If your air conditioner is humming, it could 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 could include:
- The condenser fan motor on the unit might be unable to spin but still has power reaching it, creating resistance that results in a pronounced—and often loud—humming noise.
- There could be a mechanical or electrical [malfunction|failure|breakdown]9] with the contractor relay switch, which is responsible for starting the outside unit when the indoor temperature reaches the level where cooling is needed. When the contractor malfunctions, it can create a humming sound. The switch should be 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 malfunctioning and won’t, you may hear an electrical humming noise.
- Ice on condenser - if your unit freezes up, this can result in 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 damaged 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 - similar to the blower motor failing, a broken condenser fan motor can also create 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 near the unit, loose parts, etc.
- Loose components inside the air conditioner - Your HVAC system is a complex machine with a lot of moving parts. Over time, it’s possible that a few parts shook 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 may sometimes sound like a humming noise. There may be other causes for a vibrating refrigerant line, like an improperly mounted expansion valve.
A humming sound is a sign that something inside your air conditioner is off and needs attention. Given the causes above, it’s important to determine where the sound is coming from. Your entire HVAC system is one unit. The air conditioner relies on adequate airflow to operate effectively. Air passes through the air filter, and it’s the blower motor (located inside the furnace) that pushes air through the entire system to heat or cool your home. If the air filter is clogged, or the blower motor malfunctions, that can cause issues with your condenser unit located outside the home.
Fixing the AC humming issue requires a technician to perform a diagnostic assessment on your whole unit. This work should never be completed by a homeowner, but only by a certified technician. Your HVAC system has hazardous refrigerants running through it that should be carefully handled only by a professional. Electrical components to your system should never be adjusted by a novice because of the danger of electrocution. Homeowners are better served trusting an HVAC company to examine 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 faulty, it may be because your furnace is near the end of its lifespan. The blower motor is not a component that needs to be replaced often. Working with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we will not only diagnose your problem and provide recommendations to resolve things as soon as possible, we’ll also inspect 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.