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Why is my air conditioner making noise?

If your air conditioner is making noise, start by narrowing down where the sound is coming from and what kind of noise it is. A loud compressor can be the source, especially if the unit still cools but sounds rougher than it used to. A worn dual shaft fan motor is another common cause, since its bearings can lose lubrication over time and create a loud humming, squealing, or grinding sound. If you have a window air conditioner noisy enough to rattle, check the front and rear fan blade for damage or contact with the housing. A failing condenser fan motor can also make an AC making loud noise, especially if the motor is getting voltage but will not run properly. The fan motor bearings may be worn, or the fan blades may be scraping the blower housing. A loose blower wheel can also cause air conditioner rattling or vibration. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact compressor, dual shaft fan motor, fan blade, condenser fan motor, fan motor, or blower wheel that fits your specific air conditioner.

01 - Air Conditioner Compressor

When the compressor is wearing out, it generates more noise than usual. When this happens, it is not necessary to replace the compressor—compressors often last for years after they become noisy. However, if you would prefer to have a new compressor, have a licensed professional replace it.

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02 - Air Conditioner Dual Shaft Fan Motor

The fan motor or dual shaft fan motor has bearings which are usually permanently lubricated. However, over several years, the lubrication will break down, causing the motor to become noisy. If this happens, replace the dual shaft fan motor.

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03 - Air Conditioner Fan Blade

Air conditioners have a fan blade in the front and a fan blade in the rear. Check both fan blades for damage. If a fan blade is damaged, or is rubbing against the fan housing, replace it.

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04 - Air Conditioner Condenser Fan Motor

To determine if the condenser fan motor is working, use a multimeter to test the incoming voltage to the motor. If the condenser fan motor is receiving the correct voltage, but the motor still won’t run, you should inspect the capacitor, if applicable, for any bulging or leaking. You can also use a multimeter to determine if the capacitor can hold and release its charge. If the capacitor appears to be in good condition, replace the condenser fan motor.

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05 - Air Conditioner Fan Motor

The fan blades might be scraping against the blower housing. Air conditioners have a fan blade in the front and a fan blade in the rear. Check both fan blades to ensure that they are not rubbing against the housing. If the blades aren’t rubbing against the housing and the fan motor is still noisy, check the fan motor bearings for wear. If the bearings are worn, replace the fan motor.

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06 - Air Conditioner Blower Wheel

Wiggle the blower wheel to see if it wobbles on the motor shaft. If the blower wheel is loose, try tightening or replacing the set screw screw if it has one. If blower wheel still isn’t stable, replace the blower wheel altogether.

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