In this blog entry, the Chicago air duct cleaning and Chicago ductwork cleaning team here at EmDuct will detail some common sounds caused by air conditioning systems that should cause absolutely no concerns.
Humming
Humming is a common sound that comes from an air conditioner. Humming usually means that your AC unit is about to start a coin cycle. This process begins when your home thermostat signals that your home temperature is high enough that it needs to get cooled down. Then your air compressor starts to run in order to apply pressure to the liquid refrigerant. Then, the liquid refrigerant changes into a hot gas to cycle through the heat exchange. The hum of the air compressor motor means that cool air should simultaneously blow out of the vents. If you don’t feel cool air, but the AC is humming, something is likely wrong with your AC unit.
Blowing
Blowing means that the AC fan is likely operating to move cool air through ducts and out of vents. The AC will likely make a blowing sound after the air compressor starts to hum. The blowing sound should be steady, smooth, and somewhat quiet, like white noise.
Water Sounds
The sound of water does not indicate an issue. If you look closely at a window AC unit, you’ll see it dripping water outside – or even drip on you when you’re outside! Whole home AC units work somewhat similarly, but drain water differently as it collects on the AC’s evaporator coil, exiting through your AC drainage system as moisture condensates.
Rattling
Much of your AC ductwork is made of flexible duct board or plastic. The one area ductwork is metal is inside the interior AC cabinet. This thin metal sheet changes shape when your home is heated or cooled. When your AC unit is on, you might hear the ductwork metal part rattling as it expands or contracts. The rattling shouldn’t happen too long, and if it persists, ductwork might be very loose.
Clicking
When AC units stop their cooling cycle you might hear clicking. Clicking occurs when the AC compressor motor stops. Clicking sounds at other times might be a signal that something is seriously wrong. If you’re worried about a clicking sound in your AC, contact a professional AC repair team for assistance.