Air Conditioner Compressor Buzzing Noise: Causes and Fixes

Is air conditioner compressor buzzing noise something you should worry about?

Just like air conditioner compressor rattling noises, buzzing noises from your AC shouldn’t be ignored.

If possible, you should diagnose and fix it yourself or contact a professional to fix the problem for you.

What was once a quiet air conditioner will, with time, produce different types of noises, all of which are an indicator of something that needs fixing.

If your AC is making a buzzing noise, then it means that the compressor isn’t doing its work effectively, and it needs to be inspected. Buzzing noises can also indicate that the voltage going to the outdoor unit isn’t the recommended amperage.

Air Conditioner Compressor Buzzing Noise Causes

1. AC Compressor Electrical Problems

One of the most common problems your air conditioner is producing a loud noise or, in other cases, humming noises is due to electrical problems.

This often happens when the AC unit is off.

It’s a common problem in the older ACs, which use a contactor relay switch that works hand in hand with the thermostat to regulate cooling.

In most cases, the low-voltage switch fails to start, resulting in loud buzzing noise that won’t stop regardless of whether your air conditioner is working.

A loud buzzing noise can indicate a serious electrical problem in other cases. As the AC cycles on and off, it creates vibrations that can loosen the electrical connections.

Loose electrical connections can result in shorts or arcing becoming a serious fire hazard.

I would highly advise you to contact a professional AC electrician to help deal with the electrical problems.

2. Faulty Condenser Fan Motor

As the name suggests, the condenser is responsible for condensing the refrigerant as part of the evaporator/condenser loop.

On the other hand, the fan motor helps move air across the condenser coil, and when it fails, you will notice that your home warms rather than cooling.

Clicking noise from the fan blades can result from blockage preventing the fan from moving.

If the blower is working, but the fan won’t turn, you must investigate further. There could be an electrical issue with the fan motor, or it could be loose parts in the motor itself.

In other cases, the blades won’t turn, but the motor works fine. You will hear a loud whistling or humming sound as the motor struggles to rotate.

In this case, switch off the AC and contact a qualified expert because you risk burning out the motor the longer you wait.

3.Frozen AC Unit

Restricted airflow or a refrigerant leak to the outdoor AC can result in freezing.

Refrigerant leaks often result in ice buildup, which can dramatically affect the effectiveness of the outdoor unit.

A broken fan motor can also result in freezing, making the AC produce a humming noise as the unit struggles to run despite being unable to.

If you spot ice on your outdoor unit and at the same time are able to hear a buzzing noise, it’s highly recommended you switch off the air conditioner and let the outdoor unit thaw.

At the same time, inspect for the possible reasons why the outdoor unit froze.

You could repair the problem DIY, especially if the outdoor unit hadn’t been cleaned for a while. However, refrigerant leaks need professionals, and I would highly recommend you contact a qualified technician.

After the unit has defrosted, you can start your air conditioner again and listen for the loud buzzing /humming sound.

4. Loose Parts

Did you know that loose parts in your air conditioning unit can make a buzzing noise?

Your air conditioner has many different parts connected by screws and bolts working together.

The vibrations from the compressor as well as the fan from the outdoor unit can cause these components to move out of place.

While buzzing is a sign of loose parts, the surest telltale sign of loose parts is banging noises when you switch on your AC.

It’s important to note that small loose parts can also make humming noises or buzzing noises that worsen over time.

Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you inspect the outdoor unit, the indoor blower, and the AC compressor to figure out the source of the noise before it worsens.

Loose parts can result in uneven wear and tear to various components on your AC, including the compressor resulting in expensive repairs and replacements in the future.

5. Faulty Isolation Foot

The air conditioner compressor is always mounted on the base of the air conditioner unit. The compressor sits on a rubber foot known as an isolation foot.

Over time and due to wear and tear, the rubber isolation foot wears out, causing the AC compressor to become unbalanced, causing a buzzing noise when operating.

The isolation foot can be easily removed without the need for a professional. All you need to do is cut the electricity supply to the outdoor unit while installing the rubber feet.

The installation process is much easier, especially when you install with the help of an extra hand since you’ll need to tilt the unit to install the antivibration pads.

On Air Conditioner Compressor Buzzing Noise

No air conditioning system is ever silent. Even with the quietest air conditioner on the market, you will always hear a gentle buzz/hum sound when it blows cool air into your house.

If you live in a generally noisy neighborhood, you may find the gentle hum from the air conditioner white noise soothing when you need a nap.

Loud buzzing, rattling, and other different sounds, on the other hand, are an indicator of something wrong with your AC.  It’s in most cases tempting to ignore these early warning signs, but fixing them as early as possible will save you lots of cash in repair costs.

I hope this guide has helped you pinpoint the exact causes of air conditioner compressor buzzing noise without breaking the bank.

Remember that some fixes require a professional while others can be fixed DIY.