Why Does My Aircon Make So Much Noise?

Noisy Aircon? In Singapore’s sweltering weather, the air conditioner has become a must-have in most our lives, especially at home, when all we want is a good night’s sleep. Imagine being really tired, and looking forward to a well-deserved rest. Then… you hear it. The unmistakable whirring/humming sound of a running motor, running louder than it normally should. You try to ignore it, but it’s just distracting. There goes your uninterrupted sleep.

Annoying, isn’t it? But fret not! More than often, the reasons for the noise are pretty simple to troubleshoot and solve.

Vibrations
This is the first thing you should check for. Being external, it’s the easiest to check, and reasons are usually straightforward and easy to put right. Vibrations can occur if the air conditioning unit is not fastened on properly. Make sure the unit is fastened on tightly by tightening and securing it. If there is loose space in between, insert vibration pads to reduce the rattling.

Compressor
Noisy air-conditioning units can also be due to loose or worn out compressors. A compressor is a device that uses power to convert power into kinetic energy to keep your air conditioning unite running. You can either replace the compressor yourself, or seek the help of a professional technician.

Fan Blades
Fan blades play a part in generating cool air. Fan blades can get bent or out of alignment, thus brushing against the condenser fins, resulting in noise because of the blockage. This problem can be solved with ease either by bending the fan back into provision, or if needed, replacing them.

Another common problem is dirty fan blades. Fan blades can become imbalanced if left dirty for too long, thus adding to the noise. Clean your fan blades frequently to prolong your air conditioning unit’s life.

Lubrication Issues
Like any other machine, air conditioners operate based on a lot of metal and gears, including the fan bearings and compressor. These parts move and brush against each other during operation. Without oil flow, much friction is created resulting in a continuous screeching noise.

Stray Hardware
Here’s another compressor-relation issue. By now, you should be fully aware of how important role the compressors plays in a functioning air-conditioning unit. Stray hardware typically happens in compressors. If you hear a clattering noise, you may want to check for loose hardware. Sometimes, a loosened screw or unimportant spare part may fall our during transport or perhaps just due to wear and tear. Those may hinder the fan’s movements, or simply get thrown about in the machine.

Refrigerator Floodback
Refrigerator floodback is the bane of a working air-conditioner. Floodback is something that occurs when the liquid refrigerant goes back to the compressor while running. If you suspect that this is the problem get a professional technician to check it just when the compressor is starting up. They can solve it easily by installing a new crankcase heater.

If all fails, it’s time to call your friendly air-con service operator, or, if you current air con is ancient, get a brand new one! Remember, regular checks and self-maintenance can help target problems before they escalate saving you much money and time!