The days are getting longer and temperatures are getting warmer in Buffalo, New York, which can only mean one thing, spring is here. This is the time of the year that many people start thinking about turning on their air conditioning to keep their home at a comfortable temperature, as it heats up outdoors. If you have turned on your air conditioning and noticed new, possibly annoying, sounds; your HVAC system may be trying to tell you something. We are going to review some common reasons that your AC may be making a buzzing sound, because the only things that should be buzzing in the spring, are the bees.

Why is my AC Making a Buzzing Sound?

When you are using your AC, much like with your furnace, it should not be making loud noises and should be no louder than a hum. If you hear a strange, irritating buzz coming from your AC unit, that’s usually a sign that something is wrong. Let’s review some of the reasons your AC may be making a buzzing sound.

– AC Unit is Frozen: When your Buffalo air conditioner is running for extended amounts of time, it can freeze up, which will create a loud buzzing sound. This is especially common in the spring, when the temperatures outside are a little cool. If this happens, turn off your air conditioning unit to let it thaw for a few hours. When turned back on, if the issue isn’t resolved, you should contact a Buffalo HVAC professional. If the issue resolves, but is happening frequently, you may have a refrigerant leak, which causes frozen coils and the unit to freeze. You will want this issue fixed as soon as possible to avoid potential damage to the unit and ensure you aren’t without AC when it’s needed.

– Loose Parts: Your AC unit is made up of many parts and components. Over time, these items can come loose due to the vibration of the unit. While you may not worry about a loose part, if even the smallest part of your system is loose, it can affect the performance and efficiency of your air conditioning, and also can create that annoying buzzing sound you are hearing. A loose part can cause major damage to your AC over time, so it’s not something that you want to delay having fixed.

– Issue with Condenser Fan Motor: The condenser fan is the key to the lifespan of your HVAC unit and is directly correlated to if your AC unit works properly or not. The condenser fan cools refrigerant from a hot, gaseous state, to a liquid, creating the cool air you feel in your home. When your AC kicks on, the condenser fan blows air from the outside unit. If the inside blower is working but the fan blades are not turning, the motor will produce a loud buzzing sound. Loose parts, debris inside the unit, a failing fan, can all be reasons for why the blades aren’t turning. Regardless the cause, you need to contact an AC repair professional to help you resolve the issue.

If your AC is making a buzzing sound, it likely doesn’t matter to you why it is happening, you just want it to stop. We have reviewed some of the more common reasons for the noise, but there are also other things that could be the cause of the racket.

To avoid turning on your air conditioning and being greeted with a headache, spring is the perfect time to schedule an AC tune-up. When it comes to your home’s air conditioner, preventative maintenance isn’t optional; it’s what keeps your system running efficiently and effectively. It may even be a requirement of your manufacturer’s warranty.

Reimer Home Services is here for all of your Erie County and Northtown and Southtown AC needs. Contact us to schedule your AC tune-up in Buffalo and Western New York or for AC repair and installation.