What’s Making the AC Rattle?
Air conditioners help keep our homes cool and comfortable. However, as a mechanical device with numerous moving parts, it is not uncommon for AC units to experience issues compromising the home’s comfort. A common problem that homeowners come across is their system making annoying noises.
Modern HVAC units are highly energy-efficient, and their motors produce little to no noise while operating. Therefore, it is alarming when an AC makes unfamiliar sounds. It indicates that the system is malfunctioning or experiencing an issue that needs immediate attention. Homeowners most often call on air conditioning professionals to solve rattling sounds.
Let’s look at the few likely causes that make an AC rattle:
Debris in the outdoor unit
Outdoor air conditioning units can accumulate leaves, twigs, gravel, dirt, and other foreign objects if the area around them is not kept clear. When the debris enters the unit’s cabinet, it gets knocked around as the AC runs and produces a rattling sound. Debris stuck inside the AC system can severely damage the internal components, leading to costly repairs and replacements. Call a professional to clean the outdoor unit as soon as possible. Keep the space around the AC unit clean and free of debris to prevent the issue from happening again.
Faulty motors
Every AC unit uses motors to run the fans and the condenser. An air conditioner can rattle if the indoor or outdoor motor is damaged, their components become loose, or if the old bearings wear out. A damaged motor reduces the system lifespan and reduces its efficiency. Fixing a broken motor is not a do-it-yourself project. An HVAC professional can make the required repairs and also lubricate its parts to reduce the rattling noise.
Loose or detached panel
A simple reason behind an AC making a rattling sound is loose panels. The panels on the cabinets that house the indoor or outdoor units are kept tightly in place with the help of screws. These screws can loosen over time due to vibration that the system produces when it turns on, or they were not tightly screwed when the panel was last opened. Use a screwdriver to fasten loose screws and ensure that all the panels are secure. If the AC still makes a rattling noise, seek professional help.
Damaged or misaligned fan blades
A damaged, loose, or misaligned AC fan blade striking the frame or casing can produce a rattling sound. Age, wear and tear, poor installation, or foreign objects falling into the unit can damage or bend the fan blades. Turn off the AC and call a technician to fix the problem as the annoying noise can cause the fan to break down completely if not attended to on time.
A clogged filter, undersized ductwork, worn-out registers, or a damaged fan cage are some other potential reasons behind the AC making rattling noises.
A rattling AC is annoying, and the underlying issue can worsen over time, leading to significant damage. Always call a local AC service company to repair the system and restore normal functioning.
When you need heating or refrigeration service, maintenance or repair, call us at Affordable Comfort A/C and Heating 602-574-1205.
