Central air conditioners can be interior or exterior. Central air conditioner units are meant to provide cooler temperatures for your home whenever you need it. When they are installed properly they will last for years, but there are also numerous working parts that make up the interior of a conditioner unit. All of these parts are subject to wear and tear over the years. Noises coming from your air conditioner might be something as simple as a loose cover, but you have to be able to differentiate the simple from the complex problems to avoid costly repairs. Rattling Noises Rattling is a common noise with air conditioners, as the various fasteners throughout the machine can eventually come loose. If you hear rattling, start by checking the screws or bolts holding any cover plates in place. If the noises continue, remove the cover and check internally for the same issue. While you can listen for rattles, you should flip the power to the unit off at the breaker when you actually go in to tighten screws and bolts.

Whistling Sounds Whistling is generally the result of seals which aren’t doing their job properly. This is most common along the cracks and seams of ducts as they exit the central unit and attach to the ductwork that carries the air throughout the home. Examine the seams around these areas for loose connections and retighten any screws or bolts. If heat tape was used to also cover the seals, make sure the tape completely adheres to the duct seams. Check for flaws in any caulking and re-caulk as needed when you find the voids. Screeching The interior motor of an air conditioner unit relies on belts just like a car motor. Anyone who has ever owned a vehicle has heard a motor screeching from time to time when the serpentine belt within begins to wear out and stretch. The same problem can occur with air conditioners. If there is periodic screeching that only occurs when the unit turns on to blow air or cool the air down, you are dealing with a worn-out belt that needs to be replaced. Thudding Thuds mean something is loose and flying around within the air conditioner unit while still attached to a turning motor.

Sometimes this can be something as simple as a fan blade coming loose from a motor and consequently bumping into a guard while it spins. Or it could be something more complex, such as a plastic component or cover plate falling off and into a fan where it causes thudding every time a fan blade passes. hissing sound coming from ac unitRemove the cover plate so you can visually inspect the interior to discover the offending object. sanyo hvac unitPhoto Credits Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a Correctionwine cellar refrigeration unit reviewsIf you are having trouble with your air conditioner unit rattling or making noises, there could be several reasons. It’s best to get to the root of the noise to before it becomes a nuisance to yourself and your neighbors.

It’s also best to figure out what is making the noise and rattling so that the air conditioner unit is not damaged beyond repair. The rattling noise could be caused by the unit being poorly installed, by loose or broken parts or by dust and debris. Fortunately, these reasons are fairly easy to diagnose and fix. Before you attempt to diagnose or fix any air conditioner problem, unplug the unit for safety. One of the most common causes behind air conditioner rattling is improper installation. Most modern air conditioner units have grooves to line up when you install it in the window frame. If the grooves don’t match up, there will be rattling because of the unit being unstable. Another cause is when the outside platform doesn’t line up with the window sill. Reinstalling the air conditioning unit is the easiest way to reduce the noise and rattling. First, check the levelness of the platform to the window. Adjust the levelness if necessary. Second, check for the looseness of the unit.

Pull the unit out and reinstall, if necessary. You can also try putting additional foam around the air conditioner to improve the snug fit inside the window. This will rectify any space that was left open to cause rattling against the window frame. Another of the easy ways to fix the rattling of an air conditioner is to check the unit for excessive dust or debris. It is very common for the outside portion of the unit to gather leaves, twigs or dirt. Remove any obvious debris from the air conditioner unit. After that, try vacuuming any dust and debris from the inside of the unit. Lastly, use the spray cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto a rag and clean any exposed parts of the air conditioner. Step 3 – Check for Loose or Broken Parts This is the most complicated manner of fixing a rattling air conditioner because you will have to unscrew and remove the face of the unit in order to check the fan and the compressor for looseness and workability. You can easily tighten any loose parts with your screwdriver.

For any parts that need to be replaced, you will need the model and brand of your air conditioner before shopping for new parts. Be sure to clean the inside of the unit while you have it open. Last of all, if none of the options work, it may be necessary to replace the whole unit. Many window air conditioners are affordable and easy to install.Your car’s AC system is designed to keep you cool and comfortable when the temperature rises. It’s also designed to operate quietly and unobtrusively. There should be little to no noise from an air conditioning system that’s in good working order. However, if you’re hearing a rattle when you turn the air on, it could be any number of different problems. While your air conditioner is technically a separate system, it’s tied to the rest of the engine by the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is what’s responsible for turning the pulley at the AC compressor, and pressurizing the lines. The compressor engages/disengages by an electromagnetic clutch.

If you turn on the AC and immediately hear a rattling noise, there are a few potential causes: Compressor: If your compressor is beginning to fail, it can make a rattling noise. Pulley: If the compressor pulley bearings are failing, they can make noise (generally a grinding, roaring or squealing noise). Belt: If the serpentine belt is worn, it can slip when the compressor engages, causing noises. Idler Pulley: It’s possible that the noise is actually from the idler pulley if its bearings are failing (the noise would start when the compressor engages due to the increased load on the engine). Compressor Clutch: The compressor clutch is a high-wear item, and if it’s worn out, it can create a rattle during operation (some vehicles can have just the clutch replaced, but some require replacement of both the clutch and compressor). There are many other potential sources of the noise as well. When the AC turns on, it puts the entire engine under a heavier load.