Why Do Air Conditioners Click

Home heating and cooling systems make noise. Even top-of-the-line "quiet comfort" units will hum or buzz during operation. The ductwork may accentuate these sounds, adding rattles and vibrations as the system engages and blows air through the vents. These sounds are a normal part of the system's operation and should not cause an alarm.

Clicking noises during unit operation may signal a loose fan or faulty relay switch; inspect the fan for wear and tear, or check the relay for proper functionality if the noise persists.

However, if the system produces unusual noises or sounds that are unfamiliar and not associated with normal operation, it may be time for a service call. Some sounds, as the system turns on or cycles through the cooling process, could indicate a potential problem.

Causes of Air Conditioner Clicking

One common yet troublesome noise is clicking sounds. Noticeable AC click sounds can indicate potential problems in several system components. A professional AC inspection is necessary to determine the cause. Here are a few common reasons for AC clicks:

Clicking noises as the unit turns on or off can be caused by a loose fan or a faulty relay switch. Often, a fan becomes loose from average wear and tear or lack of maintenance, and it will hit something in the condenser. This typically happens as it starts up or slows down, and sometimes continually as it operates. Check the unit to see if the sound is coming from the fan. Otherwise, the relay may not be working properly.

If the system does not turn on at all, other than a steady click, say every 20 seconds, this can indicate a faulty control board, fan motor, capacitor, or switch. Contact a professional repair service immediately, as any delay or attempts to fix the problem without professional help could necessitate a whole new unit.

If the AC is running continually, with intermittent clicking, the likely cause is a malfunctioning thermostat. Thermostats wear out over time, wires come loose or short out and can cause undue stress and strain as the "confused" air conditioner struggles to keep up. Although a thermostat can be an easy fix, a service call is worthwhile to assess any potential damage caused by non-stop running.

A clicking or ticking sound, accompanied by rattling and shuddering, can be caused by problems with the compressor. The compressor is one of the major components of the air conditioning system. Any noise that comes from the outside or inside the unit itself can indicate an impending breakdown of the cooling system and should be urgently addressed.

Above and Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial heating and air conditioning company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort. Call us today at (210)794-9895.