

It can be difficult to enjoy warm, fresh-from-the-dryer clothing when you’ve had to tolerate an hour’s worth of dryer squealing sounds to get it. Rather than endure the headache of a screaming appliance, check out some possible causes for why your dryer is noisy.

Rear Drum Bearing or Roller Wheels Need Lubrication

If the squeaking is coming from the back of the unit, then the rear drum bearing or roller wheels may be the cause. These pieces keep your dryer’s pulley system functioning correctly.

The rear drum bearing ensures that the dryer’s pulley system can turn, while the roller wheels support the drum as it rotates. If either of these parts need to be oiled, you may hear a high-pitched sound coming from your dryer during laundry time.

Drive Belt is Broken

If the squeak is coming from the top of the unit, the drive belt may be loose or worn out. The belt is a slender, long strap that’s responsible for turning the drum. This part is affordable to buy, so you may attempt to replace it yourself.

Motor is Failing

If the dryer is squeaking is coming from the bottom of the unit, then the likely cause is the dryer motor. This is the worst-case scenario because replacement dryer motors can be expensive — in fact, it may be more economical to simply get a new dryer, depending on the severity of the issue.

Because this problem is a serious one, you’ll want to make sure that a failing motor is really the issue before deciding to replace your entire unit.

Idler Pulley Needs to be Replaced

When you hear squeaking coming from the front of your dryer unit, it may be time to replace your idler pulley. You will want to replace this part quickly, as it’s responsible for helping the dryer belt rotate the drum. Without this replacement, the drum of the dryer will eventually stop turning altogether.

Roller Shafts are Worn

Roller shafts support the dryer drum as it rotates. When these are damaged, you may hear a squeaking or thumping noise. Their average lifespan is anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Luckily, replacing roller shafts is not an extravagant expense that warrants buying a new dryer.

Drum Glide Bearing is Damaged

The drum glide bearing is responsible for making sure the dryer turns smoothly. When this part wears out, you may hear either a scraping or squeaking noise.

Had Enough of Your Dryer Making Squeaking Noise?

Dryers aren’t meant to be noisy, so if yours is, it’s time to get its parts checked out. You don’t have to put up with your dryer squeaking.! When you need a helping hand to fight against your dryer making loud noises, Mr. Appliance will beis your reliable resource for expert dryer repairs.

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Simply schedule dryer repair service online, or call.