You’ve just come home, looking forward to escaping the Singapore heat. You switch on the aircon, but instead of a peaceful, cool breeze, you get a strange noise.
Maybe it’s a loud buzzing sound that comes and goes. Or a rattling that makes you worry something is about to fall apart. Or worse, a horrible grinding or squealing sound.
It’s annoying, for sure. But it’s also a sign that your aircon needs help.
I know how it is—sometimes we hope the problem will just fix itself. But when it comes to aircons, a weird sound is a warning. If you ignore it, a small, cheap-to-fix issue can turn into a big, expensive breakdown, usually on the hottest day of the year!
As technicians at Vedha Aircon, we’ve heard every sound an aircon can make. Here’s a simple guide to what those noises usually mean.
1. The Loud BUZZ or HUM
This is one of the most common complaints we get. The fan outside is spinning, but there’s a loud electrical humming sound.
- What’s the cause? Most of the time, this is because of a small part called a capacitor. Think of it like a battery that gives the main parts of your aircon—the compressor and fan motor—a powerful kick-start. When the capacitor gets old and weak, the motors struggle to run, causing that loud buzz. You might even see the fan slow down for a moment when the buzzing happens.
- Why fix it fast? A weak capacitor puts a lot of strain on the compressor (the ‘heart’ of your aircon). Leaving it can cause the compressor to overheat and die, which is a very expensive replacement.
- A word of warning: It’s tempting to watch a YouTube video and try to fix this yourself, but capacitors hold a strong electrical charge, even with the power off. It’s a job best left to a trained technician to avoid a nasty shock.
2. The Annoying RATTLE or CLANKING
A rattling sound can be something simple, like a loose screw or a leaf that got stuck inside the unit. But it can also point to a much bigger problem.
- What’s the cause? Often, this noise means your aircon is frozen. Yes, an aircon can get too cold. You might even see ice on the copper pipes of your outdoor unit. This usually happens for two reasons:
- Blocked Airflow: Your air filter is too dirty and is choking the system.
- Low on Gas: There might be a leak somewhere, causing the system to run improperly and freeze up.
- Why fix it fast? When the inside part of your aircon turns into a block of ice, it can send liquid back to the compressor. The compressor is designed to pump gas, not liquid. This makes it struggle violently, creating that rattling sound and causing serious, permanent damage.
3. The Squealing or Grinding Noise
If you hear a high-pitched squeal or a metallic grinding, this is an urgent problem.
- What’s the cause? This sound almost always means the bearings in one of the motors are worn out. Your aircon has a fan motor in the outdoor unit and a blower motor in the indoor unit. When their bearings fail, they create this horrible noise.
- Why fix it fast? This is the final warning sign before the motor seizes up and stops working completely. Turning the unit off immediately can sometimes prevent more damage.
So, What Should You Do?
If your aircon is making any of these noises, the best first step is to turn it off. This prevents a small problem from becoming a disaster.
The next step is to call a professional.
At Vedha Aircon, we believe in honest work. When you call us, our experienced technicians will come down, find the real cause of the noise, and explain it to you in simple terms. We’ll show you the problem and tell you exactly what needs to be done to fix it. No pressure, no hidden fees, and no trying to sell you a new unit when a simple repair is all you need.
Don’t lose sleep over a noisy aircon. A quick call can bring back the peace and quiet.
Give us a call at 96540044 or drop us an email. We’re here to help.
Best Aircon Servicing in Singapore – 24/7 Cheap & Reliable Service, Fair Prices, No Fuss.
We specialize in Aircon installation, repair, and service. We have all type & model of recon compressor, full set & fancoil. Our technicians are highly proficient in their respective field and repairs and fixes aircon of various brands.
