Hearing weird noises when your air conditioner is on? There’s a strong probability there's something wrong with your unit. If you don't fix it, it could lead to extensive—and expensive—problems down the road. We’re going to help you understand what’s going on with your air conditioner and what you can do to correct it.

8 Common Air Conditioning Noises

Gurgling – Gurgling normally indicates a complication with your refrigerant line. If you can’t pinpoint where the noise is emanating from, that’s alright. An expert can help determine where this noise is occurring.
Crackling – Crackling could result from debris in the unit or aging ductwork. Debris in the outdoor unit will cause a noise outside your house. Old ductwork can cause noise inside your house.
Hissing – Hissing sounds coming from your AC can be created by a damaged refrigerant line, an internal valve leak or the compressor.
Buzzing – Buzzing is no doubt an electrical issue.
Clicking – Clicking can hint you have a loose part or that the fan is misaligned.
Pulsating – Pulsating can be due to a loose part.
Loud Noise – A noticeable noise from your outdoor unit can signal an issue with your compressor, damper, fan or air handler.
Humming – Humming can be related to fan motor issues or a damaged relay switch. Check out our humming noise guide for more information.

You can find additional information about frequent air conditioning problems on energy.gov

Should I Keep Running My AC When It’s Making a Noise?

There are limited cases where you can continue to run your AC, but you do so at your own risk. It’s difficult to answer this question without inspecting your system.

Most of the time, we recommend shutting off the unit off and calling a professional.

When Should I Do Something About the Noise?

We recommend calling a professional as soon as you recognize there’s something wrong with your system. While AC repairs can be stressful and an unexpected cost, it’s better to get problems taken care of right away. Getting a professional could help lower future expenses and keep your system running longer.

Not sure if your air conditioner is making any of these noises? Please schedule online for a free, in-home consultation.