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Strange Noises Coming from Your AC? Here’s What They Mean

Why Is Your AC Making Strange Noises?

Your air conditioner should run smoothly and quietly. If you start hearing unusual noises, it could indicate a problem that needs attention. At Big Air AC, we’ve helped homeowners in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and surrounding areas diagnose and repair AC noise issues quickly and affordably.


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Common AC Noises and Their Causes

1. Buzzing or Humming

A loud buzzing sound can be a sign of electrical problems or loose components inside the unit.

  • Possible Causes:

    • Loose wiring or failing capacitor

    • Faulty contactor relay switch

    • Debris near the outdoor unit

  • What You Can Do:

    • Turn off the power and inspect for visible debris

    • If the issue persists, call Big Air AC for a professional inspection

2. Banging or Clanking

Loud banging noises usually indicate a loose or broken part inside the compressor or fan.

  • Possible Causes:

    • Loose fan blades or motor mounts

    • Broken compressor components

    • Debris trapped in the outdoor unit

  • What You Can Do:

    • Shut off the system to prevent further damage

    • Contact a technician if you suspect internal damage

3. Squealing or Screeching

A high-pitched squealing noise may be caused by belt or motor issues.

  • Possible Causes:

    • Worn-out blower motor bearings

    • Belt-driven fan needing lubrication or replacement

    • High internal pressure within the compressor

  • What You Can Do:

    • If the sound happens at startup, it may need lubrication

    • Persistent squealing requires professional attention

4. Clicking Sounds

Clicking noises when turning the AC on or off may be normal, but constant clicking could indicate a problem.

  • Possible Causes:

    • Faulty thermostat

    • Electrical relay issues

    • Failing capacitor

  • What You Can Do:

    • Check thermostat settings and replace batteries

    • If clicking continues, schedule a repair service

5. Rattling or Vibrating

A rattling sound could mean something is loose inside the AC unit or near the ducts.

  • Possible Causes:

    • Loose screws or panels

    • Deteriorating motor or fan blades

    • Loose ductwork

  • What You Can Do:

    • Tighten any visible screws or panels

    • If the noise worsens, call for an inspection

6. Hissing or Whistling

A hissing noise can signal an air leak or refrigerant issue.

  • Possible Causes:

    • Refrigerant leak (which can lower cooling efficiency)

    • Leaky air ducts

    • High compressor pressure

  • What You Can Do:

    • Check for visible duct leaks

    • Refrigerant leaks require professional repair

When to Call Big Air AC

If your AC is making any unusual noise, it’s best to get it checked before it leads to bigger problems. Big Air AC offers same-day service to diagnose and fix AC noise issues, ensuring your system runs efficiently and quietly.

📞 Call us at (239) 738-1344 or visit BigAirAC.com to schedule an appointment today!


 
 
 

Comments

  • Why is water leaking from my indoor AC unit?
    Water leaks usually mean your drain line is clogged. In Fort Myers, algae builds up quickly due to humidity. We clear clogs and install float switches or access panels to prevent water damage in the future.
  • What should I check if my AC stops working?
    Start by checking your thermostat settings, breaker panel, and drain line. If everything looks normal and your AC still won’t turn on, call Big Air AC — we specialize in fast, reliable AC repair in Fort Myers.
  • Why does my AC blow warm air during the afternoon?
    This can happen when your AC is low on refrigerant, overheating, or undersized for your home. Fort Myers heat puts extreme stress on systems. We’ll diagnose the issue and recommend the best solution.
  • Why is my AC running but not cooling my house in Fort Myers?
    If your air conditioner is running but not cooling, it could be low on refrigerant, have a dirty coil, or a clogged drain line. These are common issues in Fort Myers due to heat, humidity, and algae buildup. We offer fast diagnostics to get your system cooling again.
  • What’s a normal AC temperature split in Fort Myers?
    A healthy system should have a temperature split (difference between return and supply air) of 18–22°F. If your TD is low, it could mean poor airflow, low refrigerant, or a dirty coil. We measure this on every call.
  • Can high humidity cause my AC to stop cooling?
    Yes. High humidity lowers your system’s ability to cool and dehumidify effectively. We measure the temperature differential (TD) and humidity levels at each call to catch this early.
  • Why does my AC blow warm air in the afternoon?
    If your AC works in the morning but blows warm later, it may be overheating, low on charge, or undersized for your home. Fort Myers afternoon heat puts massive strain on systems, especially older or improperly installed units.
  • Why is my AC running but not cooling the house?
    This is one of the most common issues in Fort Myers. It could be: Low refrigerant A dirty evaporator coil A clogged drain line tripping the float switch A failing capacitor or compressor We run full diagnostics and show you real-time readings so you know exactly what’s wrong.
  • Does the salt air near the coast wear out AC systems faster?
    Yes. Homes near the water often see corrosion on condenser coils and electrical components. Coastal homes benefit from protective coatings, routine rinsing, and more frequent inspections.
  • How long should an AC last in Fort Myers?
    Due to Florida’s heat, humidity, and salt in the air, most AC systems in Fort Myers last 10–15 years with regular maintenance. Without service, lifespan drops quickly. We help homeowners extend the life of their system with professional tune-ups and cleanings.
  • What can I do to make my AC last longer in Southwest Florida?
    The key is preventative maintenance. Clean filters, annual coil cleanings, and refrigerant checks reduce wear and tear. We also recommend installing surge protectors to protect electronics from Florida’s frequent lightning strikes.
  • What kind of warranty comes with a new AC installation?
    Every system we install includes a 1-year labor warranty and a 10-year parts warranty backed by the manufacturer. That means if anything goes wrong, you're covered — both for peace of mind and long-term protection. We handle the warranty registration for you, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
  • Do you offer financing or rebates for new HVAC systems?
    Yes! We offer affordable financing and can help you take advantage of utility rebates or manufacturer incentives when you upgrade to a high-efficiency AC system in Fort Myers.
  • Is it better to repair or replace my AC system?
    If your system is just old, but working fine, we would say just let it ride. If it needs frequent repairs, or struggles to keep up in the Fort Myers heat, replacement is often the smarter long-term move. We’ll walk you through your options and help you compare the cost of repairs vs. upgrading to a more efficient system.
  • What payment methods do you accept?
    We accept various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, zelle, crypto and cash.
  • Do you offer 24/7 emergency HVAC services?
    Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency support to address any HVAC issues you may have at any time.
  • Do you provide free estimates?
    Yes, we provide free estimates for HVAC replacements. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
  • What HVAC services do you offer?
    We offer a wide range of HVAC services including installation, repair, and maintenance of heating and cooling systems, as well as indoor air quality solutions for both residential and commercial clients.
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Reliable AC company North Fort Myers

Ready to experience unparalleled HVAC services? Contact us today for a consultation, and let's discuss how we can enhance your indoor comfort.

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CONTACT US

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Sales@BigAirAC.Com

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(239) 738-1344

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Our Service Locations:
12961 Turtle Cove Trail, North Fort Myers, FL 33903

Copyright © 2025 Big Air Heating and Air Conditioning. All Rights Reserved

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