Air conditioners make a variety of noises while they operate. From whirring, clicking, and humming, these sounds are the by-product of the operating machinery that makes our air cold. However, when your aircon makes a disturbing chirping or squealing noise during operation, you may want to call a technician ASAP.
The squealing noise that you’re hearing may be coming from your aircon’s blower fan and the condenser fan being impeded by dirt or ice. More seriously, it could be the compressor malfunctioning. Unfortunately, this isn’t normal, and you should call a technician ASAP.
In this article, we will discuss why your aircon is making a squealing noise, and what you can do to fix it.
Note: If you want to learn how an aircon works, we’ve written about it before. Go check it out!
Malfunctioning blower fan
The blower fan is located right behind the evaporator coil of the aircon (which is inside the air intake panel). It is just off to the side of the blower (louver) itself. This is the fan that distributes the cold air inside your room.
A malfunctioning blower fan is the most common cause of the squealing noise that is coming from your aircon.
If the sound is coming from inside your room, and if the wind being blown out of the air conditioner is weak, then this is probably the case.
There are several reasons why your evaporator fan is not working properly. It is either (1) frozen over, (2) dirty, (3) bent out of shape, or (4) the fan motor has given out.
The fix: if the fan is frozen over or dirty, you can clean it yourself if you are confident with your abilities. Otherwise, you can always call a technician in to do it for you.
If the issue is with the fan motor or the fan blade itself, a technician will have to replace these parts for you.
Malfunctioning condenser fan
The condenser fan is located at the back of the aircon. For split type air conditioners, this fan is located at the back of the outdoor unit. The purpose of this fan is to help dissipate the heat absorbed by the Freon as well as to transfer this heat to the outside environment.
If the squealing noise is coming from the back of the aircon (or outside your house if you have a split type model), then it may be the condenser fan that is causing the issue.
During the course of its operation, the condenser fan accumulates dust, grime, and lint that can hamper the fan’s spinning. The fan blades itself can also be bent if a foreign object somehow gets caught while it is spinning. These can cause the squealing noise you’re hearing from your aircon.
The fix: like the blower fan, you can clean a dirty condenser fan yourself if you are confident with your abilities. Otherwise, you can always call a technician in to do it for you.
If the issue is with the fan motor or the fan blade itself, a technician will have to replace these parts for you.
Compressor problems
Apart from these two usual suspects, the compressor itself can also make a squealing noise if it is malfunctioning. The compressor employs a rotor a crankshaft to circulate the Freon along the coils of the aircon. These parts may be the ones that are causing the squealing sound coming from the compressor.
While compressor issues are quite rare (relative to the blower fan and condenser fan problems), they shouldn’t be ruled out completely.
An issue with the compressor is problematic as the compressor is the “heart” of the aircon, and if there is any problem with it, it will mean expensive repairs on your side, or complete replacement of your aircon.
What likely happened is that the oil used to lubricate the compressor has leaked; the unlubricated parts are being exposed to so much friction which is causing the squealing and chirping sounds.
It could also be a loose part, or the compressor itself has come loose. Whatever it is, the best course of action is to have it diagnosed by a technician.
The fix: Honestly, don’t. Just replace your aircon altogether. Not only does the compressor cost as much half of the price you bought the aircon for, the labor cost is also significant owing to the complicated nature of the job.
Conclusion
In summary: the squealing noise your aircon makes is a serious matter that should be dealt with ASAP! Call a technician to properly diagnose your problem.
Miguel Mores worked for 5 years as a member of the product management team for a home appliance company in the Philippines. He started 101appliance to answer the most common customer questions that he has encountered during his time in the industry. He now works in the digital marketing field and manages a small online bookstore on the side.
