Why is my Air Conditioning Making Whistling Noise?

Having a working air conditioner system all year long is something extremely important. That’s why whenever you notice a low air quality or a disturbing noise, you should know how to fix it right away. Since there are several issues your HVAC could have over its lifetime, here we will tackle one specific problem. What should you do when your air conditioner is making a whistling noise?

If your air conditioner is making a whistling noise inside the house, chances are it is driving you crazy. But, before you jump to any conclusions, you need to make sure this is the noise you are hearing. To recognize it, think about how you whistle, tightening your lips together and creating a small passageway for the air. In case that is what you are hearing, then below, we will show you how to fix it.

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The first thing you need to understand is that the most common problem in this regard is a low return of airflow. This means your system is not getting enough air, and it has to work twice as hard to distribute the airflow through your home. All of this will cause high pressured air in your return ductwork. That’s why your air conditioner is making a whistling noise inside your house. 

6 reasons for the air conditioner whistling noise

Even when we understand that an air conditioner’s whistling noise can be annoying, you should be grateful since now you can tackle the problem. Without this warning signal, it could take you a long time to figure out what’s wrong. Plus, in the meantime, your energy bills will rise. 

The good news now is that you know that the issue is a low return of airflow. However, several things can cause it. In this section, we will explain the reasons why it is happening and how you could solve it.

1. Changing your filter

Depending on the type of property you have and the issue you want to tackle, there are several kinds of HVAC systems you might want to purchase. In the same way, there are different filters you can choose, including pleated, washable, HEPA, and fiberglass. Keep in mind that there are special providers who could offer you more technological filters.

These HVAC filters need to be changed every three months to improve the air quality inside your home. In case you don’t do it, your filter will start accumulating dirt. This could be the cause of your air conditioner making a whistling noise. To eliminate the restriction to your airflow, you need to replace or wash your filter. Remember that during summer it is better to do this every month. 

2. Blocked vents

The vents in your home are usually located in the hallways or open areas. Plus, there are two types of vents in your home supply and return. That’s why you need to make sure that there is no heavy furniture creating interference. Plus, you need to clean the area around your vents to prevent any debris or dust from blocking the airflow.

Further, the only solution to blocked vents is moving your furniture somewhere else. Keep in mind, you need to do this even in rooms you don’t use. Additionally, you need to clean the grills regularly.

3. Closed Dampers

In some households, some vents have dampers. These dampers are metal valves that you can use to reduce the airflow in rooms that you are not using. Sometimes while you are cleaning, you can knock them close. That’s why whenever you are vacuuming or moving furniture, you need to check at the end that the dampers are opened.

To solve this problem, you need to locate all the dampers in your home and align them with the ductwork. If there is a guest room that you are not using inside your home, then you can close the damper. Don’t worry, this won’t cause an air conditioning whistling noise. But all the other dampers must be opened. That way, your HVAC system can work more efficiently.

4.Closed Doors

We know that maybe sometimes during the winter, you prefer to keep the doors of the rooms closed to create a warm and cozy environment. However, this is not good for your HVAC system. In this scenario, the air that comes from the supply vent can only sneak into the rooms through the gaps under the door. This means your air conditioner system needs to work harder to push the airflow.

That’s why keeping all your doors closed might be the reason why your air conditioner is making a whistling noise. As you might have guessed by now, the only solution will be keeping all the doors of your home open whenever possible.

5. Incorrect design or installation

When you order an HVAC system, there are several engineering techniques that professionals will need to use to design a proper furnace. But, also, the installation technicians that you hire should carefully balance the return and supply airflow through your vents. If your system is not properly installed, or you have recently replaced some parts, chances are something is not working.

To stop your air conditioner from making a whistling noise in this case, you should call a technician. They will do a complete evaluation of your system and fix the problem in no time. 

6. Refrigerant leak

If you hear a loud air conditioner whittling noise every time you turn the system on, then you have a refrigerant leak. This happens because the ductwork has many joints that are sealed when the system is installed. Over time, these seals can deteriorate, which will produce leaks. 

In case you believe this is what’s causing the air conditioner whistling noise, you can’t fix it. You’ll need to call a technician because solving the problem yourself can be dangerous. Unfortunately, if you have a refrigerant leak, this also might mean your complete HVAC system needs to be replaced.

Now you know all the reasons why your air conditioner is producing a whistling noise. Remember that to prevent any malfunction of your HVAC system, you should properly maintain it following all the instructions of your provider.