Why Does My Commercial Air Conditioner Make Loud Noises and What Do They Mean?

A noisy commercial air conditioner is not something that should be ignored. Prompt attention may allow you to correct small issues before they become larger and more expensive ones. It is possible that the fan has become bent or has an obstruction which is causing the noise; loose screws and a motor in need of lubrication may also be the cause. Unfortunately, some loud banging or clanking noises indicate a worn out motor or shot bearings. If this is the case, it may be time to consider upgrading your older unit with a high efficiency modern air conditioner which will save you money on utility expenses.

Some Loud Noises are Easily Corrected

In some cases, it may be easy to eliminate loud noises coming from your A/C unit:

• With the power disconnected, check to see if there is any debris obstructing the fan's movement. Make sure the blades are straight. If any are bent, gently correct the matter by bending them back into place. If the blade is loose, tighten the screw holding it in place.
• Look for any loose screws within your A/C unit. Over time, vibrations will cause screws to loosen. They may at this point begin to rattle and produce loud, unpleasant noises.
• Check the coil fins on the exterior component of your air conditioner. Bent fins may be responsible for loud humming noises in your machine. Fins can be straightened with the use of a fin comb.
• If your motor is the unsealed type, add a few drops of SAE 10 oil into the oil ports to reduce grinding noises.

​Loud Noises May Require Professional Assistance

Many loud banging or clanking noises indicate an A/C motor in need of professional repair or replacement. Contact our team of technicians at Smoak's Comfort Control to schedule a service call. If possible, turn off your unit while waiting for a professional to arrive in order to prevent further damage from occurring. You may be able to avoid a costlier repair if you've responded promptly enough to the loud noises coming from your A/C unit.