Why Is My AC Making a Loud Noise?

The last thing you want is to come home from a busy day and listen to your heating or air conditioning rattling through the ducts. A noisy AC system is a common problem for homeowners, especially those who live in smaller homes or in more urbanized areas, like central Atlanta, where homes tend to be smaller and closer together. In cities, the ductwork — as well as the furnace or air conditioning units themselves — is often located closer to living spaces and sleeping quarters. Regardless of where your home is a located, a noisy HVAC system is annoying. There are a few common issues that can cause the noise, and fortunately, with a little attention, peace can be restored.  Keep reading to learn reasons why your AC is make a loud noise.  

Vibrating HVAC Components

One of the more likely culprits causing noise in your AC system is vibration. If the blower in your furnace becomes imbalanced, it will vibrate against the house and cause a great deal more noise than it normally would — noise that echoes throughout the ducts and vents of your home. In the hot summers, on the other hand, a poorly installed air conditioning unit can rattle your nerves when you are trying to find respite from the heat and humidity. A missing vibration pad or a pad that was not poured level — or has become unlevel — can cause noisy vibration. As tempting as it may be to try to correct such problems yourself, a professional HVAC technician will make sure that the vibrating components are silenced and stay that way.

Ductwork

Another common noise-causing problem is ductwork that has come loose or was not properly designed and installed in the first place. If your duct system is not designed correctly, poor distribution of the air can cause an uneven distribution of pressure, resulting in noise. This can cause problems in your house where rooms have positive or negative air pressure compared to other rooms in the house. Air pressure differences like this can result in effects like doors slamming when your AC system kicks in. If the noise can be pinpointed to a specific joint in the ductwork, the connection can be tightened or sealed better, which can often solve the problem. However, if the AC noise seems to be emanating from throughout the system, your entire system of ductwork may need to be redesigned.

Damaged Equipment

If the noises you are hearing in your AC system are characterized by a clanging or scraping sound, you may have a problem that is much more serious than poorly sealed ductwork or an off-kilter furnace blower. Such noises can actually indicate a problem with your furnace or air conditioner, like a fan blade scraping against metal. Such internal damage requires professional attention as soon as possible.

If you are unable to heat or cool your house in peace, call an HVAC pro like those at Reliable Heating & Air. Professional AC techs will be able to listen to the sounds, diagnose the problem and take care of the issues. Then you and your family can enjoy your home in quiet comfort.