Why is my air conditioner making a humming noise?

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 might include:

• The condenser fan motor on the unit might be unable to spin but still has power reaching it, 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 arrives at the level where cooling is required. When the contractor fails, it can produce a humming sound. The switch can be found 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 might 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 broken blower motor. A broken blower motor will sometimes 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, check to see if the humming or buzzing is louder near the exterior condenser unit or the furnace.
• The AC Condenser Fan Motor is broken - similar to the blower motor failing, a broken condenser fan motor can also cause a humming noise when it fails. If the indoor blower is running 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 entering the condenser, overgrowth surrounding the unit, loose parts, etc.
• Loose components inside the air conditioner - Your HVAC system is a complex machine with plenty of moving parts. Over time, it’s possible that a few parts broke loose due to normal 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 will 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 attention. Given the causes above, it’s important to find where the sound is coming from. Your entire HVAC system is interconnected. The air conditioner requires adequate airflow to operate normally. Air passes 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.

Resolving the AC humming issue does best with a technician to perform a diagnostic assessment on the 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 carefully handled only by a professional. Electrical components to your system should never be adjusted by a novice because of the risk of electrocution. Homeowners are better served hiring 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 broken, 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 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 review your HVAC system as a whole. 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.