Why Is My Car A/C Making Noise?

Heading into the hot summer, it’s important to ensure that your vehicle’s air conditioning is up to the task, especially here in the scorching Southern California heat! If you switch on your A/C expecting a cool breeze, there’s nothing quite as bad as hearing a loud and worrying noise coming from your air conditioning system, as it could be warning you of an issue deeper in the vehicle.

Here’s what you need to know about the most common A/C noises, why they occur, and how to keep your A/C performing as it should this summer!

Squealing Sound From Your Car’s A/C

A squealing noise coming from your air conditioner could be due to a few unrelated issues.

One of the most common causes of a squealing A/C is worn condenser fan bearings. The condenser fan has the responsibility of pushing air through the coils of the condenser, which is essential for maintaining a cool flow of air. 

Over time, these bearings wear down and may begin to squeal as they turn, likely due to internal friction. If the sound is coming from the bearing, you’ll generally only hear the noise when the air conditioning system is active. 

Squealing noises may also be due to the accessory/serpentine belt, which delivers engine power to a number of essential systems including the air conditioning compressor. When the belt loses proper tension or slips from the pulley, it will create that dreaded squealing sound. Since the accessory belt runs continuously while the engine is on, this sound will not cease when the air conditioner is inactive. 

Ticking Noise From Your Car’s A/C

A consistent ticking noise in your air conditioning system could be due to loose debris bouncing around somewhere within the system, however, another common cause of this issue is a faulty blend door actuator.

The blend door actuator is responsible for managing the temperature by regulating airflow to the heater core. Consisting of various small gears and a small servo motor, this complex component can experience internal wear that may cause the gears to skip along the teeth rather than creating a solid connection. When the gears are unable to properly lock together, the gear’s teeth may create a ticking noise.

Whistling Sound From Your Car’s A/C

A whistling noise emitting from your vehicle’s A/C system is likely due to an issue with airflow, which is often caused by debris blocking components such as the vents, evaporator core, or cabin air filter. Alternatively, it could be a result of a loose hose connection allowing air to exit the system and creating the whistling symptom.

You may be able to pinpoint the source of your issue by looking into the vents with a flashlight as looking for any debris that could be obstructing proper airflow. Otherwise, the issue may be with a component deeper in the system. 

Air Conditioning Service in Carlsbad, California

If you notice unusual sounds from your A/C system, or are experiencing other issues with the climate control in your vehicle, don’t hesitate to have it inspected and repaired by the experts at Carlsbad Auto Service in Carlsbad, CA. Our team has extensive experience providing unmatched levels of service and care on the A/C systems of various makes and models. Don’t let these issues linger and make summer drives a hassle, give us a call or schedule online today!