Why is my central air conditioner making a loud noise?

Standard disclaimer applies; Always consult a licensed professional HVAC Contractor of your choice for your repair questions and needs.

                            FAQ's

  • Why is my air conditioner making noise? 
  • Can an outdoor ac unit loud noise be dangerous? 
  • How do I fix my AC that is making noise?
  • What should I do with a noise on my ac unit?
  • How can I fix a noisy air conditioner myself?
  • Is the air conditioner supposed to make a loud noise?
  • Will that noise in my ac cost me a lot of money?
  • When should I call an ac service technician for noise?
  • Why is my outside unit making a buzz noise?

As a licensed professional, I hear questions about noisy units multiple times a day.

                            Some noises are common although some are not! 

The air conditioning system making a loud noise could be airflow restrictions or failing mechanical parts. The loud noise coming for your ac system or ductwork is an indication that an HVAC professional is required.  If you hear a loud noise from your air conditioning system, shut the system off at the thermostat and call Neighbors A/C & Heating. (yes, that's a plug for my company, so give us a try and call us!)


AC Repair Condenser Leak Search AC Not Cooling
Outdoor AC Condensing Unit 


6 Air Conditioner loud noises that may require an HVAC professional


The distinction between a noisy AC unit and a normally loud AC unit is important to understand. Every AC manufacturer will specify the noise levels for each fan speed setting in the owner's manual.

Condenser units can make various noises listed: 

  • Pulsating 
  • Buzzing  
  • Whistling 
  • Humming 
  • Clicking 

Air Conditioning units make loud noises that come from the compressor, air handler, furnace and or ductwork.  

If an air conditioner runs smoothly, nobody notices. 

If the outdoor or indoor AC unit start making noise, we all get worried, right!

 HOUSTON IS HOT !!!

AC noises are not just an inconvenience; an air conditioner making a loud noise means spending money or being subjected to Houston's unbearable heat & humidity.

In some cases, you can repair a loud air conditioner yourself. That is the best-case scenario. The wiring is not complicated but if the wrong wire is accidently connected incorrectly to the contactor and capacitorWhen we are dispatched to an ac making noise or ac not cooling, we find the DIY repair has catastrophically damaged the unit.

Minor components are common DIY repairs that can easily burn out the furnace circuit board and or blower motor in the furnace, burn out the thermostat or worse, cause the compressor to fail. All of these examples are very expensive mistakes. 

Now, I don't want to dismiss talented DIY enthusiasts, the experienced YouTube University Grad's who can certainly make the repair. 

However, not everybody is mechanically inclined. We highly recommend you call a licensed HVAC professional. 



Technical school, many years of hands on experience and mandatory annual license testing is the reason HVAC Contractors are able to service customers through the State Licenses & Regulations.

To sum up, there are a few options when you hear a loud noise coming from the ac unit; 

1. You diagnose and attempt to repair yourself.  (Possibly leading to costly repairs) 

2. Consult a licensed professional HVAC company for the ac repair. 

Some DIY'ers can certainly do it, however, it is highly recommended for you to call a licensed HVAC professional

Professional help is available should an air conditioning expert diagnose the air conditioning components or complete system with Neighbors A/C & Heating. 






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