What Causes Clicking Sound In Your Aircon

Air conditioners are a common investment in Singapore households and even offices. Owning an air conditioner can be fun and traumatizing, especially when peculiar noises start emanating from the unit. Some of these noises should not ignite worry in you. 

However, a clicking sound indicates that something is not working right. Unfortunately, it may not only be a single issue; several things can be wrong. For instance, the aircon electrical components may require repair.

Most simple aircon maintenance would not require the attention of a licensed technician. A clicking sound, however, would, especially if you do not understand what is triggering it. It is, therefore, crucial for air conditioner owners to know the implications of a clicking sound. Armed with adequate knowledge, you will know when to raise the alarm or not.

Causes of air conditioner clicking sound

Loose fan

A clicking sound is a sign of some loose component in your AC. One of which might be the aircon fan. The fan is responsible for ensuring the air circulated in the room is cool. If the fan is loose, clicking will be heard whenever you turn the unit on or off. After prolonged use, the fan rods may loosen because of wear and tear.

On the other hand, it could be loose due to lack of maintenance. Another reason that could make the fan not function properly would be a problem with the fan motor. Issues with the engine can be severe to the extent that a replacement may be necessary. For example, if the fan blade does not spin freely, there is no way out other than to replace it. 

Due to the mentioned reasons, the unit will produce a clicking sound when you power it on or slow it down. You must check and ascertain that this noise is coming from the fan. The fan is located in front of the coils and can be accessed by simply removing the outer covering of the AC.

A faulty relay switch 

Another reason that can cause your AC to produce a clicking noise when starting or stopping could be a faulty relay switch. Air conditioners rely on the relay to either put on or off the unit’s high-voltage components. So if you check and find out nothing is wrong with the fan, it could probably be the relay switch. If a relay needs to be changed, the new one must match the old one.

A faulty control board

If the control board is malfunctioning, the air conditioner will not even turn on. Instead, it will produce a constant clicking sound. This clicking sound typically comes in intervals of a few seconds. That steady sound is a sign of a severe problem that requires immediate attention. Contact an air conditioner repair company as soon as possible. Attempting to do it on your own can ultimately damage your entire unit.

Malfunctioning thermostat

The thermostat controls and measures the temperature in the room by switching off or heating the unit as required. This vital component of your air conditioner is also why you hear the clicking sound. If your system runs and stops at certain times, there could be an issue with the thermostat. 

Thermostats become worn out, and the wires loosen after some time. This implies that the thermostat functionality will be reduced. As a result, your air conditioner will be working so hard to keep up with the slow pace of the thermostat. Another serious issue with the thermostat could be that it has blown. The owner at home can quickly fix a thermostat, unlike the control board or fan motor.

On the other hand, calling in an expert is a good idea, especially if the thermostat has blown. This is because an expert will go beyond fixing the faulty thermostat. Either way, the DO-it-yourself (DIY) approach cannot resolve a blown thermostat. The thermostat, just like the fan, also needs regular maintenance. 

Issues with the compressor

The compressor is vital to your air conditioner’s cooling cycle. The compressor lets in cool, low-pressure gas from the room. It then firmly presses the refrigerant, increasing its temperature and pressure and turning it into a hot, high-pressure gas. 

Any noise from the air conditioner compressor should get you worried. Ticking, clicking or shuddering sounds are pointers that there is a problem with the compressor. It could mean the compressor requires a minor adjustment, serious repairs, or complete replacement. 

If the compressor only needs a little tune-up, then realigning and repositioning will help. Like with the thermostat and the fan, never take problems with the compressor lightly. If not looked into carefully, such issues can permanently break down your system. 

Note 

Before you diagnose the problem with your AC, make sure you switch off the power supply to the system. 

Conclusion 

Other causes of the aircon clicking sound include a loose bolt or motor mount. Just as you rely on your air conditioner system to give you comfort in your office or home, it would help if you likewise gave it the treatment it deserves by offering regular maintenance. Most of these problems that eventually lead to a clicking sound can be averted by regularly maintaining your aircon.

Other sounds that can stem from an AC unit include tweeting, chirping, rattling, and squealing. Most of these sounds may not signify a serious problem with the system compared to a clicking sound. This only means that a clicking sound should always be taken seriously. Also important when handling clicking sounds is to ensure you work with a professional. A qualified technician will determine whether your unit can be repaired or whether you need a new one.