If your window air conditioner is making a clicking noise, it could be due to fan obstruction. This often occurs when fan blades come into contact with the unit’s body due to an obstruction. In my experience, I’ve seen cases where a small twig or even accumulated dust on the fan blades has caused persistent clicking noises. Such obstructions are usually easy to fix by simply removing the debris.
However, if the window air conditioning makes a clicking noise and shuts off, this could indicate errors with the compressor. If this happens to you, your air conditioning unit fails to run the system.
Why Is The Window Air Conditioner Making Clicking Noise?
Loose Bolts
If your air conditioner has been used for years, loose bolts could cause clicking noises. From my first-hand experience, a poorly maintained AC often develops loose screws and bolts, which, when ignored, could cause the unit to fail. As one source explains, tightening the bolts or screws can immediately reduce the clicking sounds, preventing further damage.
In addition, the refrigerant tubing that hits the unit’s frame will also make a continuous clicking noise. When you see this situation, you can try fastening the loose bolts and cleaning up excess debris inside the unit.
Read also: How to Seal Around Window Air Conditioner Easily
Control Board Issues
A common cause of clicking noise in window air conditioners is a problem with the control board. If the control board is damaged or malfunctioning, it may send incorrect signals, leading to clicking noises during startup or shutdown.
As a professional with extensive experience, I’ve encountered situations where repeated clicking signals relay or contactor issues—highlighting the need for expert intervention to replace or repair faulty components.
But, the turning-on failures point out an electrical problem. The system can’t be executed because the capacitor conveys any faulty. In this case, we don’t recommend you try fixing them by yourself. Instead, call for a professional air conditioner technician to do the repairs.
Window Air Conditioner Making Clicking Noise While Off
You might be wondering why your air conditioner keeps making a clicking noise even though it’s off. We know it’s uncommon and as strange as it could be. But worry not, we’ve got you.
Yes, we understand how scary it is to hear a loud clicking noise from your window air conditioner even though you don’t turn it on.
Therefore, here are the possible causes of the odd sounds from your window AC unit and how you can recover them.
Why is The Unit Keeping Being Noisy While Off?
Loose Fan
First, you must check if the clicking noise appears occasionally or all season long. Your unit may be trying to relay a loose fan if you hear it constantly.
The long and daily usage of the air conditioning unit will affect the fan, especially under low maintenance. Even though the unit is off, the fan still moves inside the AC. As it keeps moving, the clicking sound accompanies each inch of the movement.
Thermostat Failures
We recommend ensuring your thermostat works properly if you have checked your unit and found no loose bolts or components.
When you run your unit for years, and it still works just fine, the thermostat might not have. The thermostat is a crucial part of the whole unit, which will affect its performance. If it struggles to function normally, the system could produce clicking noises.
Summary Table of Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Possible Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Clicking Noise During Operation | Fan Obstruction, Misaligned Blades | Remove obstructions, realign blades |
| Clicking Noise at Startup/Shutdown | Faulty Control Board, Relay Issues | Inspect the capacitor, check wiring |
| Clicking Noise While Off | Loose Bolts, Thermostat Issues | Tighten bolts, inspect thermostat |
| Constant Clicking Noise | Capacitor or Electrical Issues | Inspect the capacitor, check the wiring |
Conclusion
Strange things could happen to your window air conditioner even though it’s in off mode. These things might appear to old models, low-maintenance units, and worn-out units that have been used for a long time.
Overall, the best attitude toward having an air conditioner is faithfulness to maintenance. If not, you will face strange problems, such as the window air conditioner making a clicking noise. We hope you find this article helpful and that you can quickly address the issues inside your unit.
Still, professional help is needed to give the best diagnosis and repairs.
Do you ever feel one of these situations? How can you overcome them? Feel free to write down your experience on this case if you have one.
