If your air conditioner is humming, it might mean there is an electrical or mechanical problem. Take steps now to determine the issue with your air conditioner.
Possible causes of your cooling system’s humming might include:
- The condenser fan motor on the unit may be unable to spin but is still connected to power, creating resistance that leads to a pronounced—and often loud—humming sound.
- There could be a mechanical or electrical [malfunction|failure|breakdown]9] with the contractor relay switch, the component responsible for starting the outside unit when the indoor temperature rises to the level where cooling is needed. When the contractor breaks, it can produce a humming sound. The switch is located in the exterior condenser unit outside your home.
- The circuit breaker is overloaded - normally, your circuit breaker trips if it becomes overloaded. However, if the circuit breaker is faulty and can’t, you might hear an electrical humming noise.
- Ice on condenser - if your unit freezes up, this can cause a loud humming or buzzing noise. If your air conditioner is frozen, there are a few other likely causes such as a refrigerant leak, clogged air filter or malfunctioning blower motor. A broken blower motor will often create a humming or buzzing noise, and is located in your furnace. If the furnace is installed near the exterior condenser, you might mistake the source of the humming noise. With the AC running, determine if the humming or buzzing is louder near the exterior condenser unit or the furnace.
- The AC Condenser Fan Motor is damaged - like the blower motor failing, a broken condenser fan motor can also make a humming noise when it malfunctions. If the indoor blower is on but the fan is not turning, your fan motor may emit a loud buzz. Some people perceive this sound as more of a hum than a buzz. There can be multiple causes for a failure of this part including debris rattling against the condenser, overgrowth around the unit, loose parts, etc.
- Loose components inside the air conditioner - Your HVAC system is an intricate machine with a large number of moving parts. Over time, it’s possible that some parts broke loose due to normal wear and tear. A loose part can cause premature wear and loud noises, including a humming noise.
- Refrigerant pipes are vibrating - If the refrigerant lines are undercharged, it can cause vibration. This vibration can sometimes sound like a humming noise. There may be other causes for a vibrating refrigerant line, such as an improperly mounted expansion valve.
A humming sound is a sign that something inside your air conditioner is off and needs a closer look. Given the causes above, it’s crucial to find where the sound is coming from. Your whole HVAC system is interconnected. The air conditioner needs adequate airflow to operate efficiently. Air passes through the air filter, and it’s the blower motor (located inside the furnace) that circulates air through the entire system to heat or cool your home. If the air filter is dirty, or the blower motor breaks, that can cause issues with your condenser unit located outside the home.
Resolving the AC humming issue does best with a technician to perform a diagnostic assessment on your whole unit. This work should never be attempted by a homeowner, but only by a trained technician. Your HVAC system has hazardous refrigerants running through it that should be safely handled only by a professional. Electrical components to your system should never be adjusted by a novice due to the risk of electrocution. Homeowners are better served trusting an HVAC company to diagnose and repair their system if they notice any odd humming, whirring, or buzzing noises coming from their unit.
If a component like the blower motor is broken, it may be because your furnace is near the end of its life. The blower motor is not a component that needs to be replaced on a regular basis. Working with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we will not only diagnose your problem and offer recommendations to resolve things as soon as possible, we’ll also assess your HVAC system entirely. If your unit needs to be replaced, we have affordable options with top tier service available through financing. We also have the Advantage program that will get you a new system for a low monthly rate.