If you got a sinking feeling when you realized the horrendous noise you heard outside was your air conditioner compressor, we understand. Malfunctioning AC compressors can make ear-piercing clanking, buzzing, humming, rattling, and squealing noises that keep you and your neighbors awake at night.
A compressor can make noise for several reasons – worn bearings, loose parts, no oil, and electrical issues.
To learn more about the sound your compressor is making, we recommend you take a look at this video or scroll down to learn more:
What Is An AC Compressor?
Your AC compressor is a part of the condenser unit or your outdoor unit. The compressor is responsible for heating and pressurizing coolant from the evaporator coil before the condenser cools and compresses it.
When your compressor is malfunctioning, it often causes other parts to breakdown, because it does not push the right amount of refrigerant through the system. Air conditioner compressors are high-pressure part that takes a lot of wear.
So, it is not uncommon for compressors to fail, especially if you own an older air conditioning system.
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Do Loud Noises Mean Your Compressor Is In Trouble?
Honestly, it depends on the sound. It is normal for your compressor to make some noise when it is running. However, strange sounds coming from your AC unit might mean a costly component, like your air conditioner’s compressor or blower fan motor, is failing.
So, read through the common causes of AC compressor noises to help you pinpoint what is causing your compressor sound.
Squealing Sounds
A squealing sound while your compressor fan motor is running is a telltale sign that you may need to replace it soon. Worn bearings cause the horrendous shrieking.
Rattling Noises
Rattling sounds could be something as simple as a loose part, improperly installed air filter, or airflow causing your ducts to vibrate. Or, it could be something more serious, like a broken fan blade.
Clanking Sounds
Clanking noises usually come from the air condenser fan. When it begins to fail, it can get off balance due to the worn-out parts that cause it to bang against the condenser coil, which creates the clanking noise.
Clanking is one of the worst AC compressor noises because it can mean your outdoor unit is breaking down. Or the broken fan caused damage to other components in your air conditioning unit.
So, you may be looking at replacing the compressor or your entire HVAC system soon.
Did You Know
When your AC compressor is malfunctioning, it often causes other parts to break down because it does not push the right amount of refrigerant through the system. Compressors are a high-pressure part that takes a lot of wear.
Banging Noises
Your AC damper is usually the culprit when you hear a banging sound as your air conditioner shuts down. The damper makes the loud banging sound because internal pressure changes caused by the air conditioner powering off, pull the damper closed.
The sound is pretty distinct and you have likely heard an air conditioner unit damper slamming shut many times. If the sound bothers you, you may want to have an air conditioner repair technician adjust the damper, so it is not as loud when it closes.
Banging noises can also come from broken piston pins and crankshafts hitting the inside of the crankcase in your compressor motor.
Hissing Noises
Refrigerant leaks can cause a hissing noise as the refrigerant gas escapes from your unit. If you hear hissing from your air conditioner, you need to contact an HVAC professional.
Under normal operation, refrigerants do not pose a threat to homeowners. However, refrigerants are toxic gases that are harmful to the environment and humans or animals if inhaled or ingested.
Related: What is Compressor Oil?
How Much Does It Cost to Fix an AC Compressor?
If your compressor in your air conditioner needs to be repaired, the cost ranges from $150 to $650, depending on the issue. Replacing capacitors and contactors will be on the lower end, while extensive repairs will be more costly. If you need to replace your AC compressor, it will cost between $1,000 to $2,600, unless it is still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
How Can You Prevent AC Compressor Noises?
Caring for your HVAC system can keep it running well, which should help to reduce noisy system breakdowns.
When you have your air conditioner and furnace maintained annually, the HVAC technician will go over your entire system to ensure all of the components are working and your refrigerant levels are correct. The contractor will advise you of any parts that are worn and give you the option of replacing them.
Even if you decide to wait until major components like your air condtioner compressor stop working to replace them, you will have an idea of your compressor’s condition long before it starts making strange sounds.
If you keep up with your air conditioning maintenance and your compressor starts clanking or squealing, you will know, you need to schedule an appointment to have it looked at.
Final Advice For Dealing With A Noisy AC Compressor
Having an air conditioner tuneup is a good idea anytime you hear a strange sound coming from your compressor, especially if you have tried to identify the source of the sound unsuccessfully.
When your AC compressor makes strange noises at start-up or when it is shut down, it is usually a sign that a unit or your HVAC system needs repairs or a replacement soon anyway, and the longer you let it wait, the more stress is put on parts like the piston pins, gaskets, and connecting rods.
If you have not yet planned for the cost of replacing damaged or loose parts, it would be wise to start now. A wise way to protect yourself from unnecessary expenses on home appliances is to get a home warranty protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my AC compressor making a loud buzzing noise?
Loud buzzing noises coming from the outdoor unit of your air conditioner are usually caused by electrical issues with the compressor. Most often, it’s from loose wiring, a failing capacitor, or a bad contactor. An HVAC technician can help diagnose and fix the issue.
How often should I have my AC compressor serviced to prevent noise issues?
I recommend having your air conditioning system serviced by an HVAC technician at least once a year.
Can I continue to run my air conditioner if the compressor is making noise?
If the noise is loud and some out of the ordinary, I recommend turning off your AC unit until an HVAC contractor can assess it. Running it while its damaged can cause further, more expensive issues.
