A good aircon should hum quietly in the background. When it starts rattling at 2am, you notice. Some noises are completely normal, some are an early warning, and a few mean you should switch it off now. Here’s how to tell them apart.
Clicking when it starts or stops
A single click when the aircon turns on or off is usually the relay or the louvre motor doing its job. Normal. Constant clicking while it runs is different, and is worth a check.
Rattling or vibrating
Often something loose: a cover panel, a screw, or the outdoor unit’s mounting bracket. Sometimes it’s dirt that has built up unevenly on the blower wheel and throws it off balance. A proper Deluxe General Servicing takes the blower out and washes it, which often settles this.
Buzzing
A low buzz from the outdoor unit can point to an electrical part such as a capacitor or contactor starting to fail. If the buzz comes with the aircon not cooling, get it looked at before it becomes a bigger repair.
Hissing or bubbling
A soft hiss right after you switch off can be refrigerant settling, which is normal. A hiss that carries on, together with weak cooling or ice on the pipes, can mean a leak. That needs a technician with a gauge, not guesswork.
Water gurgling or dripping sounds
Usually the drain pipe is partly blocked and water is struggling to flow out. Left alone, it tends to end up as a leak.
Squealing or grinding
This one needs action. It can mean a fan motor bearing is wearing out. Switch the aircon off and get it checked so a small part doesn’t take the motor with it.
Not sure what you’re hearing? Book a check online or WhatsApp us the recording. We’ll tell you honestly whether it needs a clean, a repair or nothing at all.