If your air conditioner is humming, it might mean there is an electrical or mechanical problem. Take steps now to identify 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 is still connected to power, creating resistance that leads to a pronounced—and often loud—humming noise.
- 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 reaches the level where cooling is needed. When the contractor breaks, it can produce 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 cannot trip, you may hear an electrical humming noise.
- Ice on condenser - if your unit freezes over, this can result in a loud humming or buzzing noise. If your air conditioner is frozen, there are several other potential causes such as a refrigerant leak, clogged air filter or faulty blower motor. A broken blower motor will sometimes create a humming or buzzing noise, and is located in your furnace. If the furnace is located close to the exterior condenser, you could mistake the source of the humming noise. With the AC running, found out 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 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 noise as more of a hum than a buzz. There can be several causes for a failure of this component including debris entering the condenser, overgrowth surrounding the unit, loose parts, etc.
- Loose components inside the air conditioner - Your HVAC system is a complex machine with a large number of moving parts. Over time, it’s possible that a handful of parts broke loose due to average wear and tear. A loose part may cause premature wear and loud noises, including a humming noise.
- Refrigerant pipes are vibrating - If your 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, 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 interconnected. The air conditioner requires adequate airflow to operate properly. Air blows through the air filter, and it’s the blower motor (located inside the furnace) that moves air through the entire system to heat or cool your home. If the air filter is clogged, or the blower motor breaks, 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 trained professional. 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 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 faulty, it may be because your furnace is near the end of its lifespan. The blower motor is not a part that needs to be replaced on a regular basis. Working with Jack Nelson Service Experts, we will not only diagnose your problem and offer recommendations to resolve things as soon as possible, we’ll also review your HVAC system as a whole. If your unit is better off 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.